Fentanyl’s deadly grip on St. Louis | Unreported World
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Published 2022-05-01
Across the United States for the first time ever over 100,000 people have died from drug overdoses in a 12 month period, the vast majority from Fentanyl, an opioid painkiller fifty times more potent than heroin, and much cheaper to buy. It’s a grim reality which is only getting worse with its devastating effects being felt everywhere. Not least in rust belt middle-America towns like St Louis, which not only has one of the highest murder rates in the US, but last year also saw 436 overdose deaths.
WARNING - this film contains images of drugs being prepared and discussions around drug use.
Producer/Director: Nick Blakemore
Series Producer: Andy Lee
Executive Producer: Ed Fraser
Production Company: Channel 4 News
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All Comments (21)
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I grew up in STL and have been addicted to heroin and fentynal for 10 years. I'm 7 months sober now
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It’s better to be sober wishing you were using, rather than using wishing you were sober. Addiction is scary and lonely, and so is recovery. You will get there one way or another, find what path works for you.
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Tyler’s Dad is such a kind and gentle soul. I’m wishing those guys nothing, but the best. So sweet
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That old man made me cry..Tyler must be proud and thankful, and he is blessed with a father like that !
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That old man being there for his son almost made me tear up.
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Mr. Walter sounds like a great father who did what he could and refused to give up on his son. Tyler is very lucky to have him. Imagine if the world had more fathers like Mr. Walter.
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God this hits home I’m a recovering heroin addict myself. I pray bro finds his self-worth and lives the life we all deserve. 10 years later I still struggle but I’m blessed for the progress I’ve made and life I’ve had. RIP to all my ppl and everyone who lost their chance and are still out there fighting the good fight
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Had a friend of mine pass away from fentanyl 2 weeks ago....the saddest thing is it was the first time he tried it and the last....its an indiscriminate killer :(
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“I’ll give him a chance till he dies.. haha that’s my son!” Fuck we need more men like this guy. Shit almost made me cry keeping fighting! I know it’s exhausting but you can get clean! You can live a life of loving acceptance and it starts with you!
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Addiction is the only prison where the key is on the inside. Tyler's Dad is a wonderful man.
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Tyler's dad made me cry, as a current heroine addict who is also ready to quit this shit, who has been clean for 3 years 8 months and 12 days, and as of today has been using again for almost 3 years, having a parent like that would be AMAZING, it's absolutely crazy how just having 1 person who loves you and won't give up on you, means so much to an addict!! Yes here in NC the heroin has been changed over to fentanyl, and I hate it, I hate all of it, but I will find my way out again.
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I’m personally really glad you mentioned the systemic causes of addiction/ job losses/ poverty. So glad that church is getting work for the guys at the factory that’s a super important part of self worth.
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I live in St. Louis and have been addicted to opiates for the last 20+ years. In the beginning, it was black tar heroin that was sold primarily in N. STL and for the most part you had to know someone in order to find it, but sometime around 2010 black tar was replaced with fentanyl and it was literally everywhere. Unlike other cities, the fentanyl sold here is nearly pure, except for the capsules (beans) that are cut with otc Dorman. I didn't even know I had been doing fentanyl until 2012 when I was arrested for possession and the lab results came back 99.98% pure--I thought it was "china white" heroin. Tomorrow morning I am entering medical detox at a local hospital. My longest period of sobriety was just over 3 years so I know I can do it as long as my desire to stay sober is greater than my desire to use, and when it's not I have to do whatever it takes not to use. Recovery is a lot of work but it's so worth it.
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Tyler’s dad reminds me a lot of my own. Im so incredibly lucky to have a father that never gave up on me. Had a strained relationship with him after he left my mom, and after she passed from leukemia in Dec of 2018 my depression got deeper, and deeper, and I started using more than I ever had to numb myself because I had never felt such a soul crushing pain like that, ever in my life, from losing the 1 person I cared about most, and the 1 and only person, who I felt, cared about me. My dad was by my side from the minute I admitted to him that I had been a heroin addict for 12 years and told him I had nothing to live for anymore, not caring if I died. Idk where I’d be or if I’d even still be alive if it wasn’t for my dad. I tell him how much I appreciate and love him every single day for that. He saved my life.
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Tyler’s father is amazing! I hope everyone suffering with addiction gets the help they need 💕💕
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The midwest and the Appalachian areas of THIS country have always been the MOST depressing areas to look at. They have been dealt a blow over 60+ years ago and have never recovered.
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Hearing Mr. Jackson say he'd give his son a chance till he dies shows exactly what truly unconditional love parents have for their children. Prayers for healing & strength for both Tyler & his wonderful Father.🙏🏻💕🌻
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"I'll give him a chance till he dies. That's my son." So touching ...
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i use ARCA’s services & actually lived in a Sober Living right where the beginning of this was filmed on the south side & the fact that other countries are covering how bad st. louis has gotten whether it’s the drugs or the crime is really slapping me in the face right now
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Great doc but, heartbreaking, I wish we would get updates on doc's like these. To all those who've lived through addiction & made it out, I have HUGE respect for you, To all those still suffering from this disease, you can do it, you need to want it but, you can do it. Life can be awesome again. . If nobody told you they love you today, I do!!
