Opioid Use Disorder

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.

News / TV Specials, Addiction

One Pill: Fighting Fentanyl Investigation

Drug Trafficking, Fentanyl, Law Enforcement, Lost Loved Ones, Non-Profits, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Overdose, Personal Stories, USA, Youth

The fentanyl crisis is killing more Texans than ever before. Victims are getting younger and most people don’t even know they’re taking it. It’s extremely easy to overdose on fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, and people are losing their loved ones. They want you to hear their stories so that they can hopefully help save a life and prevent others from going through what they went through. Some of them have formed non-profit organizations to spread the message. You’ll also learn more about drug trafficking and how law enforcement is attempting to combat the overdose crisis.

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.

News / TV Specials, Addiction

The Overdose Crisis: One Life Too Many

Fentanyl, Frontline Workers, Lost Loved Ones, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Overdose, Personal Stories, USA, Youth

In this brief news report, frontline workers discuss their personal and professional experiences with addiction and what it has been like to respond to an overdose during the opioid crisis. They talk about their loved one’s addiction and how this impacted their ability to help others. However, they also talk about the importance of recognizing compassion fatigue.

News / TV Specials, Addiction

KELOLAND News Special Report: Opioid Crisis

Fentanyl, Heroin, Lost Loved Ones, Medication-Assisted Treatment, Nalaxone, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Overdose, Personal Stories, Pharmaceuticals, Prevention & Treatment, Recovery, USA, Youth

This news report will share stories of individuals overwhelmed by addiction, shedding light on the deep grief families are enduring. It will also examine local efforts by doctors and law enforcement to address the opioid crisis, as well as the resources available at both the local and national levels. Viewers will learn about the support systems in place, how they can contribute to the fight, and the critical needs of the community in tackling this ongoing crisis.

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.

News / TV Specials, Addiction

The Fentanyl Crisis: Stories of Heartbreak and Hope

Fentanyl, Harm Reduction, Lost Loved Ones, Medication-Assisted Treatment, Non-Profits, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Overdose, Personal Stories, Recovery, USA

Fentanyl remains a leading cause of overdose deaths in Virginia. According to the Virginia Department of Health, the synthetic opioid was responsible for 76.5% of the 2,656 overdose fatalities in 2021. The community of those who have lost loved ones to fentanyl continues to expand, with many grieving families seeking to raise awareness about a crisis they feel is not receiving the attention it urgently deserves.