Documentaries

A collection of documentaries for various topics related to addiction.

CNA traverses the front lines of various countries to investigate the world of illicit substances in Addicted. This three-part documentary series offers a rare, unfiltered look at the global production, trafficking and consumption of traditional and synthetic drugs. This second episode, The Cannabis Trap: Why Youths Are Falling For It, explores the rising use and acceptance of cannabis in Singapore, were teen cannabis use is growing, fueled by social media myths and drug-friendly trends from nearby countries like Thailand. This documentary follows CNB officers in action, shares stories from former addicts, and reveals how today's stronger cannabis strains pose serious risks. Experts, counselors, and community groups warn: early exposure can have lasting consequences. With raw access and real voices, The Cannabis Trap reveals the harsh truth—cannabis is far from harmless.

Addiction, Documentaries

Cocaine & Fentanyl: Destroying Lives (Addicted: The Narco Plague)

Belgium, Cocaine, Colombia, Crime, Drug Trafficking, Fentanyl, Homelessness, Law Enforcement, Netherlands, Opioid Crisis, Overdose, Portugal, Poverty, Sweden, Tranquilizers, USA, Youth

In this second episode, Destructive Cocaine and Fentanyl: Unraveling the Harrowing Impact on Lives, their investigation begins in Colombia’s Catatumbo region, where violent cartels fight for control of cocaine routes, displacing over 50,000 farmers. Next, in Belgium’s Antwerp Port — known for being the cocaine capital of Europe — they examine the difficulities that law enforcement face in reducing the flow of cocaine trafficking. They then travel to Sweden and the Netherlands, where gangs recruit children for brutal gang wars, shattering communities and ruining lives. Lastly, ending in Philadelphia, USA, the documentary looks at how open-air drug markets and synthetic opioids like fentanyl are driving a growing public health crisis.

Addiction, Documentaries

Crystal Meth: A Global Pandemic (Addicted: The Synthetic Curse)

Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, Crime, Drug Trafficking, Law Enforcement, Methamphetamine, Myanmar, Pakistan, Prevention & Treatment, Public Health, Recovery, Stimulant Use Disorder, Stimulants, Thailand

Addiction, Documentaries

Nigeria’s Drug Crisis: Uncovering Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Nigeria, Poverty, Prevention & Treatment, Public Health, Socioeconomics

This documentary delves into Nigeria’s escalating drug abuse crisis, examining its underlying causes, far-reaching consequences, and possible solutions. Featuring firsthand testimonies, expert interviews, and on-the-ground footage, it highlights the profound impact of substance abuse on individuals and communities. The film also explores its connections to mental health issues, socioeconomic struggles, and shortcomings in the justice system. With perspectives from NDLEA officials, psychiatrists, sociologists, traditional leaders, and public health experts, the documentary showcases national efforts aimed at tackling the epidemic and offering hope to a vulnerable generation.

Addiction, Documentaries

Camp Pheonix: Inside Afghanistan’s Heroin Hell

Afghanistan, Homelessness, Opioid Crisis, Poverty, Prevention & Treatment, Public Health

This documentary, created by an independent reporter named Akshay, shows the growing drug crisis in Afghanistan through on-the-ground footage, interviews and real stories of people suffering from addiction and those seeking to provide support. Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, international aid has been withdrawn, and public services are on the brink of collapse. Babrak, a former mujahideen fighter and once an addict himself, now runs Camp Pheonix, a rehabilitation center. Though the conditions here are poor, he believes it's still better than the streets. Despite these challenges, he and a small team of medical staff continue to offer hope as the Taliban’s harsh anti-drug policies are enforced.

Addiction, Documentaries

Seniors & Addiction: Growing Old Gambling (2018)

Behavioural Addictions, Gambling Disorder, Older Adults, Personal Stories, USA

With more disposable income and free time, experts warn that Baby Boomers face an increased risk of developing serious gambling problems. In the Midwest, easy access to both state and tribal casinos—as well as lottery games, keno, and sports betting—makes gambling more readily available. Many seniors engage in gambling as a social activity, but when it spirals out of control, recovering financially can be extremely difficult or even impossible.

NET’s original documentary explores the rise of problem gambling among Baby Boomers. It shares powerful personal accounts from individuals who have experienced emotional and financial turmoil, alongside insights and advice from top experts in crisis intervention and addiction treatment for older adults.

Addiction, Documentaries

Youth Overdose & Opioid Addiction – Overtaken (2012)

Lost Loved Ones, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Overdose, Personal Stories, Pharmaceuticals, USA, Youth

Created by two mothers, this documentary from early 2012 covers the opioid prescription drug crisis in Orange County, California from the perspective of parents who have lost a child and youth who are now in recovery.

Addiction, Documentaries

Abuse of Prescription Drugs: Not What the Doctor Ordered (2009)

Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Personal Stories, Pharmaceuticals, Public Health, USA, Youth

Prescription drug abuse is rapidly becoming a nationwide crisis. These medications are easily accessible and simple to distribute, and Tennessee has been tackling this problem for years. The state once held the unfortunate title of having the highest rate of prescription drug abuse in the country. That trend is changing, thanks to dedicated efforts and strong collaboration. In this one-hour MCTFT broadcast from 2009, people from Tennessee share their firsthand experiences with prescription drugs. Discover how this community identified the issue and took action. You'll hear insights from coalition leaders, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, pharmacists, insurance representatives, and more.

Addiction, Documentaries

Prescription for Addiction (2014) CAMH Documentary

Canada, Frontline Workers, Harm Reduction, Indigenous Communities, Medication-Assisted Treatment, Methadone, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Personal Stories, Pharmaceuticals, Prevention & Treatment, Public Health

The rising addiction to prescription opioids has become a widespread crisis, affecting people across all social and economic backgrounds. Whether it starts with legitimate pain treatment or the misuse of illegally obtained medications, the consequences are deeply harmful to individuals, families, and entire communities. This raises critical questions: What are the consequences of making such powerful and addictive drugs easily accessible? How can we ensure people in pain receive the care they need while minimizing the risk of addiction? And how should we support those whose lives have been deeply affected by opioid misuse?

Addiction, Documentaries

Prescription for Abuse (2012) Opioid Crisis Documentary

Lost Loved Ones, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Overdose, Personal Stories, Pharmaceuticals, Public Health, USA, Youth

This 2012 documentary is narrated by Rosemary Orr, a doctor at the Seattle Children’s Hospital who lost her son to an opioid overdose. KCTS 9 interviewed her about her son’s death and then later asked if she would participate in…