Raising awareness about the opioid crisis by sharing real stories of recoveries and losses.
“Around 1.3 million, or 5.1%, of adolescents ages 12 to 17 need treatment for substance use problems.”
The more urgent aspect of the crisis is that American youth is being severely impacted as well. Around 1.3 million, or 5.1%, of adolescents ages 12 to 17 need treatment for substance use problems. And yet only 6.3% of those who needed treatment received it. In high schools, the statistics are much higher: 21.7% of students have been offered, sold, or given an illegal drug on school premises in the past 12 months.
This morning, 200 Americans woke up not knowing that today would be their last day alive. They will die of opioid overdoses. Tomorrow, again another 200. Five years ago, that number was 91 per day. About 80% of heroin users started their addiction with misusing prescription opioids. And only 4-6% of those misusing prescription opioids turn to heroin, which means that there is still a huge population throughout the nation that can potentially become heroin users. Meanwhile, the economic cost of the nation's biggest public health crisis is substantial: according to the most recent statistics, the total cost due to a combination of labor loss, public resource consumption, and deaths as outcomes of opioid disorder is 504 billion dollars each year. As a reference, the country of Belgium had a 2018 GDP of 562 billion dollars.
SURVIVORS DOCUMENTARY
Survivors is about America's ongoing opioid crisis.
We created Survivors to bring awareness to the situation. It's to not only spread information about the crisis but also guide people towards a correct understanding of the crisis. Unlike the popular myth, it's not just the lowest among our society that is involved in drug usage. As a matter of fact, many of those affected by the crisis are (or were) middle-class families. And it is precisely this population that's been the most vulnerable in this current crisis.
Under this grand narrative, there is a more intimate and personal reason for us to make Survivors. We feel it is part of our obligation to do what we are best at - making films - to address this issue and prevent more families from going through the horrible and painful experience as a result of drugs. We believe that Survivors will be a powerful tool in educating the public on the true scale of the crisis in an intimate way.
By Gordon David Durich
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 5/27/25
When the large audience at Atmosphere church was asked recently who had been affected by drug addiction, almost every hand hit the air.
The documentary “Survivors. Untold Stories in America’s Opioid Crisis,” a confronting film, had its Westlake Village premiere at the non- denominational church’s sanctuary. The gathering was not a glamorous event, rather a sharing of stories, information, grief and tears. On the screen and off.
Kay Sumner, director and producer, and husband, Murray Sumner were at the large center, to discuss the production in a panel moderated by Pastor Jim Crews. Kay Sumner explained she wanted to make the film after talented musician son Josh Benko, died from an overdose. “I wanted people to know it could happen to anyone. Any family.”
As a producer, Sumner worked on the hit TV series “Dog Whisperer” but “Survivors” could be seen as more of a passion project. Personal and profound.
“Survivors” delves into the opioid epidemic in America, with testimonies from everyday people in Westlake Village and Ohio, who survived. Some did not.
The documentary shows how these Americans turned to drugs and in most cases successfully overcame addiction. Many escaped personal tragedies and were able to rebuild their lives semi-successfully.
“Honesty” was the key criteria Kay used to select the people featured in the film from some 40 interviewed (recovering addicts and doctors), she said at the screening. “Some people’s conversations don’t fit in as neatly to your story.”
The storytelling in “Survivors” is intense yet powerful -and healing. For many. The penetrating film shines a light on darkness (the grim topic) in this award-winning informative and educational feature.
Kay and Murray Sumner were blessed with a supportive “miracle “crew, Gene Shiveley, Rolling Stones’ sound engineer, Producer- and Matt Dickey, motion graphics, and production needs. Music, the stirring “If I Look Fine, Then I’m Not,” was supplied by Colton Dixon.
The Foundation Not One More Time established by Sumner plural addresses the issue of opioid addiction, offering support and connection.
SUPPORT RESOURCES
The following is a collection of carefully curated resources that you may find helpful as you navigate a difficult journey. We hope you will find solace in what we’ve provided. If you have comments or questions, please get in touch.
BEIT T’SHUVAH
Beit T’Shuvah is a residential addiction treatment center, congregation, and an educational institute where life is celebrated and every soul matters.
Beit T’Shuvah is a unique community that empowers individuals and families to live meaningful lives through spirituality, psychotherapy, the 12-Steps, and Jewish teachings.
PARTNERSHIP TO END ADDICTION
Partnership to End Addiction strives to address racial inequality and injustice, both within their organization and through their work. They adopt practices that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the services they provide, the families they seek to reach, and the people who make up their team.
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