Documentaries

A collection of documentaries for various topics related to addiction.

This three-part series, presented by RogersTV, delves into the opioid and fentanyl crisis and its widespread impact on communities across Ontario, Canada. The first video provides essential background, explaining what fentanyl is and how it has insidiously infiltrated neighborhoods. A local police officer emphasizes that “the misuse and abuse of fentanyl is a shared responsibility — it’s a public health issue that involves education, intervention, treatment, and enforcement.”

Addiction, Documentaries

Crisis Next Door: The Fentanyl Epidemic in North Carolina

Fentanyl, Harm Reduction, Law Enforcement, Lost Loved Ones, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Pharmaceuticals, USA

Crisis Next Door reveals the devastating toll fentanyl has taken on the lives of thousands of North Carolinians, examining both the state's response to this growing epidemic and the urgent actions still needed to save lives. North Carolina is grappling with a severe drug overdose crisis, with fentanyl at the forefront as the leading cause of death. In 2021, the state recorded over 4,000 drug overdose fatalities, the highest number of substance abuse-related deaths in its history. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), fentanyl was involved in 77% of those deaths.

Addiction, Documentaries

Addiction: The Science Behind (NOVA PBS)

Buprenorphine, Medication-Assisted Treatment, Nalaxone, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Personal Stories, Prevention & Treatment, Recovery, Science & Research, Suboxone

This incredibly informative documentary from NOVA PBS discusses opioid addiction, highlighting that addiction is not a moral failing, but rather, a treatable chronic medical condition. It provides a general overview of the science behind addiction, detailing how dopamine, the reward pathway, and other brain regions change as a result of substance abuse, and how these changes result in drug-seeking behaviours and withdrawal. While there are several personal stories from those affected by addiction, the primary focus of this documentary is to provide education on the science behind addiction and the importance of evidence-based treatments.

Addiction, Documentaries

Killer High: The Silent Crisis (Fentanyl)

Fentanyl, Frontline Workers, Law Enforcement, Lost Loved Ones, Nalaxone, Non-Profits, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Overdose, Personal Stories, USA, Youth

This powerful documentary explores the impact that fentanyl is having on the United States, particularly on youth living in Fresno, California. You’ll learn about the opioid crisis through the eyes of the families impacted by it, the law enforcement officers who are desperately trying to get it off the streets, and the medical professionals who witness countless opioid-related overdoses and deaths.

Addiction, Documentaries

Stigmatic: Our Opioid Crisis (Stigma & Addiction)

Decriminalization, Fentanyl, Harm Reduction, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Personal Stories, Pharmaceuticals, Recovery, Stigma, USA

This documentary delves into the origins and far-reaching impact of the opioid crisis. Featuring interviews with individuals affected by opiate addiction — including law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and those in recovery — the film offers an unvarnished look at the differing opinions within the activist community on contentious approaches to addressing the epidemic. Through these honest conversations, it becomes clear that one pervasive challenge lies at the core of the crisis: stigma.

Addiction, Documentaries

Contaminated: The Fentanyl Crisis in St. Louis

Buprenorphine, Fentanyl, Harm Reduction, Medication-Assisted Treatment, Methadone, Nalaxone, Naltrexone, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Overdose, Personal Stories, Public Health, USA

Fentanyl has become the leading drug fueling the overdose epidemic in St. Louis. Odorless and tasteless, even a small amount can be fatal, and it has permeated every aspect of society — from the cities to the suburbs, affecting people across all demographics, regardless of wealth, race, or background. Many individuals who fall victim to its grip are unaware they’re even consuming it, contributing to a rapid escalation of addiction in the region. Today, fentanyl is involved in over 70% of overdose deaths in St. Louis. After months of investigation, this story is told through the voices of recovering addicts, advocates for change, and those left to cope with the aftermath.

Addiction, Documentaries

The Fix: Examining Rhode Island’s Opioid Epidemic

Fentanyl, Frontline Workers, Harm Reduction, Medication-Assisted Treatment, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Overdose, Prevention & Treatment, Recovery, USA

This documentary covers the opioid epidemic in Rhode Island specifically, but the messages within it are important for all communities. While there are some personal stories from people who use drugs, the main focus is on listening to the opinions of frontline workers who see the societal impacts of addiction on a day to day basis. It discusses the realities of the opioid crisis and what is truly needed to help people in their journey towards recovery. Rhode Island has made some important changes over the years and its uplifting to hear about how they have led to a reduction in drug use related harms.

Addiction, Documentaries

Chasing the Dragon: The Life of An Opiate Addict

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

The FBI and DEA released this documentary in an effort to combat the growing epidemic of prescription opiate and heroin abuse with the hope that it will help educate students and young adults about the dangers of addiction. You’ll hear in-depth stories from several people, some who are in recovery from an opioid addiction and others who have lost a loved one to it. This documentary focuses heavily on the harsh realities behind not only addiction itself, but specifically with the transition from prescription medications to heroin.

Addiction, Documentaries

Painkiller: Inside the Opioid Crisis in Canada

Canada, Decriminalization, Harm Reduction, Non-Profits, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Personal Stories, Pharmaceuticals, Stigma

Nominated for Canadian Screen Award, this documentary covers the opioid crisis in Canada. “It features interviews with families who have lost loved ones, as well as healthcare workers and policy experts who question a health system that favors corporate profits over patients.” For example, they talk about the overprescribing of prescription medications, and how little to no punishments have been handed out. This documentary also advocates for harm reduction as a crucial way to combat this crisis.

Addiction, Documentaries

Bryan’s HOPE: The Heroin Epidemic – Prevention & Education

Heroin, Lost Loved Ones, Medication-Assisted Treatment, Methadone, Non-Profits, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Personal Stories, Pharmaceuticals, Suboxone, USA

You’ll hear from Bryan's mother as well as other parents and family members who have lost loved ones to heroin and other opioids. You’ll also listen to the stories of recovering addicts who have made it out of addiction, and professionals who work in this field. Everyone has something unique to offer, their own personal insight into the opioid crisis, the addictive strength of prescription medications, and the easy move from pills to heroin.