Addiction grips a community
Exploring the epicentre of America's struggle with opioid addiction, from the boardrooms of Purdue Pharma, to a distressed Virginia mining community and to the hallways of the DEA.
Impact in Action
Learn about the impact of this film on communities.
"Dopesick" shines a piercing light on the opioid crisis that has gripped America, revealing the catastrophic consequences of addiction on communities and families. The series intricately weaves together personal stories and systemic failures, illustrating how the boardrooms of Purdue Pharma fueled an epidemic that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.
The data is staggering: in 2021 alone, over 80,000 people died from opioid-related overdoses, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl responsible for nearly 88% of these fatalities. "Dopesick" exposes the harsh reality that while an estimated 2.5 million Americans suffer from opioid use disorder, only 36% receive any form of treatment, highlighting a critical gap in our healthcare system.
Through its compelling narrative, the film not only raises awareness but also calls for urgent policy changes. It underscores the need for better regulation of pharmaceutical companies and advocates for increased access to treatment for those struggling with addiction. By showcasing the devastating impact on communities, particularly in places like Virginia's mining towns, "Dopesick" serves as both a wake-up call and a beacon of hope for reform, pushing society to confront and address the opioid crisis head-on.
Dive Deeper
Get to know more about the problem.
Learn more about the issue
Explore relevant research & latest news
Go the extra mile!
FAQ
See more FAQs here.
Continue Exploring
Discover more stories and insights that align with your interests.
Similar Impact Campaigns
Check out these media campaigns with similar social themes and impact tags

While We Watched
While We Watched is essential viewing for anyone interested in how television journalism is under threat. Although the film is rooted in India, its depiction of misinformation eroding fact-based news could apply to any number of countries from Russia to the United States.

Navalny
The film tells about the events related to the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and the subsequent investigation into the poisoning. On August 20, 2020, Navalny was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent, [7] falling sick during a flight from Tomsk to Moscow, and was hospitalized in serious condition. Navalny was taken to a hospital in Omsk after an emergency landing there, and put in a coma. Two days later, he was evacuated to the Charité hospital in Berlin, Germany. The use of the nerve agent was confirmed by five Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) certified laboratories. Navalny blamed Russian president Vladimir Putin for his poisoning, while the Kremlin repeatedly denied involvement.
Related Articles
Read our blog on the state of impact entertainment and Empact updates!
Impact Campaign highlight: Paper Flowers
Honoring Shalin Shah’s journey, "Paper Flowers" raises cancer awareness and showcases the impact of the Peace Corps in meaningful storytelling.
Empact: on turning empathy into action
Transforming emotional stories into measurable social action, Empact enables filmmakers and brands to engage audiences and create impactful campaigns.