Ep 13. Seattle Blues

Drugs, Inc. Season 1 Episode 13: Seattle Blues

In this episode of Drugs, Inc., we follow the drug trade in the Pacific Northwest city of Seattle. With its bustling port and reputation for tolerance, Seattle has become a major hub for drug trafficking and a center for drug addiction.

The episode begins with a look inside a shooting gallery, where heroin users come to inject themselves with the powerful opiate. The camera follows a group of addicts as they prepare their injections and share their experiences with drug use. Some of them speak of struggles with addiction, while others talk about the street life that led them to heroin.

Next, we meet a group of meth cooks who are running a small-scale lab in the city. They explain how they make the drug and talk about the risks and rewards of being involved in the meth trade. One of the cooks admits to having a serious addiction to the drug, which has destroyed his relationships and landed him in jail.

Then, we delve into the world of prescription drug abuse, which has become a major problem in Seattle and across the country. We visit a pain clinic where patients come to get prescriptions for powerful painkillers like OxyContin and Percocet. One doctor admits that he is sometimes pressured to overprescribe the drugs, which are highly addictive and have been linked to a surge in overdose deaths.

We also meet a group of young people who are abusing a drug called "lean," which is made by mixing cough syrup with soda and candy. The drink, which contains codeine, is popular among hip-hop fans and is promoted in music videos. However, experts warn that the drug can be deadly.

Throughout the episode, we see how drug addiction and drug trafficking are intertwined in Seattle, and how the city's drug problem is affecting both users and non-users alike. We meet law enforcement officials who are trying to crack down on drug dealers, as well as healthcare workers who are treating the physical and emotional tolls of addiction.

Overall, Seattle Blues is a sobering look at the toll of drug abuse in one of America's most beautiful and progressive cities. The episode challenges viewers to think about the root causes of addiction and the complex web of factors that fuel the drug trade.