Addiction: America’s Favorite Pastime

Every day we see drugs and alcohol glorified, whether it is in the media, by someone we know, or on social media. An elegant drink on the beach, the “greatness” of recreational marijuana or how drugs and alcohol is the only way to have an exciting and memorable experience are all examples of the media promoting drugs.

Each year, addiction or the glorified version of it becomes more and more acceptable in mainstream media. Years ago, using any drug was considered controversial. Now there are entire movies based on that premise alone: The Hangover 1-3, Savages, Blow, Pineapple Express and many more.

Meanwhile, outside of the movies, the drug epidemic gets worse each year. We mourn what we consider “bad drug use” and glorify what we see as acceptable, while simultaneously downplaying drug rehab and other forms of treatment. In the beginning of Hangover 3, there is an intervention for Zach Galifianakis’s character Alen who has a drug problem. They begin to take him to treatment before and are then interrupted and never come back to it.

Each of their adventures begins with them being drugged by Allen and miraculously never suffering any real consequences. The Hangover franchise is by no means evil and to be honest, the movies are pretty funny. This movie is not alone in that almost all major drug movies end with the protagonist suffering either no real consequences or going out in a glorified way that makes them seem even cooler.

The problem is that culture and belief have influenced a whole generation into believing the way to have an awesome life is to be completely irresponsible by doing drugs and throwing caution to the wind.

We as a society, make drug and alcohol abuse acceptable and then are confused why so many end up going down the road most movies never talk about—stealing, hurting the ones we love, ending up in jail for a drug offense.

I understand no one wants to look at the reality of addiction in a movie. Because it’s not enjoyable to watch. It’s not funny or heartwarming. People make their own choices in life…. sure, but if you were shown something was a good choice or even a “not so bad choice” over and over and over again, what conclusion do you think you would come to?