Addiction in the Media
- Alexandra Bautista
- Nov 8, 2018
- 3 min read
Addiction in the Media
The idea that media companies, in their self-centered motivation, has a heavy influence on people today goes without question. They are everywhere-- informing, impacting, connecting and dividing. With media governing so much of our day-to-day lives, it’s no wonder that people everywhere are quick to take notice of her effects. Addiction, like so many things, may find representation particularly emotional and of great importance. Analyzing how substance abuse is portrayed on the little and big screens can be key to recognizing cultural issues, assessing prevention and addiction recovery.
It’s Everywhere
Addicts have long been represented in television and film. Even today, it would be surprising to learn that someone reading this article hasn’t seen Breaking Bad, Pineapple Express, That 70’s Show, Pulp Fiction, House, The Hangover, Weeds, Superbad or The Wolf of Wall Street, to name a few popular works with a significant number of alcohol and drug references. Indeed, drinking scenes are depicted in abundance in American television, once every 22 minutes. Smoking and illicit drugs don’t fall far behind, at every 57 minutes and 112 minutes, respectively. Even more troubling might be that several studies have shown teenagers, who make up around 26% of movie attendees, are significantly more likely to partake in cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana consumption after exposure to R-rated movies. Drug culture is popular and prevalent throughout media and may work against prevention techniques and those in addiction recovery.
Getting it Right
At a time when many are speaking up about the need for representation in film and television, it is important to not just see the journey of abuse, but to see it depicted more accurately. Although billions of dollars are being poured into advertising, digital media and film/television on behalf of harmful substances, sometimes this coverage allows for opportunity. Relevant popular films such as A Star is Born can have huge significance on the community, both by showing alcohol dependency and mental health issues for what they are (tumultuous), and by calling to attention the need for more effective and intensive recovery plans. This is one of several films that attempt to tackle the first-hand consequences of addiction. Much like all things that require balance, media prevalence can negatively impact our communities, or serve as an important tool for representation.
Turning the Tide
Amidst the constant struggle to find balance in media, hope and possibility still remain. The media is not to be taken lightly; regarding addictive substances, it’s all-encompassing grip bombards us with advertisements, pressures us with references, and unfairly depict drug addicts. Negative consequences are often disproportionately shown on air and links between exposure and experimentation (particularly at a young age when effects are most impactful) have long been associated. However, it also allows a means for discourse, provides access to knowledgeable studies, links together addicts with similar experiences, sheds light on hidden truths and can even serve as a connection to the addiction treatment centers that change lives forever. Thus, the media can very well work to our advantage, if we compel it to!
Safe Haven Recovery is a boutique Florida Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center located in Miami, FL. We specialize in Suboxone Maintenance & Detox, along with, Couples Addiction Treatment. Call us today at 866-447-4650.
About the Author
Alexandra Bautista is a content intern at Last Call Marketing, which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, SEO and Social Engagement in healthcare and tourism. Ms. Bautista is a senior at The University of Central Florida majoring in psychology and entertainment management.
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