Plot Synopsis

Hosted by motivational speaker/rapper Ben Stone, ADDICTION UNPLUGGED is a half-hour documentary series that travels across the United States, taking a look inside the world of addiction and recovery in the midst of the worst opioid crisis in US history. The series focuses on people, companies and organizations that are making a difference -- people helping people recover and saving lives, teaching in innovative ways how to get sober and giving second chances. Each 30-minute episode of ADDICTION UNPLUGGED has a specific theme ranging from: Ohio - Ground Zero of the Crisis; Music & Recovery; A Father's Request (Corporate Responsibility); Wounds of War; Addiction in the LGBTQ Community; Motherhood and Addiction; Adventure Therapy (Jayson Williams story); First Responders; A Second Chance (Mike Lindell story); and Addiction in the Inner City. ADDICTION UNPLUGGED premiered on Saturday, August 17, 2019 from 1-2pm ET/PT, as A&E debuted back-to-back new episodes:

"Ground Zero of the Crisis" (1pm): Ohio has become ground zero for the United States opioid epidemic. This episode explores the reasons why, as a catastrophic combination of unfettered prescribing of pain medications, along with the strategic geographical distribution appeal of the state, and the massive influx of black tar heroin have become catalysts of the worst drug epidemic in US history.

"The Wounds of War" (1:30pm): For many US military veterans, the battles and horrors of war don't end upon their returns home. Faced with PTSD, physical wounds and memories of those lost forces many to turn to numbing the pain with drugs and alcohol. On this episode, we shine a light on those who have taken steps to overcome their own war wounds using unique therapies and have set their sights on helping others.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 1-2pm ET/PT, A&E premiered the season finale of ADDICTION UNPLUGGED, debuting back-to-back new episodes:

"Rebound: The Jayson Williams Story" (1pm): On this episode, controversial ex-NBA All-Star Jayson Williams opens up about his struggles with substance abuse. From his difficult upbringing, to lucrative basketball career, to scores of legal troubles, Jayson shares his life story and how he turned things around to get sober and create an unconventional, high-octane recovery method to help addicts.

"Addiction in the Inner City" (1:30pm): The series visits America's inner cities to shine a light on the unsung heroes helping those struggling with addiction. In Miami, NBA Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning has built a model for youth centers in an attempt to "break the cycle" of addiction. Then, a ministry on the tough south side of Chicago gives addicts a "hand up" and a chance to recover.