This documentary explores the open-air drug market in Kensington, Philadelphia, through the perspective of local outreach worker Buddy Osborn. As he guides Peter Santenello through the neighbourhood, he discusses the devastating impact of addiction, drug trafficking, and public disorder on residents, families, and especially children growing up in the community. The film also highlights the work of grassroots organizations providing outreach, treatment referrals, and support while examining the difficult balance between compassion, accountability, recovery, and public policy.
This documentary examines the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles, exploring the complex social, economic, and public health factors that have contributed to one of the largest unhoused populations in the United States. Through interviews with experts, outreach workers, policymakers, and people experiencing homelessness, it examines the challenges of housing affordability, mental illness, addiction, and systemic barriers to recovery. The film also explores current approaches to addressing the crisis, highlighting both the progress made and the difficult questions that continue to shape the city's response.
TOPICS: Homelessness, Personal Stories, Poverty, Public Health, Stigma, USA
This documentary explores the hidden community living in the storm drain tunnels beneath Las Vegas, where hundreds of people experiencing homelessness struggle with addiction, poverty, and the daily challenges of surviving off the grid. Guided by a former tunnel resident who now works in outreach, Drew Binsky meets the people who call the tunnels home and hears their stories firsthand. Along the way, the film highlights the work of a local nonprofit helping residents access housing, treatment, and support as they work toward rebuilding their lives.
TOPICS: Homelessness, Non-Profits, Personal Stories, Poverty, Public Health, Stigma, USA
This documentary examines the addiction and homelessness crisis in Seattle, where rising rates of substance use, visible homelessness, crime, and public disorder have fueled growing concern throughout the community. Through interviews with people living with addiction, business owners, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and local residents, it explores competing perspectives on what has driven the crisis and how it should be addressed. The film also examines treatment options, public policy, and the challenges of balancing compassion, accountability, and public safety.
This FRONTLINE documentary examines the rise of the methamphetamine epidemic in the United States, tracing how the drug spread from localized production to a nationwide crisis affecting individuals, families, and communities. It explores the role of precursor chemicals such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, the evolution of meth production and trafficking, and the challenges of regulating legitimate medications used to manufacture the drug. Through interviews with researchers, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and people affected by addiction, the film investigates the devastating impact of methamphetamine and the difficulties of containing its spread.
This documentary explores Boston's Methadone Mile, an area where addiction treatment services exist alongside homelessness, open drug use, and illicit drug markets. Through interviews with healthcare professionals, people living with addiction, individuals in recovery, and street-level dealers, it examines the challenges of recovery in an environment where support and relapse triggers often coexist. The film also explores the policies and circumstances that contributed to the area's development and the ongoing efforts to address the crisis.
Joy's story explores the devastating consequences of gambling addiction after she embezzled $700,000 employers to support her gambling. As she awaits sentencing, she reflects on the choices that led to her crimes while trying to help both herself and her children understand the grip of addiction. Alongside her personal story, the documentary features insights from addiction professionals who explain the psychological and neurological factors behind gambling disorder, offering a broader understanding of how behavioural addictions develop and why recovery can be so challenging.
As the unregulated drug supply becomes increasingly unpredictable, new combinations of synthetic substances are making overdoses more difficult to prevent and treat. This documentary investigates the emergence of "benzo dope" and "tranq"—street drugs containing fentanyl mixed with benzodiazepines or xylazine—and examines the devastating impact these combinations are having on people, families, healthcare providers, and frontline outreach workers. Through firsthand accounts and expert perspectives, this resource explores how a rapidly changing drug supply is reshaping the overdose crisis and reinforcing the importance of harm reduction, education, and timely access to care.
From remote coca fields in Peru to the streets of USA, this investigative documentary follows the global cocaine trade at every stage of its journey. Through firsthand reporting and interviews with farmers, traffickers, law enforcement, and people affected by cocaine use, it reveals the complex network that fuels one of the world's most profitable illicit industries. This resource explores the economic, social, and human costs of cocaine production and trafficking while highlighting the challenges of disrupting a market driven by persistent global demand.
TOPICS: Cocaine, Crime, Drug Trafficking, Law Enforcement, Peru, Stimulants, USA
