Addiction isn’t necessarily a topic you might want to sit down and watch something on after a hard day’s work, but in today’s society, where many people are addicted or know someone who is suffering from the disease, documentaries on the subject can provide interesting insight and be incredibly helpful.
They aren’t easy watches, but you can learn about all areas of addiction from the suffering to going through rehabilitation for drugs, and the inspiration recovery can bring.
Netflix has a range of documentaries on the topic, so if you do want to learn more, or are suffering yourself and need help, inspiration, advice or just the motivation to enter treatment, here are five great watches to do that…
The Pharmacist
This documentary tells the story of Dan Schneider, a pharmacist from New Orleans who lost his son to a drug-related shooting. He goes on a mission to expose the doctors who were overprescribing opioids and contributing to the opioid epidemic. The Pharmacist is a powerful story of one man’s determination to make a difference in the face of adversity.
13th
13th explores the history of racial inequality in America and how it has contributed to the disproportionate impact of the war on drugs on Black Americans. The film examines how mass incarceration, the privatization of prisons, and the criminalization of addiction have perpetuated systemic racism and inequality. 13th is a thought-provoking documentary that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about America’s criminal justice system.
Dope
This series follows the lives of drug dealers, users, and law enforcement in several cities across America. The documentary shows the harsh realities of the drug trade and the impact of addiction on individuals and communities. Dope is a gritty and eye-opening look at the complexities of addiction and the challenges of combating drug trafficking.
Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy
Following the crack epidemic of the 1980s and the role of the US government in exacerbating the crisis, this documentary examines how the war on drugs was used as a political tool to target Black communities and perpetuate systemic racism. Crack is a powerful and informative documentary that sheds light on a dark chapter in America’s history.
Heroin(e)
An inspirational story, the film follows the work of three women in West Virginia who are fighting the opioid epidemic in their community. They include a judge who runs a drug court, a volunteer paramedic who responds to overdoses, and a community activist who helps women recover from addiction. Heroin(e) is a hopeful and inspiring documentary that highlights the importance of community-based solutions to addiction.
