Television Shows About Addiction
Legacy Healing Center Blog
For years, the media has been saturated with images of beautifully tragic partygoers drinking their troubles away. Whether it is a dependency on alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs, many characters we have come to know and love have served as vessels for cautionary tales and challenging lessons. Recent years have seen a rise in the representation of the consequences of substance abuse. Legacy Healing Center has compiled a list of our favorite examples of shows about addiction.
Shameless
This comedy-drama paints a humorous yet tragic picture of what it is like to be the child of an addict. Frank is a single father with enough skeletons in his closet to decorate a house for Halloween. He spends his days drinking himself into a stupor while his eldest, Fiona, takes care of her five siblings. Other themes explored in the series include mental illness, poverty, racism, and homophobia. It premiered on Showtime in 2011 and is currently streaming on Netflix.
Degrassi
The franchise’s first installment, entitled “The Kids of Degrassi Street,” premiered in 1979 and concluded in 1986. The beloved spinoff, “Degrassi High, ” chronicled the lives and misadventures of students at a high school of the same name. It lasted from 1987 to 1991. Exploring themes of sexuality and coming-of-age, it is one of the most popular shows about drugs and alcohol in teenage settings. Its final installment, “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” ended in 2015. The show is available on Tubi, a free streaming app.
Orange Is the New Black
When a show is set in a prison, it makes sense that drug abuse and trafficking would be common themes. This Netflix drama rose to fame in 2013. It chronicled the lives and happenings of female inmates, how they each ended up in their situations, and the interactions between each other. The main character, Piper, played by Taylor Schilling, was arrested due to her connection with her former lover’s drug trafficking endeavors.
Euphoria
This gripping HBO drama series, which began in 2019, follows a group of high school students as they navigate love, identity, trauma, addiction, and the complexities of modern adolescence. The series has earned Zendaya two primetime Emmys. Rue Bennett grapples with the death of her father, masking her grief and severe anxiety with enough drugs to sedate a fully grown man. The two seasons have illustrated her struggles and how her addiction affects those closest to her. It is a gripping piece of art whose third season is in the works.
BoJack Horseman
This 2014 animated dramedy follows the lives of its titular character, an anthropomorphic horse—an actor past his prime who is drinking his sorrows away. Many BoJack Horseman characters have unique struggles, though one stands out: Sarah Lynn. Similar to BoJack, she grapples with fame and addiction, leading to a turning point in the series. The series can be viewed on Netflix.
Nurse Jackie
No list of TV shows about addiction would be complete without mentioning this Showtime drama that aired from 2009 to 2015. Jackie is an emergency room nurse who relies on Adderall and Vicodin to help get her through the day. It highlights the genuine problem of addiction among healthcare professionals. Old episodes are popular to this day.
Addressing Addiction Stigma in Media Representation
While television shows about addiction have become more prominent, their portrayals often walk a fine line between shedding light on harsh realities and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Accurate and compassionate representation is crucial in breaking down the stigma associated with addiction. Many shows now highlight the multifaceted nature of substance use disorders, portraying characters who are more than just their struggles. This approach can help audiences understand that addiction is a complex, treatable medical condition rather than a moral failing or character flaw.
Unfortunately, some shows about drug addiction still perpetuate outdated stereotypes, depicting individuals with addiction as hopeless or morally corrupt. These stereotypes reinforce negative perceptions, making it harder for those struggling to seek help without fear of judgment. Shows about drug addicts like Shameless and Euphoria challenge these harmful narratives by presenting nuanced stories that explore the emotional and societal factors behind addiction. Such portrayals encourage empathy and a deeper understanding of what it means to battle substance use disorders.
There are several ways that media can combat the stigma of addiction, including:
- Showcase Recovery Journeys: Highlighting characters who seek help and successfully navigate recovery can inspire viewers and normalize seeking treatment.
- Avoid Stereotypes: Move beyond the “tragic addict” trope by presenting well-rounded characters with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Focus on Root Causes: Explore the underlying factors contributing to addiction, such as trauma, mental health issues, and societal pressures.
- Depict Support Systems: Emphasize the importance of support networks—families, friends, and professionals—in recovery.
- Promote Compassionate Language: Use respectful terminology that reflects addiction as a medical condition rather than a moral failing.
Addiction TV shows have the power to influence public perception and can either contribute to or combat stigma. As these representations evolve, they foster meaningful conversations, encouraging viewers to see addiction for what it truly is: a health issue requiring understanding, support, and comprehensive rehab care. At Legacy Healing Center, we emphasize a compassionate, judgment-free environment, helping individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and respect.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs.
Alcohol and Drug Treatment at our Fort Lauderdale Rehab
For people actively struggling with addiction, there are resources available to help them successfully overcome it and achieve sobriety. Our detox center is equipped to care for individuals suffering from several different substances clinically. Patients may also access our extensive list of effective addiction therapies, ensuring each participant has the chance to confront their situation in a safe and stable environment.
If you or a loved one is struggling, contact the team at Legacy Healing Center for more information about the drug and alcohol rehabilitation options available.
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