Watch American Junkie

American Junkie is a gripping docu-series that follows the personal journeys of young people battling drug addiction in the United States. The series premiered in 2018 on Viceland and features real-life footage and interviews with individuals struggling with addiction, their families, friends, and healthcare professionals.

The series is led by the charismatic and relatable Frankie, a young woman with a harrowing past of addiction, homelessness, and sex work. Frankie's own journey serves as a backdrop for the show and allows viewers to understand the harsh realities of addiction on a personal level. Frankie guides the audience through the experiences of real-life addicts, sharing her own wisdom and insights along the way.

The show is a stark reminder of the grim reality of addiction and the devastating impact it can have on an individual's life. Each episode focuses on a different addict, their background, and their journey towards recovery. The first episode follows the story of Allie, a young woman living in Oregon who struggles with methamphetamine addiction. Allie's story is raw, emotional, and occasionally disturbing, and provides an unflinching look at the realities of addiction.

The show doesn't shy away from depicting the darker side of addiction. We see Allie and other addicts displaying shocking behavior, such as stealing, lying, and engaging in risky sexual behavior to support their habits. However, the series also highlights the humanity of these individuals and their struggle to find hope and purpose in the midst of their addiction.

The show also features input from healthcare professionals, such as counselors and addiction specialists, who offer insights and guidance on the best approaches to treating addiction. Each episode also depicts the various stages of rehab, from detox through to aftercare, highlighting the complex and long-term nature of recovery.

One of the standout qualities of American Junkie is its willingness to tackle complex issues around addiction, such as the role of poverty, mental illness, and trauma in driving individuals towards drugs. The show depicts the addicts not as faceless statistics, but as complex individuals with histories and motivations that contribute to their addictions.

Overall, American Junkie is a powerful and thought-provoking series that shines a light on the realities of addiction in the United States. It isn't an easy watch, but it's an important one, offering insights and perspectives that challenge our preconceptions and beliefs about addiction. The series will undoubtedly leave viewers with a greater understanding of the challenges facing addicts and their families, as well as a newfound empathy for those struggling with addiction.