Many people will consume a certain media each day. It can be a TV show, movie, or even a YouTube video. However, there may be content that contains the use of drugs.
The question that has to be asked is: is the media and movie industries encouraging the use of drugs and even addiction? We’ll take a look at seven careful observations in this write-up. If you or someone you know is dealing with addiction, visit Gallus Detox and we’ll get you on the right track.
Let’s dive right into our list of careful observations.
It starts out slow with tobacco and alcohol
At the outset, we see smoking and drinking as a regular activity. It’s often seen in media and movies. So in someone’s mind, it’s considered to be a normal thing to do.
On top of that, more than $25 billion is spent on advertising every year specifically for products like tobacco, alcohol, and even prescription drugs. The ads themselves may be considered responsible for attracting the wrong audience (specifically adolescents that will begin using tobacco and alcohol).
As this seems like a common entry point, there have been calls for a ban on the tobacco industry in all media channels. On that end, there have been calls for the limitation of alcohol advertising in an effort to lessen its exposure to children. The limitation would also apply to the content in movies and television shows.
Adolescents who smoke or drink will try something else
Adolescents who have smoked or drinked in the past have an increased chance of trying a new substance. On the top of this list of experiments is marijuana. In the media, people who are smoking or drinking may be interpreted as someone who may be independent, defiant of authority and the rules, and so on.
To that end, some will see this as normal behavior. Should people be controlled and have someone make their decisions for them? Absolutely not.
However, it’s important that we make healthier decisions for our lives. Yet, the decisions we might make can be hazardous to our health. Even to the point where an addiction may occur.
Alcohol is more portrayed in media compared to others
In one analysis, alcohol has become more prevalent in its portrayal compared to smoking and drug use. On average, there’s a drinking scene that is shown every 22 minutes. Compared to a smoking scene that shows up almost every hour and a near two hour gap for every scene featuring drug use.
Plus, these scenes of drinking are often viewed in R-rated films. Teenagers that have watched more than three R-rated films every month will have a higher chance of drinking compared to those that do, according to a study by Columbia University. Likewise, the likelihood of teenagers experimenting with marijuana has also increased.
Some TV shows and movies gives us a different message
If you see TV shows such as ‘Breaking Bad’ or ‘Weeds’, you’ll see that the main characters are involved in drug dealing. This provides us with a behind the scenes look at what it may be like when someone may be involved with a process that is linked to someone’s addiction to drugs.
They profit off the needs of those wanting a substance while seemingly living a normal life. On the other hand, it brings up the question of whether such shows are promoting drug addiction or giving us a look at the true dark side of it all. According to a prosecutor in Texas, he believes that a show like ‘Breaking Bad’ isn’t encouraging drug use at all.
Instead, it gives us a look into the dangers of addiction and all the trouble people go through just to fuel it for one person.
It depends on the person watching
Not every person will act the same. Just because someone watches a film or TV show that features drug use, doesn’t always mean they will do it themselves. There are those that are aware of the dangers of alcohol and drug use and know better to distinguish fiction from reality.
Some may find it easy to blame TV and movies for someone’s poor behavior and choices. At the end of the day, it’s the individual that is responsible for their actions. No one really is to blame and it’s important for a person to hold themselves responsible for their own actions.
Sadly, this doesn’t seem to be the case these days. However, it’s important to get someone the help they need for their drug and alcohol use. Make sure they are willing to take the leap of faith that will guarantee their survival at the end of their treatment.
It’s all about selection
You can watch a movie or TV show that is rated accordingly due to drug use or not. It’s all up to you. It’s also good that the MPAA and other organizations have a disclaimer that such content will contain drug use.
as
This will give you the power to make a decision. Continue watching it or switch to something else. Again, it’s your call.
However, it should be noted that despite the content created, its purpose is to entertain someone. You can enjoy the show without having to deal with the temptations of having a drink or using an illicit drug that will get you high.
Celebrities need to be aware of themselves
Celebrities have fans that will declare their undying love and worship for them. Even to the point where a person might imitate them (for better or worse). For this reason, it’s important for celebrities to say that it’s never a good idea to do what they do at times (especially when it comes to drug and alcohol use).
For so long, we’ve heard stories of celebrities entering rehab to treat an addiction. To that end, we’ve also heard the tragic stories of celebrities who have lost their lives due to it. Either way, this should be a wake up call for anyone thinking about imitating a celebrity they admire.