I spent two years documenting heroin addicts in Chicago. This book is the result of that work. I hope the images and story help someone to make the right decision when it comes to trying and experimenting with heroin. It’s a game of Russian roulette that is just not worth the risk. Against Doctor’s Orders: A True Story of Heroin Addiction – Contact me to receive your signed copy! chuck@chuckjines.com
From the United States
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Austin R.
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2025
I’m a fan of Chuck first for his gritty realism then his backroadbikers and off grid content but what I always liked is the unafraid believes and willingness to share them while I don’t always agree I truly believe he speaks the truth and you would benefit from any of his content that be said seeing the drug epidemic in New York in the nineties this book hit a nerve with read almost all of it but can’t bring myself to finish it I just wait patiently for the next I know he’s got a lot going on speaking of he’s also got trained protection dogs not petsScott SmithReviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
This book is a deep dive into the life of drug addiction. Chuck has done a great job in capturing images that portray life of drug addiction. Chuck has also done well in his writings as the story compliments the imagery very well. In my opinion, this would be a strong book even without text. This is by far the best documentary photography project that I own.Steven AbramsReviewed in the United States on March 28, 2024
“Against Doctor’s Orders: A True Story of Heroin Addiction” is a hauntingly powerful exploration of heroin addiction and the lives of addicts in the heart of Chicago, brought to life through the lens of a talented documentary photographer, Chuck Jines. It offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into a world often overlooked or misunderstood, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by individuals grappling with addiction.
What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the visual narrative. Each photograph serves as a window into the lives of the subjects, capturing moments of despair, resilience, and the complexities of addiction. The images are striking in their honesty, offering viewers an intimate look at the daily struggles and triumphs of those living with addiction.
Chuck’s keen eye for detail and composition brings depth to each photograph, effectively conveying the emotions and experiences of the subjects. From close-up portraits that reveal the weariness etched on faces lined with hardship to sprawling cityscapes that frame the backdrop of urban decay, every image tells a story that is both poignant and profound.
One of the most striking aspects of the photography in this book is its ability to humanize the individuals behind the addiction. Rather than reducing them to mere statistics or stereotypes, Chuck captures moments of vulnerability and strength, allowing viewers to connect with the subjects on a deeply human level. In doing so, “Against Doctor’s Orders” challenges prevailing narratives surrounding addiction and prompts reflection on the societal factors that contribute to its prevalence.
The book is not merely a collection of photographs but also a catalyst for empathy and understanding. Accompanying the images are insightful captions that provide context and personal anecdotes, offering viewers a deeper insight into the lives of the subjects. Additionally, interspersed throughout the book are quotes from individuals impacted by addiction, further amplifying the voices of those often marginalized or silenced.Chuck mentions in his introduction that it was a psychologically and emotionally taxing project. Of that I have no doubt. Traveling through the pages, I found myself psychologically and emotionally taxed from just viewing the images. An experience I assure you will stay with you long after you put the book down and back on the shelf. I issue this warning to anyone who has a weak disposition at seeing the harsh realities that exist in our world. Readers beware.
In conclusion, “Against Doctor’s Orders” is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of heroin addiction in Chicago. Through its powerful imagery and accompanying narratives, the book invites viewers to confront the harsh realities of being enslaved by a drug that controls and manipulates you without mercy with compassion and empathy. It is a testament to the transformative power of photography in fostering understanding and driving social change.
dawn taberReviewed in the United States on March 22, 2024
It is easy to “take pictures” of the animals at the zoo from outside of the glass or beyond the bars of an enclosure, but Chuck Jines gets in the cage with his subjects. He literally navigates through their defecation and stench of rotting flesh while carefully observing the details and rituals of their habits.
I’m not calling the people who made appearances in his photographs animals in a zoo; I’m merely conveying how I feel much of street photography comes across, but not in this work of Jines. His immersion into the shadows of the darker side of Chicago is clearly evident as he is entwined in the stories of people and their self destruction.
I’ve been a student of documentary photography and a photographer all of my adult life and, in my opinion, Chuck Jines truly posseses the talent of a master documentary photographer.SlackerReviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
Excellent book for those able to handle it. For me it’s not about how good the photos are (they are world class). It is about the story. As I followed along the photos helped tell the story and the writing guided the reader though the journey. Nice work on a dark subject. -
Thaddeus Bowles
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2024
Excellent book. I read it in one sitting and will come back to it more than once I’m sure. Great photos and very good writing. Ugly stories need told. The beauty of this story lies in the harsh truths that are elegantly exposed within. Fascinating and captivating
Against Doctor’s Orders
“Gritty documentary photography that exposes the dark shadows of drug addiction. A harsh wake up call with no solutions in sight. Please share this work with your young teenager. Let them get a good, hard look at heroin addiction in the raw.
You’ll greatly increase their chances of never sticking a needle into their arm. In my opinion, this is one of the most hard-hitting and reality-based documentary photo projects on heroin addiction that has ever been produced. The photography is exceptional, the writing outstanding, and the message is critical.” – Norm Elftmann III
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