In 1978, Canadian psychologist Bruce K. Alexander conducted a radical psychological experiment involving rats and heroin that would revolutionize the way we understand addictions. Thirty years later, this timely and conversation-worthy VICE doc connects the long forgotten “Rat Park” findings with three stories taking place 10,000 miles apart—revealing why addiction is not really about the drug themselves, it’s about the environments we live in.
In partnership with Bell Let’s Talk and Workman Arts.
Rat Park is a VICE Studios production, produced in association with CRAVE, a division of Bell Media Inc., and produced with the participation of The Telus Fund.
This film may include content that is triggering for some viewers. If you or someone you know are in need of support, please reach out to ask for help. The following organizations can provide free mental health support 24/7:
Kids Help Phone | Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT 686868
Wellness Together Canada | Visit ca.portal.gs or text WELLNESS to 686868. Adults can text WELLNESS to 741741.
Indigenous Canadians can also reach out to Hope for Wellness at 1-855-242-3310.
If you are in crisis, please contact your local crisis center by calling 1-833-456-4566 toll free (In QC: 1-866-277-3553) or visit www.crisisservicescanada.ca