Airdate: Addicted Australia

Four part SBS documentary series Addicted Australia will shine a light on addictions including drugs, alcohol and gambling next month.

Around one in 20 Australians has an addiction or substance abuse problem. This series by Blackfella Film provides extraordinary access to ten Australians signed up to a unique six-month treatment program.

SBS Director of TV and Online Content, Marshall Heald, said: “Addicted Australia is a television first. Never before has such access been granted to what is normally a closed environment. By opening this space and sharing these authentic and nuanced stories of addiction, the series aims to provide all Australians with a deeper understanding of addiction and recovery, reduce stigma and stereotype and spark a national conversation. By showing what addiction and treatment can look like, we also hope to encourage others to seek support.”

Blackfella Films Producer Darren Dale and Series Producer and Writer Jacob Hickey, said: “This has long been an issue we’ve wanted to highlight as part of our factual program making. There is almost no Australian, whatever their background, who hasn’t been impacted by addiction, either personally or through someone they love. We were granted extraordinary access to people’s lives and their recovery journey. We hope their bravery and honesty means myths and stereotypes are challenged, the face of addiction humanised, and many others will be inspired to seek help.”

Professor Dan Lubman, Turning Point Executive Clinical Director, said: “Turning Point developed a targeted treatment program for these ten Australians determined to tackle their addictions. The program does not aim to be alternative or radical, but simply shows what we would expect for any other health condition. What makes it significant, is that while most Australians typically experience a treatment system that is fragmented and disjointed, we provided wraparound, tailored care for each individual, integrated with peer and family support.

“Addiction is one of the most stigmatised of all health conditions. The accompanying shame and stigma can result in a delay of up to 20 years from when somebody starts developing a problem with alcohol, drugs or gambling before they seek help. That is far too long, and as a consequence many Australians and their families suffer in silence. We must come up with a better way of helping people. We’re hoping this treatment program will not only help the ten participants, but also be a catalyst for systemic change.”

The series was previously titled as Addicted.

The series lays bare the challenges faced by families and their loved ones who are searching for a different life. Participants are each dealing with different forms of addiction and are all at different starting points on their journey. Drugs, alcohol and gambling are all openly discussed. We see them in their everyday environments and witness firsthand the reality of the recovery journey; the highs and the lows.

Addicted Australia is a Blackfella Films production for SBS. Principal production funding from SBS in association with Screen Australia, and financed with support from Film Victoria.

Tuesday 10 November, 8.30pm on SBS (also available with simplified Chinese and Vietnamese subtitles at SBS on Demand).

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015
Lifeline 13 11 14
ReachOut.com