Penn State Abington will host a free public screening of the acclaimed documentary “Our American Family” followed by a discussion about addiction and stigma at 7:00pm on Tuesday, March 28.

The documentary examines the impact of generational addiction on a Philadelphia family.

A reviewer for The New York Times wrote about the film, “The film’s freshest insight lies in the comparison of addiction to cancer. Both are deadly diseases; only one is stigmatized.” 

Glenn Sterner, assistant professor of criminal justice at Abington and an expert on the illicit use of opioids, will moderate a post-film discussion. 

“The more we talk about the ways addiction manifests itself in our families and communities, the more we dispel stigma around the condition. If we address addiction head on, it’s more likely people will attempt to manage it,” Sterner said. 

Two members of the family featured in the film will share their experiences after the screening. Daughter Nicole was once considered a chronic relapser with a heroin addiction. She attended more than 15 treatment centers before achieving long-term sobriety and now works as a certified recovery specialist. Bryan, Nicole’s stepfather, shifted his life’s focus and spent years learning about addiction to support his wife and their children.

Panelist Carla Sofronski, the director of the Pennsylvania Harm Reduction Network, will highlight community resources and, as a person with lived experience, she will address the role of stigma as it pertains to addiction. 

More information including directions, parking, and an optional RSVP form is available here. Due to language and thematic elements, this film is not suitable for audiences under the age of 18. 

Photo credit: Twin Seas Media