Addiction Documentaries - interesting or influencial?

Documentary and TV programmes that depict addicts suffering from a variety of addictions are aired regularly.  Some focus directly on one person's individual experience of an addiction, others take a wider view of health and social issues across a region or a nation.  The viewing ratings suggest that these programmes are popular, however, are the programmes simply interesting to the viewer or do they have a more influential impact?  Do you think that watching a documentary could (or does) prompt people to recognise the severity of their own problems - if there were more programmes made about seeking help would more addicts ask for it?  How do you think TV programme surrounding addiction impact on the population?