Dope Is Death is a documentary film that explores the history and impact of the Lincoln Detox Center, the first acupuncture detoxification program in the United States. The center was created by Dr. Mutulu Shakur and other members of the Black Panther Party and the Young Lords in 1973 in response to the heroin epidemic that was devastating communities in the South Bronx.
The film delves into the political and social context of the time, including the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the intense government pressure on marginalized communities through the war on drugs. Dope Is Death highlights the innovation and effectiveness of the acupuncture detox program, which combined acupuncture, meditation, and education to help individuals overcome their addiction to heroin without the use of methadone or other pharmaceuticals.
The film also examines the government's response to the Lincoln Detox Center, which included raids, arrests, and eventual closure. Dr. Shakur, who is now serving a life sentence for his involvement in other radical political actions, provides commentary in the film through audio recordings from prison.
Dope Is Death offers a powerful and relevant look at the intersection of healthcare, activism, and social justice in America, and highlights the ongoing need for harm reduction approaches to addiction treatment.
