As an unintended by product of the opiate epidemic in this country Drug Addiction, Recovery, and Drug documentaries have become wildly popular in the last few years. We have compiled a list of what we believe are the best netflix drug documentaries, hulu drug documentaries and just drug documentaries in general. Some of these documentaries can be graphic by their very nature.
This is an epidemic that is sweeping the nation and we are finally beginning to see an impact in the media. Education and awareness are the best tools we have to fight this deadly crisis. For instance, knowing that drug overdoses now outnumber auto accident deaths impresses the severity of how serious this issue is. You can learn insightful facts about addiction and alcoholism from watching the recommended films we listed below. As a warning for those who are in early recovery we have included trigger warnings on the more graphic ones.
1. Drugs, Inc.
This Netflix documentary series follows the drug supply chain from start to finish and the horrors that entails. The series documents tracing, production, export, sale, and even consumption.
Trigger Warning: This documentary shows the entire supply chain in graphic detail. That being said Harbor Wellness and Recovery Center recommends this documentary main due to its educational value. We believe for someone struggling with addiction or their loved ones Drugs, Inc. can provide valuable insight into the world of drugs and all of its pitfalls further reinforcing the benefits of a recovery oriented lifestyle.
2. Heroin(e)
Harbor Wellness and Recovery Center recommends this documentary because it shows the everyday struggles of those suffering with addiction as well as the impact that a compassionate approach can have on those struggling with addiction.
Trigger Warning: This Oscar nominated Netflix documentary follows three women on the front line of the opiate epidemic in Huntington, WV. West Virgina is the state with highest age adjusted rate of opioid overdose deaths in the nation. It is estimated that as many as 10% of the adults living in the huntington area are IV drug users.
3. Russel Brand: From Addiction to Recovery
In this moving documentary Russel Brand, who has starred in multiple hit comedies such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek, gives an uncensored and unedited look into his addiction and how he finally changed his life for the better and found recovery.
Harbor Wellness and Recovery Center recommends this film due to its raw depiction of the struggles of addiction and its uplifting and motivational story of finding recovery.
4. 28 Days
In this film Sandra Bullock plays a big city newspaper journalist who is forced to enter rehab after a particularly bad binge involving a stolen limousine. The film chronicles her time is rehab and the changes she makes while there.
Harbor Wellness and Recovery Center recommends this film for its light and entertaining but honest depiction of the rehab and ongoing recovery process. This is a must see for anyone who has been to or may need to go to rehab.
5. Recovery Boys
This documentary by the same Director as Heroin(e) follows four men at an inpatient treatment program as they try to find and sustain recovery, reinvent their lives, and mend broken relationships.
Harbor Wellness and Recovery Center recommends this documentary for its no holds barred depiction of the obstacles people in recovery face on their path to long term sobriety. We feel this documentary does a lot to kill the stigma surrounding addiction.
6. A New High
This gritty documentary features a retired army ranger in Seattle who runs a homeless shelter for addicts in Seattle. He attempts to build up their confidence and give them hope by leading them up one of the most dangerous mountains in the country, Mt. Rainer.
Harbor Wellness and Recovery Center recommends this amazon prime documentary because it is both thrilling and inspirational. It highlights the notion of there being multiple pathways to recovery and no one size fits all approach. This definitely aligns with our mission statement to provide high quality INDIVIDUALIZED addiction treatment.
7. Take your Pills
This film provides a sobering look into the harsh realities and dangers of ADHD drugs such as adderall, vyvance, or ritalin. It also provides a glimpse into how our culture is a perfect storm of factors ripe for ADHD medication abuse.
Harbor Wellness and Recovery Center highly recommends this documentary for anyone who may be addicted to prescription medication, especially those who are legally prescribed. If you think just because your doctor prescribed it that you are safe we highly recommend you watching this film.
Many film critics have declared this the “golden age” for documentaries. Addiction Drug, and Recovery documentaries are no exception. We could increase this lis ad infinitum. We hope you enjoyed the best netflix drug documentaries, hulu drug documentaries, and amazon prime drug documentaries as much as we did!
As always if you are in need of addiction treatment Harbor Wellness and Recovery Center is available to help. Please don’t suffer alone! Send us a message on the site by clicking here or call us at 855-698-3554.