Personal Stories

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, Podcasts

Gamblers Anonymous: From Gambling Addiction to Recovery

Behavioural Addictions, Gamblers Anonymous, Gambling Disorder, Personal Stories, Recovery, Relapse, Twelve-Step Programs

Brian Hatch threw away his dreams of being a comedian to spend his nights in casinos. After a 14 year battle with gambling and relapses, he decided to try another way- TALKING about his FEELINGS. In January of 2015 he started ALL IN The Addicted Gambler’s Podcast. Since that time the podcast has grown to over 350 episodes with interviews from the lived experience community, affected others, clinicians, academics, advocates, public health workers, and industry representatives. He speaks from the heart about his own recovery and hopes it helps.

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, North America, 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…

News / TV Specials, Addiction

Elizabeth Vargas – A Story of Anxiety, Addiction & Hope

Alcohol, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Anxiety Disorders, Celebrities, Dual Diagnosis, Parental Addiction, Personal Stories, Recovery, Relapse, USA

Elizabeth Vargas is an American television journalist best known as the co-anchor of World News Tonight and 20/20 on for ABC. She was at the top of her field for decades, known for her strong reporting around the world. Despite having support, resources, and what most would call a privileged life, Elizabeth Vargas says she just could not stop drinking. After struggling with and hiding an alcohol use disorder, she opens up in an interview with Diane Sawyer, discussing what alcoholism did to her life.

News / TV Specials, Addiction

Portugal’s War on Drugs (2021)

Decriminalization, Drug Trafficking, Frontline Workers, Harm Reduction, Law Enforcement, Open-Air Drug Markets, Personal Stories, Portugal

Over twenty years ago, Portugal decriminalized drug use in 2001. This country went from being known as 'the heroin capital of Europe' to a global leader in the war on drugs. SBS Dateline travels to in Lisbon to find out what Australia can learn from Portugal's radical approach.

News / TV Specials, Addiction

On the Frontline of Thailand’s War on Drugs

Cannabis, Decriminalization, Methamphetamine, Personal Stories, Thailand, Yaba

Thailand has had some of the strictest drug laws in the world, but they began changing this approach in 2022 by legalizing cannabis in an attempt to lessen the prison population and bring tourists back. SBS Dateline investigates Thailand's war on drugs by speaking with various frontline workers, from an elite task force that fights drug trafficking to social workers and people with lived experience. They discuss the legalization / decriminalization of cannabis, the widespread use of yaba, a type of methamphetamine, and how their harsh drug policy overwhelmed the prison system.