Dopesick

"Dopesick" shines a glaring light on the opioid epidemic, weaving together the harrowing stories of addiction, corporate greed, and the struggle for justice in communities devastated by this crisis. The film not only chronicles the personal toll of addiction but also serves as a call to action for policy change and community awareness.

The statistics are staggering: in just a few short years, opioid overdose deaths skyrocketed from 28,647 in 2014 to an alarming 80,411 in 2021. "Dopesick" illustrates how synthetic opioids like fentanyl are responsible for nearly 88% of these tragedies, compelling viewers to confront the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. The narrative reveals the deep-rooted connections between pharmaceutical companies and regulatory failures, exemplified by Purdue Pharma's aggressive marketing of OxyContin, which has led to thousands of lawsuits and a public outcry for accountability.

Moreover, the film emphasizes the critical gap in treatment, where only 36% of the 2.5 million people suffering from opioid use disorder received any form of help in 2021. It paints a vivid picture of communities, particularly in Virginia, where the mining towns have been ravaged by addiction, highlighting the intersections of economic hardship and the opioid crisis.

"Dopesick" is more than a dramatization; it is a societal wake-up call urging viewers to engage in meaningful dialogue about addiction, advocate for policy changes, and support affected communities. By doing so, it aims to turn the tide on one of the most pressing public health crises of our time.