Louis Theroux: Dark States S01E01 - Heroin Town

Episode Overview

America's dependence on prescription painkillers has spiraled into a serious opioid crisis. With authorities tightening controls on prescriptions, millions of Americans who have developed a reliance on these powerful drugs find themselves in a tough spot. As prescription pills become pricier and harder to find on the streets, many are turning to heroin, a cheaper and more potent alternative. This shift has resulted in more deaths from heroin than from car accidents or gun violence, contributing to a decline in life expectancy in the U.S. In Huntington, West Virginia, Louis Theroux immerses himself in a community grappling with the devastating impact of heroin. With one in ten infants born dependent on opioids and a staggering overdose rate 13 times higher than the national average, this town stands at the heart of America's deadliest drug crisis. Louis interacts with those affected by addiction and observes first responders battling the daily surge of overdoses.