17 Harrowing Documentaries About Drugs
Drugs are a major issue that has plagued our society for decades now. Despite various efforts to combat drug abuse and addiction, it still remains a significant problem. One way to tackle this issue is through education and enlightenment. That’s where documentaries come in. With compelling real-life stories, they provide a window into the world of drugs and substance abuse. Here are some of the best documentaries on the topic.
1. Heroin(e) (2017)
Heroin(e) is a Netflix original documentary that focuses on the opioid epidemic in West Virginia and the efforts of three women to combat it. The film follows the work of a judge, a paramedic and a volunteer as they try to save the lives of drug users. It’s an emotional and inspiring film that sheds light on the human cost of drug addiction.
2. Meth Storm (2017)
Meth Storm documents the lives of users and dealers caught up in the world of methamphetamine in Arkansas. Directed by Brent and Craig Renaud, the film offers a bleak but honest portrayal of the meth epidemic in rural America. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the impact of meth on communities.
👉 Watch Meth Storm on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Meth Storm as DVD on Amazon
3. Highland: Thailand’s Marijuana Awakening (2017)
Highland is a documentary that explores the emerging cannabis industry in Thailand. The film follows the journey of a former Thai boxer as he tries to get into the marijuana business. Through his story, we get an insight into how the legalization of cannabis is changing the country and its people. It’s a fascinating and informative documentary that shows the potential benefits of legalizing marijuana.
Highland: Thailand’s Marijuana Awakening on IMDb
4. Cocaine Cowboys (2006)
Cocaine Cowboys takes us back to the cocaine-fueled Miami of the 1980s. Directed by Billy Corben, the film tells the story of how drug traffickers turned Miami into a hub for cocaine smuggling. Through interviews and archival footage, the documentary provides an inside look into the drug trade and its impact on society.
👉 Watch Cocaine Cowboys on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Cocaine Cowboys as DVD on Amazon
5. Louis Theroux: America's Medicated Kids (2010)
This documentary sheds light on the alarming trend of children and teenagers being prescribed psychotropic drugs. The filmmaker, Gary Null, interviews experts and patients to understand how and why so many kids are being medicated. It’s a thought-provoking and eye-opening film that raises important questions about the role of medication in treating mental illness.
Louis Theroux: America's Medicated Kids on IMDb
6. The House I Live In (2012)
The House I Live In is a comprehensive look at the war on drugs in America. Director Eugene Jarecki examines the impact of drug laws on communities and individuals over the years. He argues that the war on drugs has been a failure and has resulted in a mass incarceration crisis. The film is sobering but informative, and it encourages viewers to question the policies and practices of drug enforcement.
👉 Watch The House I Live In on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy The House I Live In as DVD on Amazon
7. Take Your Pills (2018)
With a rise in the number of people taking prescription pills to enhance their mental capabilities, this documentary highlights the effects of these pills. Take Your Pills examines the rise in the use of the cognitive enhancing drug, Adderall. It explores the side effects of the drug and what happens when a whole generation of students believes that the only way to stay competitive is by using these "smart pills."
8. DMT: The Spirit Molecule (2010)
DMT: The Spirit Molecule delves into the psychedelic drug DMT and the experiences it can produce. The documentary looks at the research done by Dr. Rick Strassman, who claims that DMT stimulates a natural occurrence of the chemical in the brain that causes mystical experiences. DMT: The Spirit Molecule is an eye-opening exploration of the relationship between drugs, spirituality, and identity.
👉 Watch DMT: The Spirit Molecule on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy DMT: The Spirit Molecule as DVD on Amazon
9. American Drug War: The Last White Hope (2006)
Narrated and directed by filmmaker Kevin Booth, American Drug War: The Last White Hope examines the war on drugs and its impact on the American people. The documentary reveals how the drug war has never been about drugs, but rather a vehicle for political, social, and economic control by the government.
The film is a thought-provoking look at the social issues surrounding drug addiction and the impact on American society as a whole.
👉 Watch American Drug War: The Last White Hope on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy American Drug War: The Last White Hope as DVD on Amazon
10. Louis Theroux: The City Addicted to Crystal Meth (2009)
The City Addicted to Crystal Meth is a documentary that depicts the drug scene in the Scottish town of Dumfries. The film examines the effects of methamphetamine on the town's residents, their families, and the healthcare system. It highlights the impact of drug addiction on society and how addiction is a chronic illness that needs medical attention.
Louis Theroux: The City Addicted to Crystal Meth on IMDb
11. Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy (2021)
As the title suggests, Crack: Cocaine, Corruption, and Conspiracy examines the rise of the crack cocaine epidemic in the US and the government's role in its proliferation. The documentary features interviews with people affected by the drug, including drug dealers, users, politicians, and journalists. The film highlights the role played by the government, from the CIA's involvement in the cocaine trade to the failed War on Drugs policies.
Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy on IMDb
12. The Crime of the Century (2021)
This documentary by Oscar and Emmy-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney was released in 2021 and dives deep into the opioid crisis in the United States. Viewers will see the ways in which the opioid industry has infiltrated the healthcare system, the effects that opioid abuse has on families and communities, and the role that pharmaceutical companies have played in creating this epidemic.
The Crime of the Century on Factual America
👉 Watch The Crime of the Century on Amazon Prime
13. The Business of Drugs (2020)
This popular Netflix series explores the economics of drug production and distribution, focusing on six major drugs: cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, synthetic opioids, and prescription drugs. The documentary sheds light on the complex network of cartels, dealers, and smugglers that make up the international drug trade, and how law enforcement agencies attempt to combat it.
14. The Legend of Cocaine Island (2018)
This documentary is a mix of comedy and crime that follows an adventure-seeking businessman who hears about a buried stash of cocaine worth millions on a remote island. As he embarks on an expedition to find the treasure, viewers will see how his determination and greed lead him down a dangerous path.
The Legend of Cocaine Island on IMDb
15. Recovery Boys (2018)
This touching documentary follows four men in various stages of recovery as they attempt to overcome their drug addictions at a rehabilitation facility in the mountains of West Virginia. It showcases the physical, psychological, and emotional difficulties that come with addiction, as well as the support and community that can help individuals overcome addiction.
16. Dope (2017)
This Netflix series takes a unique look at the drug trade in various cities across the world, exploring the inner workings of drug operations on the streets. With each episode, the series offers a glimpse into a different aspect of drug use, from local meth production to international trafficking routes.
17. Warning: This Drug May Kill You (2017)
Warning: This Drug May Kill You by broadcast journalist Perri Peltz is an account of opioid addiction in the US. The documentary shows how opioid addiction affects people from every walk of life.
People who would never seek out illegal drugs are finding themselves hooked on everyday prescription painkillers with many moving on to heroin. Warning: This Drug May Kill You explores the cost of the opioid epidemic and how big pharma is the problem.
Warning: This Drug May Kill You on Factual America
👉 Watch Warning: This Drug May Kill You on Amazon Prime
👉 Buy Warning: This Drug May Kill You as DVD on Amazon
Conclusion
In conclusion, these documentaries provide critical insights into the impact of drugs and substance abuse on our society. They tell powerful stories of individuals and communities affected by addiction and shed light on the policies and practices that have shaped our approach to drug enforcement. By watching these films, we can better understand the complex issue of drugs and hopefully find new ways to combat it.
Interesting Reading from Factual America:
16 Best Country Music Documentaries
24 Best Documentaries about America
15 of The Best UK War Documentaries
14 Chilling Cartel Documentaries
10 Best Documentaries Of The 1980s
Best Documentaries About Economics: Top Picks for Financial Insight
Best Documentaries about Mental Health Struggles: Top Picks for Insight and Empowerment
Best Documentaries About Boxing: Uncovering the Power Punches and Stories
#drug addiction #law enforcement officials #addiction affects young people #best drug documentaries #treatable medical condition #broken relationships
