Klaus is one of the numerous drug addicts in Austria. His story (parents are separated and he is isolated) is made more realistic with interviews. Not only do the therapists of the drug units at Mödling and Enns, the physicians and politicians who are confronted with these social problems have their say, but also the man on the street who expresses the "voice of the people" - and many other drug addicts.

"I Wanted to Live" was a 1982 documentary film about drug addiction by Alfred Ninaus. Twelve years later, what has become of the drug addicts? Have they managed to dry out, come clean, and stay that way?