Addicted: America’s Opioid Crisis is a powerful and deeply affecting documentary film from BBC Three that gives an intimate look at the devastating impact addiction has had on American families and communities. The film shines a light on the insidious nature of Big Pharma, who have used deceptive tactics to drive sales of their opioid painkillers—and profited immensely from the human costs of addiction.
The film begins by introducing us to several children, young victims of the opioid crisis whose lives have been torn apart by their parents’ addictions. It then outlines how this crisis began—with pharmaceutical companies aggressively marketing their star brand OxyContin and other opioids with false claims that they were safe and free of serious side effects, despite knowing otherwise. As sales reps spread these messages, rates of opioid addiction in America surged, resulting in thousands upon thousands of deaths across the nation.
The documentary interviews grieving parents whose children have died from overdoses, as well as addicts struggling to stay clean and live productive lives in spite of their addictions; drug counselors fighting against impossible odds; drug enforcement agents combating cartels flooding the market with opioids; and even a whistleblower from Purdue Pharma who speaks out about the shady practices employed by his former employer.
From gripping personal stories to stark facts that put a human face on this national epidemic, Addicted: America’s Opioid Crisis illustrates just how damaging these drugs can be. It also makes crystal clear who must answer for this crisis: those responsible for creating it in the first place. This is a must-watch documentary that will leave you shocked, appalled, and determined to do something about it. Tune into BBC Three now and learn more about this heartbreaking issue—and how we can fight back against it together.
