Public Health

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

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. In this first episode, Curse Of Crystal Meth: Addiction, Trafficking & Dangerous Production Exposed, they explore the far-reaching impact of this synthetic curse. From Pakistan, to Thailand, to Canada, to Australia: methamphetamine, or ice, is ruining communities.

News / TV Specials, Addiction

Cocaine in Canada: From Colombia to A First Nations Community

Canada, Cocaine, Colombia, Drug Trafficking, Indigenous Communities, Law Enforcement, Public Health, Stimulants

Amid the ongoing fentanyl crisis, the global cocaine trade is surging, flooding even the most remote parts of Canada with high-purity cocaine. In this CBC investigation, follow the drug’s journey from a ship off Colombia’s coast to the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation in Labrador.

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

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

Introduction 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…

Addiction, Documentaries

Thailand’s Cannabis Revolution

Cannabis, Decriminalization, Public Health, Science & Research, Thailand

Thailand, once known for its tough war on drugs and strict laws, is making a dramatic shift. After years of leading Asia in incarceration rates and being linked to the drug trade from the infamous Golden Triangle, the country is now taking a bold step: legalizing medical marijuana. Supporters believe this move could transform lives—helping farmers earn more, boosting the economy, and even offering treatment for serious illnesses like cancer. It's a major change that's drawing global attention. As the new law rolls out, 101 East explores whether these big promises are real solutions or just political talk.

Addiction, Documentaries

Through a Blue Lens: Vancouver Police & Their Relationship With Addicts

Canada, Cocaine, Frontline Workers, Heroin, Law Enforcement, Overdose, Personal Stories, Public Health, Recovery, Youth

This 1999 documentary presented by The National Film Board of Canada follows a group of police officers who work in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and their unique relationship with the drug addicts living on the streets. The officers themselves document the lives of several addicts who have agreed to participate in this initiative to show the realities of drug use to youth.

Addiction, Documentaries

Injecting Hope: Tackling Drug Overdose With Harm Reduction

Canada, Frontline Workers, Harm Reduction, Medication-Assisted Treatment, Methadone, Nalaxone, Non-Profits, Opioid Crisis, Opioid Use Disorder, Personal Stories, Public Health, Recovery, Stigma, Sublocade

Injecting Hope offers an unflinching, ground-level examination of the drug overdose crisis in North America and explores the potential role of harm reduction initiatives, such as safe injection sites, in addressing the epidemic. ABC7 News reporter Tara Campbell takes viewers to the streets of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside for an intimate look at the effects of North America’s first sanctioned safe consumption site, established more than two decades ago, on both individuals struggling with addiction and the broader community.