A Higher Studio & Riot Girl Production
Moving beyond the 'war on drugs' narrative, this three-part documentary series dismantles long-standing myths about drug use and addiction — revealing how stigma, policy, and recovery intersect in communities across New York State.
Synopsis
For decades, public understanding of drug use in America has been shaped by fear-based narratives, sensational headlines, and policies rooted in the "war on drugs."
These narratives have created powerful myths about who uses drugs, why addiction happens, and what recovery looks like. The Needle Between Us challenges those assumptions.
Through deeply personal stories, conversations with public health experts, and interviews with policymakers, the series examines addiction in New York State through a more nuanced and human lens — exploring how stigma, misinformation, and policy decisions shape the lives of people who use drugs and the communities around them.
Rather than reinforcing familiar narratives, the series seeks to dismantle the myths surrounding addiction and illuminate the realities of recovery. From families navigating loss to individuals rebuilding their lives, the film reveals the human complexity behind an issue that is often oversimplified in mainstream media.
By bringing together voices from multiple perspectives, The Needle Between Us aims to foster a more informed and compassionate public conversation about drug use and addiction in America.
Production Footage
Episodic Breakdown
Episode One
The first episode examines how public narratives about drugs have been shaped by politics, media, and decades of "war on drugs" rhetoric. Interviews with policymakers, researchers, and public health experts explore how these narratives influence policy decisions and access to treatment.
Episode Two
The second episode focuses on personal experiences with addiction, recovery, and dealing. Through intimate interviews and observational footage, viewers meet individuals navigating the emotional and social realities of substance use — addiction as a deeply human experience.
Episode Three
The final episode focuses on the generational impact of addiction on families, highlighting recovery organizations and individuals working in new ways — from community-based programs to innovative treatment, toward a more compassionate and evidence-based response.
Expert Testimony
Expert testimony from frontline clinicians, policy leaders, and community advocates exposes the systemic failures — challenging myths about drug use reinforced through mainstream media, political rhetoric, and educational systems for decades.
Westchester County Executive
Commissioner, NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)
Assemblymember and Chairman, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee
Partial List
Addiction, Recovery & Dealing
Not statistics. Not abstractions. Human beings.
Communities in Pain
Filmmakers Statement
I grew up in the Bronx, a community that has long been shaped by resilience but also by the challenges surrounding addiction and drug policy.
My connection to this issue is also deeply personal. When I was younger, my 17-year-old cousin died from a bath salts overdose. That experience left a lasting impression on me and shaped how I think about addiction, stigma, and the conversations we are not having as a society.
Too often, discussions about drug use are dominated by fear, blame, and misinformation. I believe documentary storytelling has the power to challenge those narratives and create space for more honest dialogue.
The Needle Between Us is an effort to humanize an issue that is often misunderstood and to explore how communities, policymakers, and individuals are working toward more compassionate responses to addiction.
As a filmmaker, I've always been drawn to stories that challenge the way we see the world. Addiction is one of the most misunderstood issues of our time, and I wanted to create something that goes beyond the headlines to reveal the human beings behind the statistics.
This project is about listening, about giving space to voices that are often silenced or ignored. It's about showing that recovery is possible, that compassion is more effective than punishment, and that the people most affected by addiction have the most to teach us.
Behind the Scenes
Impact & Audience
Get Involved
We're building a film with — not just about — the people affected by the addiction crisis. Whether you're an expert, a policymaker, someone in recovery, or a family member: your story matters.
We're also looking for organizations, advocates, and collaborators who want to amplify the impact of this project beyond the screen.
CONNECT WITH US