Best Addiction Documentaries on Amazon Instant Video

Documentaries, in general, can be a good way to educate yourself on any given topic. They can be more impactful because there are images and a soundtrack to go along with the information. If you are interested in learning about the issue of drug addiction, in particular, some of the best addiction documentaries on amazon instant video can introduce you to the culture, politics, social, and personal toll that the disease of addiction can take.

American Addict

NR, 4.6 out of 5 stars

Larger-than-life personalities as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Heath Ledger, and Philip Seymour Hoffman all fell victim to drug addiction but not just illicit drugs, over-the-counter drug addiction was also to blame. Did you know that Americans consume 80% of prescription narcotics for the entire world? This documentary reveals the impact of our pill-popping culture and exposes the blatant hypocrisy of the drug market by discussing the dirty, underhanded tactics of Big Pharma.

Runtime:

1 hour 31 minutes

Lipstick & Liquor

NR, 3.8 out of 5 stars

A growing number of women are abusing alcohol and becoming alcohol dependent. Excessive alcohol use is the third leading cause of preventable death among women between the ages of 35 and 55.

This documentary shows the covert world of suburban women who’ve turned to the hobby of drinking in order to deal with hum-drum life of the suburbs. The film was inspired by the story of Diane Schuler, who made headlines in 2009 after she killed eight people (several of which were children) and herself by driving the wrong way on the Taconic Parkway in Westchester County, New York. An empty bottle of vodka was found at the scene and toxicology reports later revealed that the suburban wife and mother had both alcohol and THC in her system. Despite the evidence, her family remained clueless – in denial – to her substance abuse. Filmmaker Butterfield wondered what the driving force behind this hidden problem could be, leading her to make Lipstick & Liquor.  How could such a secret stay hidden so long? That’s what compelled filmmaker to dive into the topic. Lipstick & Liquor explores the secret in the suburbs.

Runtime: 1 hour 18 minutes

Drug Addiction – The Consequences

NR, 1.0 out of 5 stars

Teens and adults describe how their lives were ruined because of drug dependency and addiction. Watch as they take you through the downward spirals their lives took after continued use of illicit substances, the effect it took on their families, how they turned to a life of crime in order to support their habit and how, in some cases, it caused their homelessness.

Runtime: 16 minutes

Freedom from Addiction

NR, not yet reviewed

This film is an award-winning documentary about people who are in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Their heartfelt testimonies captured on film reveal the resilience of the human spirit across all social strata. The stories shared in this film leave the viewer with an uplifting message of hope.

Run time: 58 minutes

Bob and the Monster

NR, 4.5 out of 5 stars

This is an award winning documentary that details the life of indie-rock legend Bob Forrest, from his early struggles with the life-threatening disease of addiction to his transformation into one of the most influential and controversial drug counselors in the country. The film uses a mixture of contemporary footage, compelling interviews, and historical musical performances that show the many layers of the human experience. Bob is a once-troubled soul with a passionate, hopeful message.

Runtime: 1 hour 27 minutes

Square Grouper: The Godfathers of Ganja

R, 4.2 out of 5 stars

This documentary paints the vivid portrait of Miami’s pot smuggling culture of ’70s and ’80s Miam and its major players: the Black Tuna Gang smugglers, the Ethiopian Zion Coptic Church pot dealers and the small fishing village of Everglades City. This film reveals the stark contrast of the Miami marijuana scene with that of the brazenly violent cocaine players of Miami in the 80s, as detailed in another excellent documentary, Cocaine Cowboys.

Pornography, Confronting the Addiction

NR, 4.3 out of 5 stars

Using real-life interviews and dramatic illustrations (family-friendly), the very real struggle with porn addiction is depicted. The film shows what the first steps to recovery from this type of addiction entail and how people who once struggled have been able to renew their self-confidence.

Runtime: 35 minutes

The Secret World of Recovery                     

4.2 out of 5 stars

USA Today and NY Times bestselling novelist/journalist, Leslie Glass, and her daughter, Lindsey, a columnist/screenwriter travel cross-country to report what life after surrendering is like. The two women also reveal some of their own story along the way. This film documents the hope and is the first of its kind, revealing the facts of life on the flip side of addiction: recovery, and show just what it takes for families to heal.

Runtime: 38 minutes

Checking out the best addiction documentaries on amazon instant video can be one source for getting information on what addiction looks like: how it affects the individual and their loved ones. If you are struggling with substance abuse or addiction, or you have a loved who struggles, you can call us toll-free at 1-800-951-6135 around the clock and speak with an Addiction Specialist to find out more information. Addiction can be treated and help is available.