... are the root of most evils but while rampant conservatism and religion have such influence there will always be people, and in increasing numbers, who step into a machine they can't free themselves from although, as demonstrated so bravely here, that shouldn't be the case.
131 Reviews
i'm a supporter of MAPS...
G_top21 April 2021
As a donor and supporter of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), I believe in their important mission. While their recent documentary is informative, it falls short IMHO. The film's focus on one individual dominates the narrative, and the filmmakers' close ties to the subject raise concerns about objectivity. It's likely that certain facts were omitted to fit the desired storyline.
Despite these biases, the documentary highlights a significant issue: the general public's lack of knowledge about scheduled drugs. MAPS should be commended for their efforts in shedding light on this topic. Moving forward, I hope that their future projects will demonstrate greater journalistic integrity and a commitment to unbiased storytelling. With more solid storytelling, MAPS can continue to educate audiences about important issues surrounding drugs and their regulation.
Despite these biases, the documentary highlights a significant issue: the general public's lack of knowledge about scheduled drugs. MAPS should be commended for their efforts in shedding light on this topic. Moving forward, I hope that their future projects will demonstrate greater journalistic integrity and a commitment to unbiased storytelling. With more solid storytelling, MAPS can continue to educate audiences about important issues surrounding drugs and their regulation.
One person's moving story
mickjohnson-0837130 November 2019
This is a touching personal story about a young person's attempt to cure their friend's addiction. It's strictly a personal anecdote about one person's use of psychedelics, and not in any way an analysis of the benefits or the science. As such it has some mildly annoying pseudo-science (repressed memories for example). However it was made a few years ago before the current mainstream research interest in the area, and as a true story movie it's very moving.
One of the most important documentaries of our time
bgoresky25 March 2019
This film documents an addict's journey from rock bottom to early recovery using primarily Psilocybin mushrooms and Ibogane therapies. These plant medicines have been used for healing by indigenous cultures for thousands of years, but the West is slowly waking up to the transformational potential of these substances. 20 years ago these substances were considered drugs. Now, as this documentary shows, they are being reclassified as medicines.
This documentary is so well done. I applaud the creators in their courage to tell this story and lead the charge in changing the public narrative around addiction and addiction recovery. I also applaud the woman in the film and thank her for her willingness to have her deeply personal experience be shown on the big screen.
This documentary is so well done. I applaud the creators in their courage to tell this story and lead the charge in changing the public narrative around addiction and addiction recovery. I also applaud the woman in the film and thank her for her willingness to have her deeply personal experience be shown on the big screen.
phenomenal movie.. beautifully filmed
coxeliz25 March 2019
Excellent documentary on how plant medicine can help people who are suffering so much from "separation from their essence" as Gabor Mate says. Adrianne's experience with the mushrooms and Ibogaine is every bit as difficult as running a marathon, climbing a mountain, navigating class 3 rapids -- the inner journey, it is what our culture is desperately in need of right now.
Don't Believe the Hype...
eduardo1007511 October 2019
We attended the Canadian premiere of the film recently, in Vancouver, where the film was shot. It was a fund-raiser for future research, which I'm all for (MAPS Canada) and future marketing and promotion of the film. Really the only reason we went was to hear mycologist Paul Stamets speak on in a panel discussion after the film.
The film itself is pretty superficial. It's one story, about Adrienne, a hard-core junkie who happens to live in West Vancouver, one of the highest-income postal codes in Canada. Which begs the question: If Adrienne and her film-maker buddies can afford to drive around in $60k Jaguar vehicles, why do they need to pass the bucket after the film (which I've just forked out $35 to see) to beg for more cash donations for the marketing and promotion of their film?!? Don't bother if your main interest is to learn about micro-dosing.
This is one of those documentaries that's actually going to change the world.
ryan-munevar2 May 2019
Went to the world premiere of this documentary in Denver and was amazed at how brutally honest it was about dealing with addiction and how this country keeps pushing maintenance drugs as opposed to actually dealing with the pain that causes these addictions. Lot's of documentaries will show the gritty side of life but this one also showed the beauty of hope as Adrienne begins to deal with her problems. With the proper use of Psilocybin and Ibogaine the odds of beating the addiction goes up dramatically. If you or anyone you love is battling their drug habits please watch this film.
Plant Medicine can change your life
katkavitousova27 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This documentary pointed out a big problem which is drug addiction. We have an opportunity to open a window and look on little bit of Adrianne's life and her struggle with heroine addiction. She is young functioning woman living in Vancouver. This documentary was especially touching for me because I live in Vancouver and I am also very interested in huge variety of possibilities of using psychedelics and plant medicine as a treatment for different kinds of problems.
We can see how destroying her addiction was and how so many people struggle with the same issue but the the pharmaceutical system and system as a whole promising these people hope but actually not helping at all.
On recommendation of her friends She decided to try treatment by plant medicine especially in this case it was psilocybin magic mushrooms and Ibogaine.
At the end We can see how these powerful tools can actually help someone to heal any kinds of addiction and totally Change their life and perspective on it.
This documentary is great for anyone interested in any of those mentioned topics and to learn a little bit more about how the society looks on those problems, possible treatments and if we can personally do something about it.
It's raw, it's real it's heart touching.
Thank you to the whole team.
We can see how destroying her addiction was and how so many people struggle with the same issue but the the pharmaceutical system and system as a whole promising these people hope but actually not helping at all.
On recommendation of her friends She decided to try treatment by plant medicine especially in this case it was psilocybin magic mushrooms and Ibogaine.
At the end We can see how these powerful tools can actually help someone to heal any kinds of addiction and totally Change their life and perspective on it.
This documentary is great for anyone interested in any of those mentioned topics and to learn a little bit more about how the society looks on those problems, possible treatments and if we can personally do something about it.
It's raw, it's real it's heart touching.
Thank you to the whole team.
Great Documentary
jameswjadventures2 May 2019
I initially went into this thinking it would be another documentary about psychedelic research and the upcoming integration of psychedelic into medicine. I was pleasantly surprised when it was actually a deep dive into the life of a woman with a severe opioid addiction and her journey into underground psychedelic medicine to get clean. I think this film is going to land very well for a lot of people. It's easy to watch despite having such heavy content and comes off as very relatable.
Ibogain? No, thanx!
f-rabit22 May 2023
As much as they say it is safe, there is no guarantee or legal support for it, no public body that governs this issue allows its use and doctors who prescribe ibogaine can be prosecuted.
In addition to the debate about whether it is really effective, there is still the debate whether it is compensatory, as this substance can generate various adverse and harmful effects on the body.
As the only proven thing is its hallucinogenic power and its adverse reactions, I do not believe that this should be the treatment chosen by those who are really looking for an adequate treatment for addiction.
Ibogaine is still permeated with myths and half-truths, with time I believe that we will have enough studies so that they can hammer out what it would actually be useful for and under what condition, but today it is still not known and to trust the words of a person when science and various public bodies point out that it isn't, it's risky to say the least.
In addition to the debate about whether it is really effective, there is still the debate whether it is compensatory, as this substance can generate various adverse and harmful effects on the body.
As the only proven thing is its hallucinogenic power and its adverse reactions, I do not believe that this should be the treatment chosen by those who are really looking for an adequate treatment for addiction.
Ibogaine is still permeated with myths and half-truths, with time I believe that we will have enough studies so that they can hammer out what it would actually be useful for and under what condition, but today it is still not known and to trust the words of a person when science and various public bodies point out that it isn't, it's risky to say the least.
Truly inspiring, life changing, breakthrough
aaronmx-8835328 May 2019
Great depiction of a real world crisis. Gives many hope and inspiring for all. Realistically portrays the truth about mental illness and the truth that many are running from. Plant medicine is no joke and is the very reason that alot of people have a second chance at life. Iboga gives people the opportunity to look within rather then to look at, to face the truth rather then hide, to make peace not just dwell. This gives the insight that people can stop consistently falling down and walk the path of life comfortably. Iboga is the real deal and I am speaking from self experience as it has gave me the opportunity to live life and love myself again. These guys are truly professional and mean the world to me Great movie guys!!
See this movie even in you have no interest in understanding addiction or psychedelics
dale-18222 May 2019
I was inspired, moved, touched and humbled by this movie. This is at the core a movie about the bravery of one woman's journey to face her demons and her will to live. She is truly brave. As are the filmmakers who took the risk to start with a story that they knew could have a tragic ending but followed Adriene one tear, cry, vomit, smile and laugh at a time.
By the way the film is also a grounded exploration of the proper, grounded and professional (mostly) use of the ancient plant medicines as well as a critique of western medicines unhelpful and at times unkind and ignorant approach to trauma and the mental health costs that arise from trauma.
Getting real about addiction
gillian-893409 April 2019
A compelling story of a beautiful young woman trapped inside a system that does not value her, offering treatments that do not work, with no hope. She is desperate, contemplating suicide, and decides to take a huge risk in order to heal herself. She is done with living like this, discovers that maybe there are reasons why she is riddled with anxiety, and is terrified to find out what they might be. She has to go outside the law to seek help. A courageous, cliffhanger, that pulls no punches.
Great, thought-provoking documentary
joegd5 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This documentary is extremely well done.Tyler, Nick, and Adrianne take you on a journey down the path of opiod addiction and graciously show how Adrianne benefited immensely from plant medicine treatment. She was an addict for 20+ years then through a series of rituals with plants was able to break her cycle and be sober for more than a year. I was just at a showing in Denver with the producers and they explained that Adrianne is still sober which is amazing. They dive into the healing benefits of psilocybin mushrooms and specifically Iboga/Ibogaine. It was interesting to learn how Iboga is especially useful for helping break the psychological and physiological dependencies on opiods. Something that the current Western medical world is falling short on. This is a fantastic film and I'm hoping it opens the public's eyes to the amazing benefits of plant medicine to treat psychological illnesses.
Equally heartbreaking and inspiring
crileyk-085492 May 2019
I have a personal connection to Iboga and can speak to the healing powers of the medicine. I think the filmmakers did a fantastic job of telling Adrienne's story and doing so in a thoughtful, surprising, and riveting way. The film raises a lot of questions and made me take a deep look at my own assumptions when I think of drug use and drug users. There is a powerful message in this story and I hope that it can educate more and more.
incredible documentary
oceanfriday12 October 2019
This documentary, not only is beautifully shot, exceptionally produced and directed, incredible moving, and heart-wrenching, but could be such a game changer in our world. When it comes to helping the opioid crisis, aiding with depression, and many other human ailments, this documentary shows so much that the world could advance in.
Absolutely breathtaking
ryanmcdowell-276672 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This documentary was one of the most well put together films I have ever seen. This movie brings to light the profound affects these medicines being to the table. Very good work by everyone involved in the production and I'm so glad to see that Adrienne is doing well!
Soul and Mind Blowing
tiffmitchell-5383026 November 2019
I think that I can speak on behalf of many of us in Victoria who came out to the viewing in saying that this documentary was absolutely life changing. As a Holistic Nutritionist and documentary filmmaker myself, I was blown away by the incredibly impactful and moving way in which this story was presented and its message - that alternative ways of approaching health/addiction/the opioid crisis - is needed now more than ever. I was on the edge of my seat and brought to tears several times while viewing, and I was left with a feeling of gratitude and awe for the brave souls who have put themselves on the line to ensure that others can benefit from alternative medicines - the folks who made this documentary included.
Iboga is hope and life
louisechick25 May 2019
A very powerful documentary which kept me spellbound. I did not realize how strong the takeover of addiction is on a person. It's like a weed growing -- you need to find the right medicine to stop it. The psychadelics and Iboga play a huge role. I applaud the healers for their dedication and belief in this therapy. I am in awe. This eye opening film shows how Iboga is life saving. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this with you.
Great Doc
chris-emerson19876 May 2019
This was a very engaging documentary that exposed the insanity of our current mental "health" system. It was so engaging because it was so personal--following the wild journey of a lovely young woman who goes from severe addict to truly healed via the power of psychedelic medicines. May lots of people see this and may it help shift the cultural conversation around the use of these powerful medicines.
Beautiful
kcowden-132542 May 2019
A message of hope in a dark world
miniflem22 May 2019
This story reignited my hope for the many friends and loved ones suffering under the weight of addiction. I'm so glad that Adrienne had the strength to undergo the process of its creation and was willing to share her story. I hope this leads to saving others lives as well. We need to legalize these medicines immediately, to not is reckless and unsympathetic to the suffering of so many.
Profound and moving
freja-5257322 May 2019
An Unapologetically Anecdotal Depiction of Beating Addiction
davidkwilder19 October 2022
DOSED is a documentary from director Tyler Chandler that follows his friend Adrianne, a suicidal woman who has struggled with depression, anxiety, and opioid addiction for decades, as she goes on a healing journey with magic mushrooms and iboga that is both beautiful and difficult. After spending years unsuccessfully trying to quit using street drugs by following a medication-assisted treatment program involving prescription medications, she at last turns to the psychedelic underground in a last-ditch attempt to heal herself once and for all.
The film opens with a dire update from the World Health Organization:
1.6 billion people suffer from anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Last year the opioid and fentanyl crisis claimed 118,000 lives.
While you watch this film 127 people will commit suicide.
After absorbing that depressing information the viewer is introduced to Adrianne, the film's protagonist. She appears to be under the influence of opioids and is asked what she thinks the end of the documentary should be. After pondering the question for a long, drawn-out moment, she says she'd like to be sober by the end of the documentary. You'll have to wait to find out if that actually ends up happening.
The film features an impressive cast of well-known folks in the psychedelic community including Rick Doblin, Paul Stamets, Gabor Maté, Mark Haden, Rosalind Watts, and Trevor Millar. It somehow achieves a rarely seen well-balanced vibe, being both professional and casual at the same time. That's because it is shot and edited incredibly well but thankfully doesn't come across as overproduced or mainstream.
One thing's for sure-DOSED is unapologetically anecdotal in nature, which didn't please reviewers at Variety and the Los Angeles Times. While they were hoping for a more scientific documentary that would shed light on existing research involving psilocybin mushrooms and iboga, the film is deliberately about one woman's psychedelic-assisted journey to recovery, not scientific studies. And there's nothing wrong with that. The reviewers are simply asking it to be something it wasn't intending to be in the first place.
With all that said, I actually really enjoyed DOSED. At this point I've seen plenty of documentaries that do a good job of covering the history, research, and culture of psychedelics. So it is refreshing to watch a new sort of film, one that takes the viewer along for a wild ride to find out if magic mushrooms and iboga are capable of treating drug addiction.
While it doesn't rely on scientific research to make its point, the film demonstrates that psychedelics may have the potential to interrupt opioid addiction. Peer-reviewed data may be table stakes when attempting to convince a scientific audience that a novel treatment is effective, but personal anecdotes are often exactly what is needed when trying to introduce a new idea to the general public. And DOSED has that in spades. At a time when many Americans are struggling with opioids, this film demonstrates that plant medicines like magic mushrooms and iboga might be able to help bring an end to the overdose crisis.
DOSED was released globally on Vimeo and the filmmakers have pledged 10% of each purchase of the film to be donated and matched by Facebook (for a total of 20%) towards coronavirus disaster relief.
One more thing-and this might seem random to mention in a film review-if you're looking for some funky jewelry, DOSED is also selling necklaces that were cast from a real magic mushroom. Every order includes a free digital copy of the film and helps fund its marketing and distribution.
If you want to learn about how psychedelics can help treat drug addiction, DOSED is a great place to start. And if you know someone who might benefit from watching this film, consider buying a copy for them. It might just save their life.
The film opens with a dire update from the World Health Organization:
1.6 billion people suffer from anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Last year the opioid and fentanyl crisis claimed 118,000 lives.
While you watch this film 127 people will commit suicide.
After absorbing that depressing information the viewer is introduced to Adrianne, the film's protagonist. She appears to be under the influence of opioids and is asked what she thinks the end of the documentary should be. After pondering the question for a long, drawn-out moment, she says she'd like to be sober by the end of the documentary. You'll have to wait to find out if that actually ends up happening.
The film features an impressive cast of well-known folks in the psychedelic community including Rick Doblin, Paul Stamets, Gabor Maté, Mark Haden, Rosalind Watts, and Trevor Millar. It somehow achieves a rarely seen well-balanced vibe, being both professional and casual at the same time. That's because it is shot and edited incredibly well but thankfully doesn't come across as overproduced or mainstream.
One thing's for sure-DOSED is unapologetically anecdotal in nature, which didn't please reviewers at Variety and the Los Angeles Times. While they were hoping for a more scientific documentary that would shed light on existing research involving psilocybin mushrooms and iboga, the film is deliberately about one woman's psychedelic-assisted journey to recovery, not scientific studies. And there's nothing wrong with that. The reviewers are simply asking it to be something it wasn't intending to be in the first place.
With all that said, I actually really enjoyed DOSED. At this point I've seen plenty of documentaries that do a good job of covering the history, research, and culture of psychedelics. So it is refreshing to watch a new sort of film, one that takes the viewer along for a wild ride to find out if magic mushrooms and iboga are capable of treating drug addiction.
While it doesn't rely on scientific research to make its point, the film demonstrates that psychedelics may have the potential to interrupt opioid addiction. Peer-reviewed data may be table stakes when attempting to convince a scientific audience that a novel treatment is effective, but personal anecdotes are often exactly what is needed when trying to introduce a new idea to the general public. And DOSED has that in spades. At a time when many Americans are struggling with opioids, this film demonstrates that plant medicines like magic mushrooms and iboga might be able to help bring an end to the overdose crisis.
DOSED was released globally on Vimeo and the filmmakers have pledged 10% of each purchase of the film to be donated and matched by Facebook (for a total of 20%) towards coronavirus disaster relief.
One more thing-and this might seem random to mention in a film review-if you're looking for some funky jewelry, DOSED is also selling necklaces that were cast from a real magic mushroom. Every order includes a free digital copy of the film and helps fund its marketing and distribution.
If you want to learn about how psychedelics can help treat drug addiction, DOSED is a great place to start. And if you know someone who might benefit from watching this film, consider buying a copy for them. It might just save their life.
Beautiful vulnerability and a lifesaving message
bonneworks4 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I was impressed by the bravery of the filmmakers and subjects tackling this difficult topic. This is a very honest journey and I'm so glad it had a happy ending. The information in this film gives me such hope, not just for drug addicts, but for all of us struggling to move through pain and trauma.
See also
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