If you were captivated by the raw and unfiltered portrayal of addiction in 'American Relapse' (2019), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that delve into similar themes of struggle, recovery, and the harsh realities of substance abuse. Whether you're looking for more hard-hitting documentaries or dramatic narratives, these picks will keep you engaged and emotionally invested.

Cocaine Cowboys (2006)
Description: Chronicles the rise of the cocaine trade in Miami during the 1970s and 1980s, focusing on the violence and excess it brought.
Fact: The documentary features interviews with former drug traffickers and law enforcement agents.


Dope Sick Love (2005)
Description: A raw and unfiltered look at the lives of heroin addicts in New York City, capturing their struggles and relationships.
Fact: The film was shot over a period of six months, following the subjects in their daily lives.


How to Make Money Selling Drugs (2012)
Description: A satirical yet informative take on the drug trade, examining the economic and social factors that drive it.
Fact: The film includes interviews with former drug dealers and law enforcement officials.


The Crime of the Century (2021)
Description: A documentary that delves into the pharmaceutical industry's role in fueling the opioid crisis, exposing corporate greed and regulatory failures.
Fact: The film was directed by Alex Gibney, known for his investigative documentaries on corruption and power.


Narco Cultura (2013)
Description: Explores the influence of drug cartels on Mexican culture, particularly through music and media.
Fact: The film contrasts the glamorization of cartel life in music with the brutal reality on the ground.


Cartel Land (2015)
Description: A gripping documentary about vigilante groups fighting drug cartels, showcasing the violence and chaos of the drug war.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.


Meth Storm (2017)
Description: A documentary that follows law enforcement and families in Arkansas as they battle the methamphetamine epidemic.
Fact: The film provides a stark look at the rural communities hardest hit by meth addiction.


Crisis (2021)
Description: Explores the opioid epidemic through interconnected stories, highlighting the devastating impact on individuals and society.
Fact: The film features three separate storylines that converge to depict the complexity of the opioid crisis.


American Addict (2012)
Description: Exposes the over-prescription of pharmaceuticals in the U.S. and its contribution to widespread addiction.
Fact: The documentary highlights the role of big pharma in creating dependency on prescription medications.


Warning: This Drug May Kill You (2017)
Description: A harrowing look at the personal stories of those affected by prescription drug addiction, emphasizing the human cost of the epidemic.
Fact: The documentary features real-life accounts from families who lost loved ones to opioid overdoses.
