America's Fentanyl Problem (Narcotics Documentary) Real Stories

A new synthetic drug is killing more than gun crime, homicide, and car accidents combined.
100 times stronger than heroin, the deadly opioid fentanyl is cheap, potent, and small enough to send in the post. These market forces have seen it replacing the heroin supply, spreading unprecedented death, destruction, and misery. And, like all epidemics, it is spreading fast.
The death toll has disproportionately affected the homeless and marginalized. And now, due to its strength and low cost, the drug is also starting to appear in party drugs, such as cocaine and cannabis - with fatal results.
We travel to Vancouver, the epicenter of the fentanyl epidemic to meet with health care workers, activists, fentanyl dealers, and people who use it.
We learn of radical initiatives to fight back against a toxic drug supply and ask what the world should expect if the fentanyl epidemic spreads outside of North America.
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From Ten Dollar Death Trip: Inside The Fentanyl Crisis
Real Stories Shorts: Real Stories has a new channel for digestible, bite-sized documentary content! Click the link to watch and be sure to like and subscribe: / @realstoriesshorts
Content licensed from Sideways Film. Any queries, please contact us at: [e-mail]
If you loved this film, Real Stories has hundreds more full-length documentaries, click the link to enjoy: bit.ly/1GOzpIu

[@brandilowe1916]

i found my oldest son 4 days after he died alone in his house, except for his cats. his phone on the charger and he was just on the bed staring at the ceiling. that was 6 years ago at Christmas. that was my baby. i will never be the same.

[@maxpunkin3128]

I am so sorry for your loss, my god be with you 🙏 ❤

[@ChardeeMacdennis339]

I’m so so sorry. That’s the worst imaginable pain. ❤️

[@sandralouise3767]

I'm sorry for your loss🙏

[@tinawindham6958]

Ugh, as a parent I can’t imagine the heartbreak 💔. I’m so sorry.

[@clockworku-boat1692]

That is heavy going... I wish I had words that may help you

[@BushWookie603]

I lived Ronnie's life man for over 7 years. He said it best "I had one choice, and I made the f**king wrong one, now I'm living like this dealing with it". God man, society needs to take a step back. Addicts are not monsters. I'm 8 years clean today, with help we can recover

[@troisgah]

♥️ Congratulations brother and god bless. I thought the same about his quote here. I too believe that with help recovery is always possible no matter how far down the scales we fall or number of number of previous attempts , etc

[@PolishBehemoth]

Kratom helps. Exercise helps.

[@musheopeaus4125]

Yes you are . Mugging and stealing all the time . Whinging self sorry excuses

[@christineseton7687]

Bless your heart, stay strong ,I lost my so to an overdose 2years ago no mother should have to bury their child!

[@fiddlestix6468]

I'm really happy for you! People are not monsters but addicts can do monstrous things.

[@DominikPavel-fk2wb]

Fentanyl addiction actually destroyed my life. I started doing drugs since my teenage, got addicted to fentanyl for over 6 years. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Not until my mom recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 3 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

[@NetaZjdb]

Amen God bless people. Save your health save your mind. Life is better without heroin, fentanyl, alcohol and cigarettes. And you have more money in your pocket. God bless everyone who has rejected the devils intentions to be addicted to alcohol and cigarettes etc which can cause so much damage to health.

[@Bastianbishops]

Can you help me with the reliable source 🙏. I'm 56 and have suffered for years with addiction, anxiety and severe ptsd, I got my panic attacks under control myself years ago and they have come back with a vengeance, I'm constantly trying to take full breaths but can't get the full satisfying breath out, it's absolutely crippling me, i live in Germany. I don't know much about these mushrooms. Really need a reliable source!! Can't wait to get them.

[@SusanaGomez-mp8sk]

Hey! Yes Dr.alishrooms

[@Edennnn926]

I'm really happy for you that your mom decided to help you...I hear about alot of family members or so called friends shutting an addict out of their life, which since most addicts do it to mask emotions to me is the worse thing someone can do to an addict.

[@Jacksonstatham-tf8ov]

How do I reach out to him? Is he on insta

[@sc0tte1-416]

"Ask no questions and you will hear no lies"....I like that quote

[@calebshade4991]

It’s a pretty well-known quote, at least here in America. No idea where it comes from tho lol

[@kgraham5820]

I lost my younger brother to a dose of heroine laced with fentanyl not two years ago. After my brother's death, my mom was beyond broken hearted and lost her will to live. I could feel it deep down in my heart. I could feel her agony. She told me she wanted to die too, which is exactly what she done 49 days later on an operating table. I have never looked at her official cause of death because there’s no need. She died because he died... she died because her heart was absolutely broken; broken in a way no doctor could fix. Looking back on the timeframe between his death and hers, she died the day he died. She gave up. So with that said, I wholeheartedly wish that an addict would read this post and rethink their actions and get the help they need to overcome their addiction. Because if the drugs kill you, you’re not the only person to die. At least a piece of your loved ones die too... or maybe they die altogether like my mom. So Please, please, please get the help you need before the worst happens.

[@LadyBeeV]

K Graham, you have my deepest condolences. I know exactly how your mom felt. I lost my son five and a half years ago and I felt like life wasn't worth living after losing him. I wanted to die as well. Thank God he gave me the strength I needed and I had my daughter who was always there when I was in that dark place. I started writing poems in remembrance of him that have helped me greatly. I still have my moments but I promise you it will get better. the sad thing about this is that the person doesn't know that their drugs are laced. I found my son in my bathroom on the floor .he didn't pass at home but by the time I made it to the hospital, he was gone. Paramedics worked on him for about an hour. i had no idea he was overdosing , we thought he was having a heart attack. im gonna keep you in my prayers.God Bless.

[@matthewpitre8159]

Great message thank you for being so kind and passionate we need more people like that and I'm very sorry about your family members that really sucks all you can do is just be there for them as much as possible don't take it for granted I just kicked my pill and fentanyl addiction this winter let's just say it was a very long and grueling winter but spring is here I'm clean and ready to go!

[@msmysticstorytime]

@@matthewpitre8159 you rock matthew. how did you go about that?

[@PhilippeBlancR5]

@@matthewpitre8159 Good luck, Matthew. Support from France.

[@cooklee8852]

omg. I'm so sorry for your lossof your brother a d your mother 🥺💔 I almost died too after I lost my belated son,to poisoned drugs

[@marissalegal]

I’ve struggled with addiction off and on for years. I first went to rehab when I was 16 and stayed clean for about a year and then relapsed. I’m now 24 years old and have been clean for almost 5 months. Every day is a challenge. I wish I could give all of these people a hug and let them know that life can be better EDIT: thank you all for the support and kind words! It really helps during those moments where I feel like relapsing. I’m now at 6 months clean and I’m continuing to work on myself EDIT 2: I don’t know if anyone is checking back but as of January 8th, 2023, I am officially 1 year clean!! I have been crying tears of joy throughout the day because I am finally allowing myself to be proud of my accomplishment. My parents even celebrated with me which was huge because I’ve always felt guilty about all of the pain I’ve caused them. To every kind stranger that left a comment, THANK YOU!! Having people rooting for me without even knowing me made this so much more doable and I intend to pay it forward

[@shcnab]

I hope and pray you will heal of this nasty disease. Talk to God, read the bible and good books, and don’t see the friends you had before. You can do it. My friend did it and she’s been clean for 25 yrs. study and now she’s a social worker for them. You can do it, life without drugs is much better🙏🏼

[@MrsVilla229]

Keep up the fight! You can do it!

[@BibbyVelum1]

One day at a time little sis, keep going back.

[@nenblom]

God bless you and good luck to you.

[@kokobean240]

Congratulations on your 5 months! May you continue your wellness and sobriety

[@chiugoaguwa2639]

The reporter or interviewer was so nice and knows how to speak to people with respect. I love that.

[@jamisonatanasoff3890]

I lost 2 friends last week from overdose I'm in recovery and have been clean 4 months this is definitely a motivator to keep pushing forward one day at a time

[@sedonarose7563]

Yes, love. You are worth it. And if you do slip up and need to use again, find one of those clinics and do it safely, not alone, have narcan ready.

[@jakeg3126]

Hope everything is still going strong.

[@donnajohnson8355]

Stay strong ❤ much love❤❤

[@jeanpierrepretorius2787]

Jesus loves you . Call unto him and you will be saved ! You are so loved by him and me

[@jakeg3126]

@@ivorie3804 Good luck and stay strong. I'm rooting for you.

[@carolkleinhans9612]

This is the most compassionate documentary on the tragedy of pain and addiction and homelessness. God bless the addicts and those helping them.

[@pamelamorris3148]

Well, they don't turn to illegal drugs for physical pain so that's a total rouse. People use these type of illegal drugs to numb the mental pain they live with. Totally different types of pain.

[@carolkleinhans9612]

@@pamelamorris3148 Pamela, pain is pain. Physical and emotional. I am quite sure that many addicts were first provided with prescription drugs.

[@AvalancheCleo]

Compassion is what we need. What all of these people need. They need compassion and love.

[@alphaomega8373]

@@AvalancheCleo We need more bra burning and pot smoking. Best music came out of that.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

@@rhondareed3002 Rhonda, I live with a painful chronic neuropathy and I empathize with you. Doctors in Vancouver gas lighted my intractable neuralgia and all they did was offer medication management which did not work! They completely changed my brain chemistry. I needed nerve blocks and surgery but they would NOT give me proper care. I was left in agony for years due to lack of proper medications and no sleep. I lost my job of 31 years due to their misdiagnosis. I had no voice. I was labeled with having cyclothymia when in reality I had a nerve that was stuck between two ischial spine ligaments! It was an repetitive stress injury caused by my being very athletic, having a career that required hip flexion activity every shift, being a gardener, shovelling snow on my driveway. Ligaments can be over stretched and they ‘ juxtapose’ in the body. I am lucky I met a registered nurse consultant because hiring her saved my life. Ten doctors in Vancouver would NOT advocate for my life saving surgery in America. I almost died due to medical fraud, medical misdiagnosis and medical neglect.

[@HollyWilliamsgaden]

Recovering Fentanyl Addict here!! It's hard...Over the past 8 year I've attempted sobriety 3 times & have stumbled...I take it day by day however this time is different...Its the longest I've been clean (26mths)...It is do-able! My prayers go out to all those suffering from addiction .. whether addiction is active or not!! YOU CAN DO ANYTHING! If you stumble, or trip and fall-get up dust yourself off and start to walk again along your path to recovery .. walk don't run .. It's a journey not a destination.. YOU MATTER!!

[@paulacook5157]

Thank you for telling your story and congratulations!

[@radicalaccounting]

good for you. I'm proud of you. Your life will get better, I'm sure of that !

[@davidparker4162]

Good for you, it’s not easy for sure. Respectfully…

[@charmainesmith5623]

Congratulations

[@carolkleinhans9612]

Holly, thank you for your honesty and courage. You give hope to the hopeless. God bless

[@M16_pew-pew]

The sad truth is that most people who judge addicts so harshly, won’t change their way of thinking unless they end up losing a loved one… and at this rate, they will eventually.

[@SheenHunter-SeattleFreeze]

This. ❤️

[@snookems17]

Sad but true. Addicts are humans just like you and me. They only have one problem, drugs. But this does not make them less of a human. Don't criticize them, go out there and help. If it's only one person daily, it still significantly impacts. I lost a few friends to heroin.

[@fugoffazshoel6357]

Its because Ive lost loved ones to it I feel the way I do.

[@8698gil]

My 38 year old daughter died of a fentanyl overdose a year ago. The day a police officer came to my home to tell me my daughter was dead is a day forever burned into my memory.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

😭

[@azulgarrett6305]

I used to be a heroin addict now I'm a documentary addict. This is one of the better opioid crisis documentaries I've seen. The couple that found love at first site was uplifting and heart warming to see, very moving. Love and compassion are two of the main ingredients to over come addiction. The lack of love personally is why I became addicted. Like that woman said in the camp when asked what does a hit of dope feel like, she said "Like a Big Hug", so true. The God Father of Junk the Pope of Dope William S. Burroughs said days before he passed "Love? Love is the greatest pain killer of all".

[@Stevawn33]

Dude that love quote hit home.

[@a.walters123]

I also was an addict to H. I’m on Suboxone now for 8 years and trying so badly to get off of it.

[@azulgarrett6305]

@@a.walters123 I've been on just about everything on off on again. Over 13yrs off any opioid. I was very fortunate to have a Native American(First Nation) Doctor that enlightened me to the healing addiction curing plant root medicine of Ibogaine. I was on 90mg of methadone for 2yrs before I stopped with the help of Ibogaine. It's not for everyone but the way I did it I had zero withdrawals. Suboxone like methadone are both long acting long half life opioids making them a bit harder and longer to kick. Be safe with a slow taper, good luck!

[@amberlocsaknot]

I am so happy you made it to recovery and am genuinely happy you survived, you have love from a stranger!!

[@Stevawn33]

@@a.walters123 keep fighting my brother you got this.

[@SilverDramaQueen1]

Excellent documentary. My heart goes out to all of these people. Thank you for humanizing them.

[@electrojazz14]

there's nothing to humanize, they are humans, but unfortunately the only thing that can stop their self destruction is them-self...

[@goodbyelullaby4894]

Многие из них ради дозы готовы воровать и убивать, если бы тебе пришлось столкнутся с таким вряд ли ты бы так рассуждал

[@slayingthabullshyt6854]

You have a heart.

[@Kevin-co7dr]

@@electrojazz14 thats very not true. Communities can save them. They need help. If they don’t get help they cannot all save themselves

[@jameskox872]

Voluntarily taken drugs that you know can kill you very easy . . . Doesn't make you a victim it just makes you stupid . . . Make stupid choices and win stupid prizes . . . Nobody is forcing them to take these drugs . . . And everybody has to live or die with the choices they make . . . And if you feel like life is so bad that you had to resort to these kind of drugs . . . Then maybe death is what they need . . . When you choose to dance with the devil then don't be surprised when you get burnt .

[@jennilopez1984]

I am crying as I listen to the young man with the blue, blue eyes saying how much he hates his life...and that he made 1 bad choice and is paying for it so horrifically. We've all made bad choices at one time or another. No one deserves this

[@ejpla.607]

Nobody deserves this!!

[@Barabba.]

Make me cry too, im 51 and when i was 17 a teacher, did a great gift to me the same of this guy , i still paid my bill. But i hope that blue eyes can save himself. Sorry if my english is uncorrect.

[@jameskox872]

And his life was so bad that he chose to do these drugs . . . Yeah I bet the drugs really made improvements and helped his life get better . . . Hahaha 😂 . . . He just went from bad to worse . . . When you do stupid things you win stupid prizes . . . Too bad these people ain't smart enough to figure that out . . . They choose to dance with the devil and think they'll never get burnt . . . Common sense if you going to dance with the devil you're going to get burnt sooner or later .

[@RelaxingNostalgia]

It's not about who deserves this,it's about which bad choice you decided to make.

[@crystalivee]

Made me cry as well

[@kaykandi6264]

Every time I watch these it makes me so sad but there is still hope to anyone out there struggling with addiction I was a IV meth and heroin user for almost 10 years straight and I have gotten clean and been clean for three years now and have a job working at a charter school and I absolutely love my life today… Stay strong everybody🥰🙏

[@roxannemarie7456]

Good for you! Congratulations.

[@christineseton7687]

Bless your heart so happy for you, Keep it up, stay strong, I lost my son 2years ago to an overdose of Fentynal, if broke my heart

[@TheTaylorspears]

That is incredible, you are an inspiration! Congrats on getting your life back 💜

[@mary4011]

God bless you

[@avishnya1]

Its horrible.... so much pain and this is really horrible... I cant change someone addiction, pay so much money to be clean from this, and after people arec coming back to the same rail... what to do... no chance to see the future,, not positive to think thank you have a future.. have no idea how to dsave peoples life addiction from marijuana, alcohol..... more than this.... what to do.. paying money for help people to built new life spending 2 years ago 55K, this year 25k... and no result at all

[@summerstern]

I lost my mom to long term addiction last year. She was an intelligent highly sensitive Princeton graduate who experienced a lot of childhood trauma. Addicts deserve care and treatment. These workers are angels.

[@jaelynn7575]

People in pain deserve care they are not getting b/c of addicts.

[@eileeneclark9011]

5/21/22...STOP giving out clean needles. Close these "hole in the wall" places that supply these ppl IMMEDIATELY! GET RID OF THIS WHOLE SUB-CULTURE OF STREET DRUGGIES.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

@@jaelynn7575 Exactly!

[@zahinarios3588]

im sorry for your loss and i hope she is freed from that trauma now

[@reglagirl5802]

Beautifully said

[@jen7973]

This breaks my heart. This could be any one of us. Be grateful for what you have today. It may be gone tmrw.

[@daryllect6659]

I could care less. I don't know how, but there must be a way.

[@fruitypeebils]

@@daryllect6659 must be a way for what? Idk what you mean

[@daryllect6659]

@@fruitypeebils No surprise there...

[@fruitypeebils]

@@daryllect6659 bro what are you talking about

[@footballroadtrips2752]

@@daryllect6659 You could "care less" means you care a lot. You do realise that right?

[@MalleableMetal1]

This hurts my soul. I’m lucky to be here today, and better for 14 months! It can happen and you can get well ❤

[@Salena_Christinme7]

I am lucky too I was hooked on opiates and I know towards the end of my addiction the heroin was laced with fentanyl, the feeling was way intense just taking one hit.. the withdrawal was the worst. I am almost 3 years sober and blessed to be alive. By the grace of God I am here. All addicts deserve to live, live to tell their story , they deserve to be heard, heal and be loved most of us are addicts because of trauma or how we were raised. There is so much I can say about the topic... But CONGRATS ON 14 MONTHS ❤️ I'm happy you are alive and here. I wish you a great life and pray for continuous strength to keep pushing through.

[@mla440tlk]

Congratulations to both of you. I am no addict, but my hubby was and has 22 years clean. It does not mean he is fully cured. He will always be an addict, but he is now in recovery and found a new way to live.

[@jamessherrill7175]

Good for you girl 👍

[@outandabout4812]

Congratulations, I wish everyone the healing they need.

[@lisaturtle1106]

We do recover!❤️🙏🏼

[@gennasantaquilani4863]

Spike seems like such a caring soul. I really hope he finds some healing and peace of mind. He looks like he's in a lot of physical pain.

[@Feverm00n]

He really does, and he seems very intelligent, insightful, and emotionally literate. He’d make a fantastic peer counselor… He’s definitely the one from this doc I most wish I could sit and have a chat with.

[@helenaschwartz7794]

Behind addiction and needing to run from pain usually is a soul that cares too much.

[@mice3y]

"One pay check away " what a reality check , fantastic documentary , with people really opening up their souls for the world to see ...this brought tears to my eyes.....

[@nataliesutherland7222]

Omg the guy in the hat and flannel shirt, he's so caring and eloquent. Seems like a lovely man. The way he said sorry to come into your space.

[@antidepressiv]

29:55 had me in tears. That moment is such a pure and real moment with two lost souls that share immense love for each other. It really really breaks my heart seeing her tears when he asks what she would've done if he died from an overdose. We tend to forget that these are people just like us. With compassion and dreams. My hearts go out to all of you who are battling with addiction.

[@markhurter5260]

Anyone knews about them

[@Doplev]

They both died, its in a comment below

[@Doplev]

I quote "This documentary must have been filmed over 2 years ago. Stunned to see my late nephew in it with his trademark hat. 😥He went to heaven on August 31, 2020 in the DTES. R.I.P. Stephen Southern 💔4:05 12:53 and 27:00 . The girl Julia he is with also died a few months earlier. He was suffering the loss of his mother the year before. This is all so sad - not only for me, but for our whole family"

[@keatonsparksvideoproductions]

​@@Doplevwas ge murdered or did he overdose again on fentanyl? How did julia die? 😢

[@graceskyephoto]

What an amazing documentary bringing awareness to a real epidemic and crisis. People forget addicts are people too. I loved the couple you interviewed. You can see and feel the love between them. My brother is a recovering addict and I always dreaded getting that phone call. His childhood best friend overdosed two weeks after getting out of rehab. Unfortunately I come from a long line of addicts but fortunately most have turned their lives around. Thank god my little brother turned his life around for himself and his family.

[@josephsvoboda4746]

The way Ronnie starts talking about the effect Fentanyl has had on his life at 41:58 with his eyes watering just breaks me. One of the most genuine depictions of dispair I have heard anyone ever put in words. I wish to every each and one of these individuals the best of luck in their journey to either social recovery or peacful passing.

[@nookie077]

That's the dramatic difference between mental states with addiction. At the beginning when we first see him, he's hi as fk, hence, him coming across as goofy and stupid and then at the end we see the moment of clarity as the drugs wear off and see he's actually quite insightful and intelligent, yet tortured. And this is why the cycle is hard to end: you just want to go back to being the numb goof rather than feel the pain.

[@HaggisMuncher-69-420]

It's almost like he should have never taken drugs in the first place :)

[@juliejeanable]

I just wanted to give him a big hug, so sad.

[@annettvanessaa]

@@HaggisMuncher-69-420 In your pretty little privileged world, yeah, you're right ;) Smart mouth

[@GoodPennyYHWHsaves]

😥😥😔😔🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@tonydegregorio4895]

I know from personal experience that addicts spend their lives masking the pain with drugs, and when someone cares enough to talk to you about that pain and open you up, it feels like the mentor you always wanted but never had. Very touching documentary. You might have changed a few or more lives with this one.

[@MelchizedekKohen]

indeed most addicts are simply lacking any love or empathy from another human being

[@karanfield4229]

Great comment 👍 👌.

[@skylerchan7746]

@@patsyhannah1674 hey love, im so sorry for your loss but as someone's kid, and a user. I know there's nothing that you probably could have done. I know kids who were in perfect house holds mom dad loves each other and the kid. It's just a trap we get ourselves in and honestly it is up to us in the end to stop using. Please rest your weary head and take a well deserved rest. Clear your head. I know the pain sucks im missing my father right now too. But my boyfriend tells me there was nothing I could have done, no way I could have known. So why punish yourself with it? I still do at times, but these words still play in my head. Like "my dad wouldn't want me hurting myself over him" start thinking like that.

[@mdj864]

@@patsyhannah1674 so sorry for your loss

[@LadyBeeV]

so sorry for your loss. if you never take any advice please, please take this one, or the guilt, grief sorrow, and pain will eat you alive. my son was addicted to heroin and I use to beat myself up for years with the same what-if, where did I go wrong until one day he said to me. Ma you raised me right and I chose to do drugs. I gave him a good foundation however once they get to a certain age sometimes our kids will experiment with their peers. or experience peer pressure who knows all I'm saying is if you know in your heart that you loved and cared for your loved one to the best of your ability and didn't enable their addiction then you have nothing to feel guilty about. its human nature for users to feel like that but it's not healthy. I hope you can find peace within yourself. God Bless

[@399Martina]

This was a very compelling video. I am saddened to see all the lost souls that have been taken over by drugs. I used to in my teens and twenties and one day I woke up and changed my life, I wish that these people could do the same. I wish I could help.

[@Blissiralabs]

Highly compelling and great characters interviewed throughout. Sound like you would have given this documentary an even deeper scope. Massive respect for having the strength of mind to break free and big love and hope to the lost souls out there. Pray they develop your level of iron mindset!

[@daryllect6659]

Total BS.

[@polarbearsrus6980]

We need to find out why people are too ignorant to understand how addictive opioids are. I have a hard time empathizing.

[@wassupg4653]

@@polarbearsrus6980 youre joking right?? u do realize most of the time it starts with drs prescription , then when that runs out, their body is goin thru withdrawals & getting dopesick, feel like they are dying so they start resorting to whatever they can find to change that feeling. youre not going into it thinking u will be addicted & by the time it hooks u, your brain is not all the way there to tell u that u should stop

[@Larsen3306]

🙏🙏🙏

[@marilyngunter3796]

This drug killed my beautiful full of life Nefphew… he was a addict. He had overdose twice and was brought back, he had been to rehab four times. We all thought he was on the road to recovery… He had asked to return to rehab, he never made it! We buried our precious nephew my sister son at the age of 33 years old. We are all heartbroken especially my sister and her husband undescribable pain. It was not Dustin’s intention to die, but this drug killed him he was an addict. 😞

[@marilyngunter3796]

And not to mention his beautiful sister…

[@anabaird3835]

Ronnie is somebody's baby. He was just like every other 1st grader learning to read, riding his bike, playing hotwheels& army guys, opening gifts Christmas morning. This is heart wrenching.

[@donnadavis3301]

Ronnie is my baby. There is nohing worse than watcing your child go through this.

[@melissamcmillan3559]

Man, I felt this comment bc while he had tears in his eyes describing his life, I thought “this is someone’s child” and I could see the little traumatized boy in his eyes as he spoke 😢

[@justlikeme2797]

@@donnadavis3301 why don't you help him get off the drugs? I myself is a current addict. You should have never give up on him even if he didn't quit. It may take a decade or a year or a months but if you continue to shower him with love and guidance and encourage him to quit and help him get to a rahab then he would surely quit and began to lived his life normally. You just have to show him what true love is and to never give up on him no matter what. What kind of parent are you letting your child suffer the worst fate in the world all by himself and you are here in the comment section clamming to be his parent.

[@ladnavar]

I know it doesn't mean much to say this, at least to him.. but Ronnie is a real hero for opening up like this... he is certainly the most memorable person/conversation in this video, and the way he actually opened up about his current troubles, talking almost without prompt for 3 minutes, makes him an absolute legend in my book! I hope he gets played a better hand, and finds a chance to get sober...

[@Kwatson855]

The real epidemic is the trauma and hardship these people endured that made them feel the need to use drugs to escape pain. It’s tragic that as modernized societies we can’t get a better handle on parenting, emotions, and trauma healing. Love, kindness and God are the answers.

[@thecleverk9cutie946]

God, I wish I could hug Ronnie and tell him that life will be okay if he can choose to fight the good fight in himself. That hurt me to see a grown man like that. 😔😭

[@delaneyexpressionalart]

i found my dad dead from an overdose /fentanyl poisoning December 8th 2021.. i was 20, he was 42💔 this is a huge & serious problem world wide right now.. my dad was an addict for a very long time but if there was no fentanyl in those drugs, my dad would still be here today.. i try to educate people on overdose, addiction & fentanyl poisoning. i’ve seen my dad lose so many people to it also when he as still around. we need help for this to stop or at least be more controlled…

[@SwaggyBraggyASMR]

When Spike said, “Let’s take a walk on the wild side. Well, it’s not the wild side, it’s a community of people that are dealing with a lot of pain and a lot of trauma” and that “mainstream society is a little bit intimidated by it or afraid of it,”it hit me hard. It really opens our eyes to how documentaries often dehumanize drug addicts. It’s really sad. Drug addiction is a disease. I’m so grateful this documentary focused on the actual people going through these things. This really opened my eyes to a whole new level of empathy we should all have. Mainstream society puts these people in a literal box, a literal part of the city, while everything else is gentrified and beautiful looking. It’s easier to compartmentalize problems and pretend they don’t exist, which is what society does to these people. Seeing raw footage like this is incredibly eye opening. Thank you.

[@itskeagan3004]

I’m coming up on 2 years free from this incredibly powerful drug fentanyl! Through a pandemic!!! It CAN be done!!!

[@chanelcarlson3001]

I compensate you you you for your beautiful words, very well spoken...words that needed to said! Addiction IS NOT PRETTY AND this documentary puts it in whole different light!

[@20bwannab1]

I want to see more of Spike. I liked the guy

[@ashleigh2227]

God bless 🙏

[@samanthav8728]

I am glad I saw this comment before I created one. I wish Spike would get out of there. He's a super cool dude and dang, he would be a legend in Recovery field and no doubt be able to reach hundreds if not thousands of addicts needing help! I was an addict and alcoholic and after getting one year sober I went to the place that saved my life and applied for a job. I worked there for 5 years and so grateful to help "Restore Hope" to the center that helped my hope return. I agree, empathy is needed. Compassion and resilience is too. You cannot give an addict an inch though. I knew people who said "I was he one that would steal your wallet and help you look all over for it!"

[@marydeleon3756]

The pain is palpable. God bless those with addictions and those beautiful activists.

[@benjaminsamford8328]

Sylvester is the most candid unabashedly unashamed street dealer I’ve ever seen interviewed.

[@theovansteijn1135]

That,s the way the game is played.

[@marcell3203]

That's the harsh reality.

[@_shinaman_3972]

I heard he OD in a park and died recently. Sad

[@brucegreen5781]

Lol white issues⚪️🗑💩💊💉😂🥴😵‍💫😵

[@rdgloveshouse]

@@_shinaman_3972 whered u hear

[@jorgeralda8345]

Addiction is a monster! my family and I have tried everything to get my little brother out from his drug addiction but no matter how hard we’ve tried, it always seems to overcome him😔

[@ericaevoy1]

When he said he made one choice and it was the wrong choice it hit me. I was a chronic alcoholic and coming up on 4 years sober. My kids have always been my main reason for keeping it.

[@charmainesmith5623]

Congratulations

[@davinastanton3865]

Congratulations Erica. 🌹🕊

[@ericaevoy1]

@@charmainesmith5623 I really appreciate it! Thank you!

[@ericaevoy1]

@@davinastanton3865 thank you so much. It’s all worth it for them! 💙

[@voltagebinary1006]

I'm 4 years sober too! Hi five =D

[@ChrissySteeleOfficial]

This documentary must have been filmed over 2 years ago. Stunned to see my late nephew in it with his trademark hat. 😥He went to heaven on August 31, 2020 in the DTES. R.I.P. Stephen Southern 💔4:05 12:53 and 27:00 . The girl Julia he is with also died a few months earlier. He was suffering the loss of his mother the year before. This is all so sad - not only for me, but for our whole family.

[@hjo2634]

This news from you, destroys me so. I had thought that they had both been broke free of this addiction. They needed to live on...and

[@porkkchop]

Broke my heart to hear about the passing of your nephew and his love Julia.. sincerest condolences. Prayers and blessings to you and your family...

[@naytay5796]

Sorry for your loss Chrissy :( I've been dealing with this crap for years with my 35-yr-old daughter, haven't seen my 8-yr-old granddaughter in over 2-yrs cuz'a her.. pisses me right fk'ing off. I HATE this drug, and feel as though someone or a group, or whatever.. needs to be accountable for all the death and misery. I have NO DOUBT that this was ALLLLLL on purpose. The opioid crisis that has effected nearly every walk of life, the homelessness (I know we had homeless ppl b4, like pre-covid bullshit I mean).. but to this extent..?? NO, I don't think so!! It's blatant gov't TYRANNY is what it is! Population control, mind control, we've got a nasty narcissistic, GOOF for a Prime Minister that respects and envies China's dictatorship.. it's preposterous he's still sitting up on Parliament Hill able to STILL make decisions regarding this country. Yup.. this was ALLLLLL a well-oiled plan as far as I'm concerned.

[@BonnChnd]

Please accept my condolences. I thought there was a chance they would make it 😢

[@BlueButterfly7777]

@@BonnChnd Same. : (

[@Neveia]

That was definitely a trauma response at 30:15 from her. I would guess she has undealt with grief and loss. It’s so sad the pain people are going through and trying to deal with it the best they can with what they have. I’m a D&A counselor and there are the days I wish I could just make the pain ease up for my clients that lasts more than their using could. It’s definitely a battle that only they can truly fight.

[@carlamarault2316]

My niece my best friend is in a coma as we speak due to this evil.

[@kimgraham9671]

i hope everything turned around for your family, positive thoughts your way

[@angeloflife4729]

Prayers for all.

[@debrarenteria8167]

Our daughter OD'd 3/20 on heroin/fentynal. We are raising her children and none of us will ever be the same.

[@Blessed73RP]

Lost my little brother 4/27 a day I’ll never forget

[@the-finn]

I don't judge these people; what I see is a lot of people in pain. They need help and compassion, not our judgment.

[@MichaelWilliams-in3iz]

@@igamesometimes2 you have no clue

[@paulacook5157]

I agree with you Finn! Who are we to judge?

[@Bunny11344]

Then open ur own doors then

[@ry.butterfly]

Yes ❤

[@the-finn]

@Meowmix ♥️ really a comment like that with a big ❤️ next to your name 🤣 Who's asking anyone to open their doors? I think you misunderstood my statement, I can have compassion without being assumed to be foolish enough to invite a drug addict into my home. We all know that's ridiculous. They are still human beings that with hope they can turn their lives around. Believe it or not, that is possible. Geez no need to be nasty. Don't we have enough hatred in the world???

[@jamiemaldonado1660]

I’ve watched documentaries here before and this is the first time I’m watching this and it’s truly heartbreaking people suffer from addiction. You know as a human you just want to help them you wish you could do something but you can’t. It’s so sad especially it’s all over the world. I live in California and it’s really bad here too.

[@beaniebaby638]

I am wishing every person who is going through addiction or has a loved one going through addiction love, peace and healing. Most of these people have been through things we can’t imagine I just wish you all the best truly ❤️

[@janegarcia4513]

I lost my youngest son at 17 to Fentanyl in 2009 when not many had heard of it yet. He was first in his class, athletic, charming, sweet and funny and I was so proud of him, but Fentanyl takes anyone. There is no such thing as healing for a mum.

[@pixieperfect22]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I fear this everyday with both of my sons who were heroin addicts for 7 years and traded it for Fentanyl. They are 28 and 26.

[@pixieperfect22]

@@accent1975 Where did she say she was proud of a junky?? First off, using the word "junky" when talking about this woman's son is super disrespectful. And 2nd, she obviously didn't know he was using until it was too late. She was proud of all the good qualities she knew him for. Next time, you should think a bit more logically before insulting a grieving mother.

[@MsMars.]

@@accent1975 rude.

[@MsMars.]

@jane: So sorry for your loss. What a crushing blow to lose your son.

[@justplainrobin3029]

I'm so sorry for your loss. My God give you peace.

[@porkkchop]

The love Julia and Steve share is intense. I could feel it. The way they look at one another is beautiful.

[@amymcgonegal3113]

They both are now victims of this crisis. The aunt of Stephen posted above that he passed 08/2020 and her a few months prior. I cried when I read that update. I also felt the same about their relationship, it made me tear up and I could see the care and compassion they had for one another. That breaks my heart :(

[@porkkchop]

@@amymcgonegal3113 That is so heartbreaking. Brought me to tears. Was so envious of the intensity of the love they shared. In life and in death... godspped & godbless

[@schoomzer]

porkchop Yes, hopefully they met up in the afterlife. They both passed, her first...then him.

[@schoomzer]

@@amymcgonegal3113 It's a pity that their love did not supersede their addiction.

[@frankernest5393]

She died a few months before him. So sad.

[@kibundle]

Reading these comments breaks my heart. The problem seems impossible. I remember reading about overdoses and it always meant death. I don't know how long narcan has been around, but it's saving lives.

[@natashaeiler9024]

I carry narcan in my purse after watching a guy younger than my oldest child and 2 years older than my youngest die of an OD while his “friends” ran and left him alone. He died in my lap. The very next day I went to the pharmacy and got a narcan nasal kit and had them show me how to use it. While I don’t agree with people using I still don’t believe they should die if I can prevent it. I have now, in the 3 1/2 years since, just ordered my 4th two pack of the narcan nasal and have it on me at all times. I still see that poor kid’s face every single time I try to sleep. I only pray his family know he didn’t die alone in the cold, that someone tried and someone was there holding him at the end.

[@statefarmjake8027]

Narcan saved my life 3 weeks ago. They found me unconscious on the bathroom floor, breathing at 2 times per minute. They had to narcan me 8 times to get me to come back. 8. Freaking. Times! I am so blessed to be here today. Fentanyl is absolutely no joke. It almost took me out. I was 100!percent scared straight. I have not touched anything since. Yes, 3 weeks is not a long time being clean, but it’s a start. I refuse to play Russian roulette with my life any longer.

[@melyserenidad6527]

@@statefarmjake8027 3 weeks is a tremendous accomplishment and good for you! I hope you keep going in your recovery and all the best wishes in the world for you.

[@siriusrha]

Saving?...🤡

[@Nyokicat99]

I love spike and he reminds me of someone i know who used to do drugs. I wish i could give spike a hug.

[@medicationknowledge612]

I was a fentanyl addict myself. Worst withdrawal of my life worst time of my life so glad I got off it. I still get extreme cravings after months of no use

[@susiebilk9905]

Please.,do,not cave

[@Tokiohotel192]

Hope you are continuing the fight

[@laronda1530]

praying your doing well

[@estherharing7430]

So glad you got off. Jesus can get you of these cravings, you don't have to do it alone

[@judibiggerstaff8054]

Stay strong. You are in a better place now.

[@jimr6846]

I work in this environment and it is sad. Many people make fun of addicts and say its their own fault. Addiction is horrible, and I believe 100 percent of people who are in this situation do not want to be, there. They all have trauma, mental health issues and personal demons that cause them to start. I see it daily and it is so sad. The answer is not simple but I believe we need to address the underlying problems of people. That is the only way to stop it. Thanks for this video, as it shows the "normal" citizens what it is really like on the streets.

[@shawnclifton7196]

Na. We got more important fish to fry, believe you me. Somewhere there is a 8 year old that needs a penis sewn on. Or an illegal alien that needs some right that I don’t even enjoy. Priorities son priorities

[@jasonowens1484]

Yes man they do make fun of us well really not fun they judge us!! Me and my wife are on this crap and we really really hate it!!! We are trying to come off of it but it is really hard we have been trying to get into the clinic but we have been on a waiting list for over 6 months bc they are not taking new patients bc of the the company that took over this clinic they are horrible ppl to work for last time I was in the clinic they took it over and my counselor was talking about it and now they don't even have enough counselors to take any new ppl bc they have quit. I'm in Cullman AL and it's bad here but if you looked Cullman up it's one of the best places to live in ALABAMA.. it's a horrible disease I started talking pills when I was 19 bc I hurt my back and it started but the best years I've done since was in the methadone or suboxone clinic but they make it so hard to get help and now that if your on fent your tolerance is so high it's crazy but we have trying to bring our tolerance down and I'm afraid that if we don't get into the clinic soon idk what will happen I've spent soooo much money on this crap I should be living in our own house driving a brand new truck but I buy this junk but thanks for understanding!!

[@jasonowens1484]

And no I don't go out and rob or steal for mine I work 7 days a week we do our own painting business we love what we do for a living

[@fugoffazshoel6357]

You miss %100 of the shots you dont take. -Wayne Gretzky/ Michael Scott. Addicts take that advice to heart. Or arm. Or between their toes.

[@Seanw-ij7yx]

u dont work i this environment, if you did you'd know what you said is just straight up false.

[@carriedixon1765]

Our oldest son, is lost to fentanyl. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.

[@KayMaria40]

These are the kind of documentaries we need to spread awareness of this crisis. When we are confronted with information that is delivered in away that we can humanize the people that are directly and indirectly affected by this, we are given the opportunity to empathize before placing judgment.

[@Zhe-Zhe]

The video was heart wrenching. The people who bravely offered their stories were so open, intellectual, kind, loving,and honest. They humanized this horrible drug crisis. I was happy to hear from the physician at the clinic that provided free and safe drugs to the people who came there. To hear his take on outcomes that showed people's lives being changed for the better was inspiring. The comment sections here has many stories told. To read about the people who have overcome the addiction and lifestyle is wonderful. We need to hear more of that and especially THEY need to be involved in telling us what it was that worked for them that led to recovery. And to give us insight into what WE can do as individuals and then as a society to help to fight this horrible epidemic.

[@sierragold]

Do you believe that fentanyl is harmful? Look at these neighborhoods-- are these addicts living a good life? Giving them "free and safe" drugs keeps these suffering folks IN ADDICTION!

[@Zhe-Zhe]

@@sierragold I agree with you starlight. I don’t think just giving out drugs is a good thing. But the doctor had talked about the added supports of programs to quit, that went along with the safe drugs, which apparently was working.

[@kyleewebster5964]

its kind of a tough subject, (coming from heroin addict of ten years), I believe it could be a good think in the sense that the drug is monitored as far as like DOSAGE/AMOUNTS administered, making overdoses less frequent because they don’t give them enough to O.D…..they of course should have to be participating in treatment of some kind, which ALSO SHOULD BE MONITORED, and they should have to drug test to prove they are only using the correct dosages given to them…idk its strange I feel theres things that make sense about it,but a lot wrong/totally counter productive about it ya know? at the end of the day……it all comes down to one thing….THE ADDICTED INDIVIDUALS HIT THE POINT THEY ARE 💯 READY TO QUIT & BETTER THEIR LIFE. That is the ONE AND ONLYYYYYY THING that truly will work to get an addict sober, sadly.

[@melissamcmillan3559]

@@sierragold yeah, let’s criminalize drugs and the addicts so that it gets them CLEAN?? Where? In jail?? These people are suffering TRAUMA. If you’re not affected by someone with an addiction, someone close to you is! Have some damn compassion. I live in Vancouver. We all drive past this neighborhood so desensitized that we just turn a blind eye. These people need decriminalization (thank god just passed) but also TREATMENT!!! Which is severely lacking, as well as homes…and I’m not talking about SRO’s. They need actual homes. But treatment and help with their trauma first! Thank for you are so untouched by addiction that you can be so judgmental, but if you lived in this city you’d either keep that blind eye, or have compassion and realize that harm reduction WORKS

[@melissamcmillan3559]

@@kyleewebster5964 if you are recovering, you should have some compassion and understand that addicts are only ready to get clean and sober when they are READY!! Making the actual drug decriminalized or harm reduction, does NOT MAKE OR BRAKE SOBRIETY.

[@tinawoodard4685]

My son In law just died this last Thursday from fentanyl! Something has got to be done!! This is ridiculously crazy!! Praying for all those who have struggled with addiction and still is!! Please seek help before it’s to late

[@LilyGazou]

I lost a nephew last year. He thought it was coke-/ but just enough fentanyl to stop his heart.

[@paulacook5157]

I am so sorry for your loss!

[@paulacook5157]

@@LilyGazou I am sorry for your loss also!

[@Ambah818]

I am so sorry for both of your losses.

[@sirb6553]

Got Instagram

[@director2bob]

I find it odd that dealer would be so cavalier about dealing fentanyl and showing his face on camera as he is public enemy number one. I respect him only for his blatant honesty.

[@queenofhorror29]

I watched this a year after it was released on this channel but it really opened up my eyes to addictions and how impactful it is in our world. I’ve seen people on social media glamorize and romanticize drugs and addiction like it’s a good thing and makes you “cool.” But this doc shows the reality, and it is heartbreaking. And addiction/addicts are so stigmatized and people are quick to judge them when they’re doing it mostly out of pain and trauma and that should be talked about, not criticized.

[@foxwoodjones9831]

My heart goes out to everyone out there suffering with addiction. It’s terrifying how easy it is to become addicted to the drugs vs how hard it is to get off of them.

[@allisonrogers1409]

But how easy is it just not to use the first time???? Ultimately, its their own damn fault.

[@Nightwishmaster]

@@allisonrogers1409 You have no idea what causes people to get addicted to drugs. The opioid epidemic can be traced directly to Big Pharma companies like Purdue for flooding the market with addictive drugs. Imagine going to a doctor who puts you on "medicine" that you have no idea in a very short amount of time will make you incredibly addicted to it, a medication you took without really understanding just how bad it is because you simply trusted your doctor enough to take the pills they gave you, then you suddenly get taken off it. I could say how easy is it to take the time to research a subject you're going to throw out a hot take on, as well as have a bit of compassion for humans going through struggles. You could have done that, it's ultimately your own damn fault.

[@brianbibb6591]

@@allisonrogers1409 just pray that you never get injured so bad that even after a failed surgery and against your morals your in so much pain that you get caught up in this probably half the people down there were injured to start with

[@sootuckchoong7077]

@@allisonrogers1409 I'm sure every Americans knows the danger of cocaine, morphine and lastly fantanyl. Yet they're willing to try, and die for it. Why?? I don't understand. Why must they try what can destroy and kill?

[@889d6]

It depends on the person i used to take 💊 on an empty stomach 1 or 2 a day stopped and then 1 month or 2 after i woke up with bone acheimg once nothing happened after am i lucky? But i never taken fetanyl that i am aware of veery likely not

[@heidikersey7280]

My brother died in 2004 in a terrible motel in East Hasting (Vancouver BC) He just gave up living from taking drugs since 16 he died @47. I wanted to see the place where he died (I live in Ontario) but police strongly advised me that wouldn't be a great idea. 😕 Miss my buddy and dance partner so so much . Love you Rob💞

[@michaelmurray5505]

Just terrible that the Democrats won't stop it from coming across the Border.They don't care about these people because they don't vote it seems they care more about illegal aliens who will vote.The only problem with that is they think they will be voting with out I.D.That will never happen.

[@MaidensWorldOfWax]

My deepest condolences . I too lost my brother in 2017 from this terrible scourge. Vancouver, Kitchener or Halifax its happening everywhere. Its so sad.

[@SherryBaby2003]

Wow you all are saving lives- I pray that long lasting change will come for the suffering addicts to find help and recovery! The struggle is real - I know all about it 😢

[@MsTiffanyLyn]

God bless the woman and other workers like her (21:24) that literally patrol around town, SAVING LIVES!!

[@2024s_truth-speaker]

For real! They are great people I hope they reach all their goals and have a great life

[@torino390]

She's literally a Saint. An unsung hero. Bless her heart.

[@siriusrha]

Rather extending the problem.

[@MsTiffanyLyn]

@@torino390think about all the dead bodies they would be cleaning up instead though

[@crystalhendry5607]

The kid in the jersey at 42 minutes absolutely breaks my heart!

[@raysanchez2353]

I wish I could give every single one of them a hug. A lost child for someone. A lost mother and father. A lost brother or uncle. These people deserve to be fought for. All the money we spend in war and on superstars we could be saving our world..

[@claudiaargueta3767]

Yes, everyone wants the war money to go elsewhere but let's Zoom in for second and think about how we can make the world a better place on a daily basis. One more kind word, one less mean word. This alone can make a difference . This video of awareness is also a step.

[@jrnuckollsakajasonleigh2804]

Amen sad I have to say most people on drugs are good people who was hurt by someone or something in life they couldn’t handle and it’s so much easier to ask to buy drugs than it’s to ask family or friends for a hug

[@foreverlove8919]

@@jrnuckollsakajasonleigh2804 JR you're right about that. I lost my 4 year old baby boy one Christmas to a brutal torturous death. I can't cope and won't cope. Nobody gives a damn. Now when someone is killed they go to the streets and protest. Nothing for my baby though. 💔

[@flickwtchr]

And wouldn't it be nice if a billionaire or two would chip in.

[@foreverlove8919]

@@flickwtchr did you read my comment? Wouldn't it be nice if my 4 year old innocent 😇 baby got justice so he can rest in peace finally?

[@gaynorsprules-xo9jp]

Thank you for a insight into what it’s like at Kensington , I actually cried seeing how much it affects people and the wonderful job volunteers do to help , but I did notice how people get along from all walks of life that live on the streets, it’s hart breaking to see this .

[@PinkyJujubean]

Watching this made me cry because I started thinking about all the people I've lost to drugs of various kinds. I was never an addict but I've been around them all my life and I've known lots of people who died because of drugs either directly or indirectly. It's just sad really. All these people on here remind me of people I knew.

[@lumpchunker5516]

I lost a childhood friend to a Fentanyl overdose on the streets of Vancouver this past fall. I was completely unaware of just how serious and widespread this epidemic had become. These are sick, desperate people who need our compassion and care before it's too late. Utterly heartbreaking...

[@DaveSCameron]

It needs legalising and now!?

[@abocas]

People need to understand that the best "treatment" for this is to not start! How hard can that be ??

[@abocas]

@Phil Andrei Vasilievsky Green As a health care provider/ reg. nurse who worked with addicts for many years back in the 80' and 90', I can tell that the statistics don't look good. In Western countries less than 10% get out of their addiction. You may want to help but most often they don't want to be helped. It is a real uphill battle and it takes a tow on those who want to help.

[@gilliangoodman6362]

So sorry for your loss 😥 its so out of hand now and so heartbreaking 😔

[@diedefending420]

Our so called "compassion and care" led us to this point. If we went after China for supplying it and in America we got control over our southern border it would greatly reduce the amount of fentanyl coming into our country.

[@moreblack]

Watching Spike move breaks my heart, given the extent of his injuries when he got hit on his bike, everything takes a toll on his mindset, his movements, his attitude, it's really dark.

[@debartellomartinez7214]

I have never done drugs in my life so I just think the whole drug war and fentanyl epidemic is comedy for me to watch, follow and enjoy.

[@vib.8036]

this documentary is so well made and it is absolutely heartbreaking to see how the people are suffering and nobody really cares…especially ronnies story made me sad, i would like to know where he is now and if he‘s doing better…

[@kyralemieux1271]

A few months ago, I stepped out of Sainsbury's to find someone unconscious and not breathing in the street from an overdose. A couple of us came over to help. I'm first aid trained and so was someone else who stopped, he administered chest compressions while I monitored the pulse. We were able to keep his heart beating until the ambulance came, and they were able to revive him with Naloxone. That experience has stayed with me - probably will stay with me the rest of my life. I will never know his story, I will never know why he took the drugs or even what he took, I'll never know even his name. But I think about him a lot. He wasn't 'a junkie,' he was a human being, and I'm glad he lived to see another day because strangers stopped and helped. I haven't told a lot of people about it because it always feels like bragging, but rewatching this documentary after the incident has me a bit emotional about him. I hope he's doing okay now.

[@AdamOwenBrowning]

I'm here in the UK. Woman pushing her pram down the road, veers to the right and onto the road, then gets back onto the paving. Later on I see that she swerved to avoid a body in the street and didn't even check to see if that person was alive. She was, an NHS-trained HCA ran over and once she assessed this body in the street could breathe and wasn't in a state of breakdown, she left. How "normal" does this need to be for us to just step over and around bodies in the street? One crossing away and there is a paving slab that we peeled up without any permission and replaced it with an engraved one. Engraved with the name and date of birth of a schoolfriend stabbed to death there over drug-dealing disputes. I've seen it, I don't carry Narcan (because getting involved to help in OD situations often quite dangerous and this is underplayed in the doco) but I probably should. I've seen three OD's in my local park where I played football as a child. I've been mugged there by addicts. This is some kind of social disease that will spread everywhere. That woman lying there was just a human being. When I was found delirious by the side of the road, I was just a human being too. But when they are dirty, of a different race, with a rougher accent... people stop caring. My city is slowly dying under the collective weight of how miserable its inner-city denizens are, and what they do to medicate and cope with it.

[@Sezz-Bo]

@@AdamOwenBrowning thats actually so sad and evil for that woman who had medical training not to stop and help. Glad you did,you should be praised, as so many ppl would walk by and not give a fck, respect!x

[@chrisbonds5947]

I lost my husband of 23 years 2 monthes ago and recently started to do it myself. I don't know how else to deal with it

[@melyserenidad6527]

@@chrisbonds5947 I hope you're ok. And know that someone sees you.

[@tebogodinakedi9144]

This is sad and informative when you're addicted it's tough, shows sometimes we complain over nothing.

[@elizabethlandriault3547]

Last month I lost my brother and my fiancé. Finding my fiancé dead in a puddle of his own blood & cold was traumatizing. I’m 14 months sober and I never wanna go back to that lifestyle. I miss them both so much. Whatever the government is doing is not working. Instead of enabling(giving needles, tin foil, pipes, “safe supply”, cigarettes etc) they should be opening more treatment or recovery facilities. Instead of criminalizing addicts, give them somewhere to go that can actually help them! Opioid crisis is killing more people than suicides, homicides and natural deaths put together.

[@Killmaisy]

The moment between Steve and his girl when he asked her, "What would you do if I died?" And when she was quietly thoughtful for 10 very heavy seconds? It was next-level intense.

[@bandjolyn]

His nose got so red. That was so much pain and regret. I'm glad they've found each other.

[@b8nnytez]

Yeah, that was a bit hard to watch. It was emotion even the best Hollywood actors couldn't have replicated.

[@hesherette]

@@bandjolyn Stephen's aunt commented on here, she said this must have been filmed over 2 years ago because he passed away Aug 31st, 2020 and that Julia had passed away a few months before he did. very tragic.

[@carlab2626]

@@hesherette are u fr?

[@hesherette]

@@carlab2626 sadly i saw it in the comments. rip to them both.

[@3devv4]

The interviewer is very sensitive, non judgemental. He is respectful, gives people their dignity.

[@Christina.N.]

I am jaw dropped. That small amount of fentanyl killing people is unfathomable . Sylvester openly talking about selling to people who’ve more than likely died is unbelievable . I can’t believe he’s showing his face on camera. This is insanity.

[@leyley952]

Actor💡

[@mariondi]

@@leyley952 Dont beleive this for a mn. This is candy man.

[@randyleonard4126]

​@@mariondi I have been down there a few times,even tho it is 3 provinces away from me..Hastings & Main = wastings & pain..This is absolute truth for that area..It's truly unbelievable..This is all real life people trapped in addiction where the fentanyl supply is endless!!l

[@mariondi]

@@randyleonard4126 Thank you so much for your input! People are in pain. This is real. This is real lives contempory struggles. We better shake up.

[@randyleonard4126]

@@mariondi Your very welcome..Each time I had been thru there it was truly mind boggling,seeing the endless amount of human suffering happening there..Not that downtown East side Van. is the only place where this is thriving,but the only place I have seen extreme numbers of people drowning in addiction...

[@sabrinabynum9573]

I feel really bad for the guy who said he wishes he didn’t wake up sometimes. I hope and pray he gets the help he needs. Hopefully this documentary brings help to the community.

[@theviewfrom5296]

I’ll be clean from opiate addiction 7 years in September. This documentary really hit so hard…I got out before fentanyl hit my area, and even though it’s a much stronger lethal drug than the pills and heroin I was married to, the things done for it, the things felt because of it, the thoughts of what life is like-it’s all the same. It brought me back, but also reminds me how blessed I am to be alive and have my active addiction in the rear view mirror. Hearing it referred to as a Stockholm syndrome is something I never heard, but is insanely accurate. Its far from easy to “just get clean” but IT CAN HAPPEN. The people swapping clean needles, running Narcan, setting up safe injection sites--it’s truly incredible. Thank you for portraying it. The stigma of an addict can only go away with the spread of accurate information. And if you are high, or dope sick watching this trying to pass time-we DO RECOVER!!

[@roywaters536]

3 years off opiates here. Keep up the good work.

[@fredakurzbard4962]

The methadone program saved my life . It works for me. It feels good not to have to run around looking to get straight and maybe dying from an overdose. Methadone saved my life

[@theviewfrom5296]

@@fredakurzbard4962 thank you for saying that! I am in the Methadone program myself, it saved my And my fiancé’s lives. And it was the only thing that did. But we couldn’t tell even our sponsors at first, and I still have to REALLY trust a non-addict with that information and often have to explain the truth about it-because there is such a stigma around using any medicinal means (methadone, suboxone) especially by a lot of recovering addicts-which, Im sure I don’t have to tell you. But I am not only so proud of your recovery, but for openly talking about the positivity of methadone. If you do it the right way, it will save your life. I hope we get to a point where we don’t criticize the path or minimize someone’s recovery work, but to celebrate that a life was saved. Stay strong ❤️❤️❤️

[@fredakurzbard4962]

Between us I don't really care what people say about me. And you shouldn't either. You have survived and you have moved on. Good for you. Live life and prosper.....

[@pussycats456]

How long are addicts on the Methadone, that’s supposed to get them off other drugs? Are they simply swapping one addiction for another? One that tax payers, like me, are paying for! I’m in the UK, so the good old NHS picks up the tab!

[@772amanda237]

As a former fent addict myself, this breaks my heart. I struggled with addiction for almost 4 years between legal prescription pills with fent over 3 years of it. I'm so grateful to have found the methadone clinic I'm going to daily now. Suboxone did NOT work for me. If you're reading this and still in active addiction, I never thought there was hope for me, but I made it out and you can too. I travel over 1.5 hours round trip daily to get to my clinic and it's worth every mile. Prayers to all those affected by this horrible disease 🙏 and to lives lost 🙏

[@louisecollet]

Good for you. I was on pills myself for few years. Tried rehab once, didn’t work, I decided to try methadone, best thing I ever did. Was on for 2 yrs clean the entire time. Methadone works, if u want to stay clean, I could go to work, and carry on a normal life.

[@772amanda237]

@@louisecollet thank you, and you too! Methadone is a miracle drug and I'm incredibly thankful for it. I am finally able to live a healthy, clean, and productive life.

[@babyblue797]

I'm in constant pain every day can't work and can't get anything thanks to addicts like you, yet here you are STILL able to get whatever you want. What pisses me off. You got us cut off and you're still benefitting while we suffer. Perhaps i need to start telling docs and clinics i'm an addict so i can get whatever i need. So glad you're grateful because you did this to us. There's people committing suicide because of pain and can't get help but glad you ppl are happy now

[@anneblubaugh58]

@@babyblue797 hold on just a minute…. I have been suffering on chronic pain for 20 years and um no! You have ZERO right to judge anyone! It’s not right the doctors are cutting people off their pain meds but it is also not right to judge people who suffer from addiction either! Those are potent chemicals and are very very hard to come off from!

[@jimelsom5199]

Subs sure worked for me. Like magic. Whatever works do it before you die..

[@radicalsini]

Lost 2 of my family to drugs, and I hate how easy it is to blame the addicts, but these people don't know what past they've had, or how hard it is to get off the stuff after one injection- my parents always told me to never ever touch it because there will never be just a one time... but sometimes its all people have for comfort and solace...

[@melaniedale-sutton9801]

Shout out to all the volunteers and helpers and nurses and doctors and emergency workers who have the souls of angels facing this sadness every day 💜💜💜

[@carmenl163]

This is hands down the best documentary about the fentanyl crisis. I wanted it to last another hour, because everyone that was portrayed was so special and interesting. Thank you for sharing!

[@TheDHGP]

Im laughing at this; The guy in the beginning. He talks with confidence His demeanor is condescending, authoritative. He speaks highly in regards to the drugs he consumes, that consumes him. The documentary crew bolster and embolden and encourage this good feeling, feeling of importance, he's in the limelight. He acknowledges a bystandard or buddy, and chuckling, he prides himself on the fact that people are crediting him attention at the expense of his dignity and better moral judgement, to lecture what the feeling of intoxicating yourself with chemicals FEELS like. With a needle in his hand, loaded. People like this will not be missed.

[@rosemarielemardy-athmann9244]

Ronnie's heartbreaking honesty in depicting his utter despair brought tears to my eyes. He was in my opinion the one who truly brought it home for me, such a young man, its so sad because I see his hopes and dreams....to him they are already a thing of the past, hes probably only in his 20s and feels 100 yrs old. GOD BLESS all of the poor souls, I wish I could help just one at least.

[@hopeful6157]

❤️💯🙏❤️

[@laceyjade9834]

Seriously hope he makes it 🥺 I’m still sobbing after watching his segment.

[@joseerose81]

He affected me also…so sad…I wish I could help him and everyone really. 😔

[@judycochran4473]

Yes I got that all so he made me cry God bless him he really wants a better life I pray it comes very soon.

[@Ohsorissy]

Same here, I could feel his torment. I really hope his life is saved. I see him being a great advocate and voice for others ❤

[@josephdill3776]

2 years sober from fentanyl literally today. I feel so bad for every one of the people who feel this. Sober or sick. I love you.

[@sedonarose7563]

Congrats, love. You are worth it 💕

[@kellsiediemer872]

In Paramedic school currently, started whatching videos like this while studying. Heartbreaking that IN Narcan isn't as readily available as it should be. I'm always baffled at colleges who disagree on providing Narcan and clean gear for individual with addiction. Half of our patients are those with addiction and the elderly. Through helping provided clean tools and Narcan we reduce the critical patients we have as well as contact with transmittable diseases that could be reduced by providing these tools. These are still people who need help and don't deserve to be discarded because they have an addiction. Just some of my thoughts. My heart goes out to those with and affected by addiction. 💜

[@chiefkeefsosablingblaowww6488]

when the woman said the husband and wife were reaching for each other while OD really breaks my heart, my bf and i have been clean together from fentanyl for 7 months i pray for the addicted couples in the world I’ve been there so my heart goes soft when I see these babies dying like this🙏🏽

[@smokefentanyl]

Hope you are doing well, stay strong and know what you are doing is for your future, a one - two hour long buzz isn’t worth throwing your future away for. If going gets tough, try Suboxone or methadone before you go back to fentanyl.

[@jasonvoorhees5640]

so are you still clean?

[@blackdonaldtrump3869]

I’ve lost pretty much everyone to fentanyl including myself almost.. been clean for 2 years thank god

[@badnewsbruner]

Good on your Jimmy!! Keep up the great work, my friend :) I'm glad you're still here with us!!

[@deniserenee6505]

Same. I look at old pics and more than half of the people I grew up with are dead. Congratulations on 2 years. I’m almost there. Next month is my big day. It’s a huge deal because every time I get close to two years, I relapse.-I can’t ever make it to two. This time is different. I work at a rehab now and I’m happier than I’ve ever been. Sublocade saved my life.

[@badnewsbruner]

​@@deniserenee6505 Look at you, out there killin' it!! Congratulations on your nearly two years of sobriety, that's an incredible achievement and you should be very proud of yourself. I think it's awesome that you work as a peer with people who are in active addiction. It's a tremendous help to people in active addiction to be mentored by people who have been right where they are. I attend a methadone clinic (7 years this July, holla!!) and there is a peer support group which consists solely of addicts who are now clean, it's an amazing program filled with great people. Damn, I love success stories :)

[@minigrrl]

What wonderful news, I am sure your soul is thrilled to see your radical change. Bless you. Much love.

[@simoneee31]

Proud of you. Please stay strong ❤️

[@Pot_o_Tee]

I'm an ex addict! If anyone needs to rant hit me up ( on here) ... "I'de rather listen to someone's story , than go to ther funeral"

[@teresaheckendorn3871]

Excellent video Thank you to all those that were brave to share the pain ...u change my mind and thoughts...

[@humanimal4dub926]

When the documentary started and the guy was talking about what it felt like with the tunnel vision and just literally dropping dead....he was spot on. When the guy responded with "You think your dead" all I could say outloud was NO YOU'RE DEAD BRO. I know many people who are addicted to this substance and I honestly love them with all my heart. Out of curiosity I asked a friend why do you do that if it kills you and he didn't have an answer. I'm a man of experience and in order for me to understand something so complicated and relate to the people I love I wanted to try it. (I do not fault my friend for this because at the end of the day it was my decision) I asked him for a little tiny bit on the edge of a card. I'll never ever put a needle in my arm or any part of my body...so I gave it a little sniff. And I understood the very short euphoria trip....but it wore off fast....next thing I know I go downstairs to leave to head home and I just stopped in place right before his door threshold. I slumped almost all the way to the ground and all of a sudden everything got dark...I had that same tunnel vision. I fell out onto the floor and just dropped dead. I was dead. Luckily he found me and gave me narcan. I am a pothead and me trying to relate to his struggle literally scared him into going into rehab for a while. He got out and he's a totally different person. As for me and my curiosity....I will never, ever take a gamble like that again. It is as powerful as people say and I'm a living example that even the dust of it can and will kill you. I have 0 tolerance for it while my friend had a very high tolerance. I will never do that again. Because of what I've experienced personally just from that one experience....I do my very best to encourage others that there is no point to it if you want a future.

[@sararichardson737]

Thanks for sharing!

[@michelledesjadon1476]

Wow..That is so scary!!! I'm glad he found you in time💖

[@legionsarecoming4-u371]

NOW FIND YOUR PURPOSE ( GOD KEPT YOU FROM DYING IN YOUR SIN) AND WALK IN HIS NEW GIFT OF LIFE! YOU ARE A WALKING TESTIMONY!,.. NOW GO SAVE SOME LIVES! GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY 🙏❤️

[@Shellyshocked]

My daughter's boyfriend kept relapsing and she asked him why he does it. He couldn't explain why so she asked him if she could try it. He initially said no but, eventually he let her try a tiny amount of his fentanyl. She died instantly. By the time the ambulance got there 5 minutes later she was blue and unable to be revived. She was only 21 years old. She worked with addicts and suicidal people in a hospital. It was her job to sit with them to make sure they were ok after an overdose. I always wonder if it was seeing it day in and day out that made her curious. It only takes one time with the stuff out there today.

[@wioi]

@@Shellyshocked the thing is you don't start out with fentanyl. You usually start out with heroine then morphine like substitol or compensan, oxytocin etc. So of course fentanyl is too strong for someone who never even tried a small line of heroine before. I don't get why someone who already uses doesn't know that in the first place and let's someone without tolerance try it when knowing that it is a death sentence

[@misserica5524]

My bf passed away from an o.d. I was asleep and woke up and couldn't save him in time. No one can ever understand what it's like, the addiction, the loss, the pain...unless you've been through it. Time doesn't heal all wounds at all.

[@PolishBehemoth]

And you didnt try to get helo before the final deathlydose?

[@allyebenau3268]

@@PolishBehemoth did u not read the part where she was asleep?? He didn't do it infront of her and pass away before her eyes. She was asleep. He was obviously fine when she went to bed Wtf was she supposed to do. Don't give this girl the "didn't you think to get help?" Line, making her feel responsible for it.

[@barbrothers2]

@@allyebenau3268 He means try to get him off drugs before this happened. Which is why is said try to get help BEFORE the final dose.

[@tosehoed123]

@@PolishBehemoth just be happy you don't understand

[@jasonvoorhees5640]

@@PolishBehemoth sound like she's the one killed him tbh

[@johnnyblaze8439]

I was an addict from 18 to 30, and toward the end, fent was becoming more popular. The best decision I made was getting on methadone now as controversial as that is. I am able to hold down a full-time job and have a new car have things. Absolutely living my best life. So sorry for everybody who has lost a love one. Remember their is hope

[@will1hago66]

Long term Methadone user here. Hi! News for ya. You’re still a addict.

[@real_mr_Hyde]

The way she looks at him when he asks "-what would you do if I died?"... the time they take staring at each other's eyes.. what a poem. Best poem I ever cried with

[@sydxoxo]

And they both ended up passing away, her before him. Makes me so sad

[@MT-zm1yb]

@@sydxoxo Omg how do you know this?? THat's gut-renching. They seemed quite lucid and shook from that incident. Had hoped they had turned their path around

[@barbrothers2]

@@sydxoxo They were acting like they didn't even do drugs. I didn't like them. Saying they don't mess with it anymore.. you're homeless for a reason, stop lying.

[@kimmyymmik]

@@sydxoxo that’s truly sad 😢 they seemed very in love

[@patti4785]

Having been a psychotherapist in the addiction service for 25 years I am absolutely broken hearted watching this. 😔

[@Bradley1994]

This is the best documentary I’ve seen on opioid abuse. The people that fall victim to this drug are not just people living on the streets, either. I’m thankful for this crew heading down and talking with people on the streets and humanizing them & their stories, but it’s just one part of the story. Fentanyl affects “normal” people too, it’s just functioning addiction. It’s your classmates, bosses, employees, teachers, preachers & parents. Like a lot of kids from my low-income area we partied with pills. Percs, oxys, etc. When that supply became too expensive a lot of people turned to the Blues. The misconception is that all fentanyl users are being tricked into taking it by dealers. That’s not the case. People just don’t realize that they’re selling their soul to the devil when they start. “What’s cheap and strong” to start is blowing all your money and dope sick every 2 hours. I’ve been clean from fentanyl for almost 2 years & I pray for everyone trapped that you find something to live for and fight.

[@shelby8364]

what helped you get clean, if you don't mind me asking? I've been fighting fent addiction for almost two years and it's the worst (as I'm sure you know). literally sick right now

[@Pot_o_Tee]

I'm an addict of 32 yrs ,clean fr only 9 month ! Wen my partner of 15 yrs passed away....I'm clean but empty! Pls be careful

[@carlahavemann7720]

This was such a humane approach. I salute those committed to helping these communities and my heart goes out to those afflicted.

[@KB-ke3fi]

CLOSE THE BORDER

[@zachsabbath1]

@@KB-ke3fi Meanwhile, the root cause of the opioid epidemic is the overprescribing of prescription drugs like Oxycontin. I'm from Central Appalachia which had been ravaged by opioids 15-20 years before it was declared as an epidemic. I never thought I would see heroin in this area until it became harder to obtain drugs like Oxycontin. No one cared about Hillbilly Heroin until rich kids started dying. Now, entertain me with how closing the, I assume Mexican, border would help. As if the Canadian border and other ports of entry don't exist. Here's an idea--maybe conduct a little research instead of relying on bullshit political talking points.

[@shelbyw6135]

@@KB-ke3fi to what end, probably too late, such a shame though.

[@poppyfield1619]

It's a double edged sword. People committed to saving addicts' lives, when the addicts themselves are dicing with death every time they inject or snort or whatever.

[@darko-the-anomaly]

I live in Torontos Shuter / Sherbourne corner, its EVERYWHERE, i get asked 20x a day if I want it! YOU GOOD, YOU GOOD, YOU GOOD! FFS! IM GOOD WITHOUT IT!

[@smang7866]

😊🤜🏽🤛🏾 been on both sides of the fence but I can relate more now to your frustration😊

[@billy6pack887]

@@smang7866 exact same in Medicine Hat Alberta right now. Me and my buddies just beat a couple dealers for fun the other month I don't wanna specify more on here. F them.

[@billy6pack887]

@@smang7866 I was hooked on hydromorphone and oxymorphone for 2 years. Just tried fentanyl once, ODd, and have been clean from everything for 4 years now.

[@kristatatem6087]

I used to live on the Esplanade and had to transfer at Hooker Harvey's. What a sight.....early in the morning.....it's like being amongst zombies. Terrible:(

[@Walden1995]

Yall got that blue or pink or purple ?

[@camelmexanic6509]

Я живу в Росии в 1997 году попробывал опиум, затем героин, далее кодеин, сидел на игле около 13 лет, был на реабилитации в христианской общине, служил людям, но всё равно срывался и начинал колоться., лежал в клиниках, я всегда мечтал бросить, но уже не мог, 90% моих друзей умерли от наркоты..,сейчас я более 10 лет чистый, даже бросил курить семья, дети, и знаете почему так всё пошло, потому что в нашем городе исчезли, запретили даже в аптеках кодеино содержащиие таблетки, вообще всё запретили и всё исчезло, мне это и помогло, но это моя история, у вас всё сложнее от депрессии всё продают, по сути те же наркотики, вот она цена своды всего.. Удачи всем бросайте эту херню парни!!! Жизнь одна!

[@splinterbyrd]

January 2023 I've asked the production company if they had any news regarding the people in this film. They've replied; "Hi Declan, I’m afraid almost everyone in the documentary has since passed away, this is the sad fact of Fentanyl addiction, it always ends badly." 😢

[@user-gz7ow7lp3p]

私は詳しくはしりませんしかしお悔やみをもうしあげます

[@Brock_Landers]

My cousin was an extremely smart person, she worked her backside off and went to school for YEARS to become a RN and she became addicted to whatever she could get her hands on. When she passed, three days before her 29th birthday, she was found with two Fentanyl patches on her stomach. She also had diabetes really badly. She became yet another friend and loved one that I've lost due to opiates, and she was like a sister to me. It's truly sad.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

It sounds like the fentanyl duragesic component level was way too high. There are different amounts of the fentanyl in these patches. Do you know what level of fentanyl was in your sister’s patch? I’m so sorry,

[@Sunset553]

I’m so sorry. She was so young

[@jonathansheats3583]

I lost my best friend to this addiction 6 years ago. I planned to write more but I'm crying already. It still really hurts.

[@Dianelee999]

Enough said, Jonathan. 😔💜