Out of the 3 parts of this documentary, this is the most excruciatingly detailed part. Unfortunately today, most Americans can say that they've experienced addiction either directly or through someone close in their lives. If you're one of the few lucky people who haven't witnessed this life-ravaging disease, this doc is a very clear snapshot of addiction and the effects on not only the addict, but also their loved ones and community. This would be a great tool as a reality check for both addicts and the people around them who are tempted to enable. Thank you for the insight and a reference to give the chance to educate people that need it. Whether in their personal desperation or for those that need a source for developing their own empathy when they can't fathom addiction for themselves. It's great that all parties shown, were not only willing, but so honest- including law enforcement. This doc is GRAPHIC, but worth gritting your way through for the lessons alone.
Kiky and Chimo are heartbreaking. My father is a lifelong addict, and I see so much of myself in that beautiful, too mature too soon, 8 year old girl. My mom was single, it was the 80's/90's and I had to pretty much raise my younger sister alone as well. There was almost 0 intervention for unsupervised children in those days. The government gave us lots of cheese, but 0 F's back then. That seems to be the hardest thing for people to grasp, seeing this doc now. My husband is from a very different, fortunate background and can't understand how I was able to be left alone at 7/8 years old, for hours to care for myself and little sister because my mom had to work so much. This doc really helped him to see some of the things that I lived through. My dad wasn't around much, but when he did have us on rare occasions, we saw him lose women, cars, jobs and housing, constantly. Leaving us with sketchy strangers to score, party etc. Sadly, Kiky is all of that and more to Chimo. I see the light of childhood completely gone in her too-wise eyes and the anxiety of constant chaos with the longing to see her mom get stable. I definitely know that feeling. Also, pay attention to how clingy little Chimo is with his mom because all he knows is consistent abandonment and he knows no different than to still need her love. Kiky is strong and independent like me, so I have much hope for her.
Have a heart and don't watch this as reality car crash entertainment or to judge, just watch and really see for yourself what this life is and can lead to. Then, watch the other parts to see the conclusion. Charlie, Kiky and Chimo, if you see this, I just hope that you're doing well, have found support and just appreciate each other. I lost my little sister to too much of this trauma and hopelessness in 2018, so stick together and love each other as hard as possible.
