Hollywood has not always got it right when it comes to drug addiction and substance abuse. Most depictions have been completely incorrect or even glamorised the portrayal of substance abuse.
In traditional movies, TV programs, and advertising, substance use is generally depicted positively. As such, movies, TV programs, and advertising pass mixed messages to young people when it comes to substance abuse.
And, media has continued to contribute to the risk of substance abuse by young people significantly. It’s, therefore, not surprising that young people are becoming addicts and eventually end by calling rehab numbers https://addictionresource.com/addiction-and-rehab-hotlines/ seeking assistance.
These numbers are manned by professionals that understand the drug addiction problem. They also know how to help individuals that call seeking assistance or their loved ones.
In this feature, we take a look at a number of films that actually portray drug addiction realistically
Movies that Portray Drug Addiction Realistically
Research has shown that positive portrayals of drug use by the media influence the users’ perceptions. But, some movies have given drug addiction a more realistic portrayal. They include the following.
Drugstore Cowboy
Drugstore Cowboy is a tale about a drug addicts’ gang that knocks over pharmacies. It’s a little more of a melodrama. However, it gives the things that addicts can do just to support their addiction to prescription drugs an accurate portrayal.
Midnight Cowboy
This is among the first movies that gave heroin addiction as well as the despair that is associated with it a full display. It’s still one of the finest performances from Dustin Hoffman. It’s also the only X rated film that has received the Best Picture Academy Award.
Requiem for Dream
Most people call the addiction hotline number when the effects of substance abuse escalate. And no film captures the effects of addiction on different people better than this film. Although it’s subtly shocking, Requiem For A Dream showcases a superb performance by Ellyn Burstyn. It also opened the eyes of most people when it comes to drug abuse and the effect it has on elderly people, especially in the United States.
Trainspotting
This is one of the most interesting British films about drug addiction. It puts hilarious moments alongside the most harrowing moments of substance abuse together. The film remains one of the best films of the 1990s and it even got its own sequel some twenty years later.
The Boost
Sean Young and James Woods lead the cast of this largely unseen film from 1988. Watching this film was fascinating. Perhaps, that’s because the film provides a completely believable portrayal of a fast track by a couple that is ruined by cocaine addiction.
Traffic
This is a gripping docu-drama based on a TV miniseries that aired on Channel 4 in the UK. It’s about losing the war on drugs at macro and micro levels, but it never stops feeling personal and real.
The Wire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qK-VGjMr8g
Although it may not technically be considered a movie, it’s an HBO miniseries that provides a realistic look of the drug trade on the ground. This follows a rival drug-dealing gang group on the streets of Baltimore and police officers that want to bring them down. These police officers will do everything necessary to beat the gang.
Last Days
Gus Van Saint’s critically acclaimed film chronicles in the story inspired by the last days of Kurt Cobain’s life. Cobain was the lead singer of the band Nirvana and this feature is a fictionalised account of the last days of the legendary singer. Michael Pitt is Blake, a man overcome by drugs like heroin.
The Bottom Line
Not all stories about drug addiction come with a Hollywood ending. However, these movies have given substance abuse and addiction a more realistic portrayal. Currently, addicts can seek help from rehabs that provide different treatment programs. The best programs are designed to suit the specific needs of addicts.
As such, individuals that are battling addiction don’t have to wait for their loved ones to call an addiction number seeking emergency assistance. They can simply seek assistance before their addiction problem escalates.
