The surgical gateway: From opioid overprescription to heroin addiction

The opioid epidemic has devastated countless families across the United States. Opioid medications, often prescribed to manage pain after surgery, can unintentionally lead to addiction, creating a ripple effect of challenges for individuals, families and communities. As awareness of this crisis grows, so does the urgency to find safer, more sustainable approaches to pain management. Gateway is a documentary that brings this issue into sharp focus, highlighting the real stories behind the statistics and offering hope through education and advocacy.

Gateway follows three families inadvertently impacted by opioid addiction that began with a prescription to manage pain after surgery. It provides an intimate look into the struggles that can be caused by legal opioid prescriptions when the dangers of these medications are not properly understood.

Dr. Chudacoff, an OB/GYN, is at the forefront of addressing the opioid epidemic by providing his C-section patients with an opioid-free surgical experience. Fueled by a personal connection to the opioid epidemic, Dr. Chudacoff is an advocate for utilizing non-opioid options to manage pain after surgery.

Jennifer lost her son, Cameron, to a heroin overdose when he was only 18-years-old. Cameron’s addiction began after he was prescribed opioids to treat pain after suffering several sports-related injuries and surgeries in high school. Since losing Cameron, Jennifer began a mission to build something that she wishes would have existed for her son–a recovery center for adolescents battling addiction.

Jen fell into addiction after receiving an opioid prescription to manage pain after her C-section. Although her path to recovery was riddled with setbacks, she has celebrated 8+ years of sobriety and is now a counselor helping others overcome similar struggles.

Gateway is a testament to the power of storytelling in driving change. As a member of the production team reflects, “Every story we captured revealed new layers of complexity and resilience—it was impossible not to be moved by their honesty.” The film has received the following awards and recognition.

Gateway isn’t just a film—it’s a movement to change how the world approaches pain. By spotlighting the dangers of opioid overreliance, the documentary empowers viewers to advocate for safer pain management options. For anyone navigating surgery or pain management, be sure explore your treatment options and build a plan that works for you.