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Prescription Thugs

2015 • 85 minutes
4.3
113 reviews
69%
Tomatometer
Eligible

About this movie

In this follow-up to his film BIGGER FASTER STRONGER, director Chris Bell turns his camera on the abuse of prescription drugs and, ultimately, himself. After witnessing friends and relatives face tragedy as they become addicted to prescription drugs, Bell sets out to explore the goals of pharmaceutical companies and doctors in this ever-growing market and asks how are they any different to back-alley drug-pushers? His journey leads to experts on the nature of addiction in our culture as well as to pharmaceutical whistleblowers that testify to the solely dollar-driven aims of pharmaceutical companies. As Bell learns more about the nefarious side of an industry he had been brought up to trust, he falls down his own hole of addiction, bringing a very intimate style and conclusion to this investigation.

Ratings and reviews

4.3
113 reviews
Micah Smith
March 13, 2016
Chris Bell's documentary entitled "Bigger Faster Stronger" is one of my favorite documentaries of all time. This was an equally great followup. Chris examines the prescription addiction Americans face, telling the story from the view of professional athletes, wrestlers, his family, and even a personal view that begins to surface later in the film. His honest examination of topics is really interesting, and his views of hero's/childhood aspirations is quite similar to what I personally grew up with.
3 people found this review helpful
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Rides A Broom
March 25, 2016
This is a clear case of people choosing activities that get them injured, they're given what most are given to alleviate their injuries, choose to abuse, end up dead, end up horribly addicted and blame the doctors. Classic blame and denial throughout the film. Even the one who made the film was getting high and criticizing the health care system for choices made by him and him alone. Many people can take narcotics for injuries and walk away when they are no longer needed and there are those that literally do need narcotics to function and are NOT abusing them. But, people like this guy are ruining it for others by projecting their own addiction issues on the rest of the population and the doctors who prescribe. Shame on him.
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A Google user
March 26, 2016
multiple spinal fusions. The medications you're placed on are very strong. Once in pain management you realize over time the Drs are afraid of the government and treat everyone like an addict. Which basically is what happens. Very sad situation which only ends one way.
2 people found this review helpful
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