Addiction Blog

Hollywood is known for its glitz, glam, and drama.  With new movies coming out every year, the goal is to entertain, and dramatization is one way to capture and captivate their audience.

Unfortunately, with drama also comes many inaccuracies. There are many movies about drug abuse in particular, but as a South Florida behavioral healthcare center that has plenty of experience working with drug addicts, we know that a lot of them get it wrong.

Inaccurate Films About Drug Addiction

Not only do the films get it wrong, but many movies related to drug addiction glorify drugs. They focus on the high and the fun of partying rather than the crash and the impending negatives that come with it. These films aren’t just inaccurate, but they can be a bad influence as well. One study found that teenagers with the most exposure to alcohol use in films were more likely to try alcohol than their peers who had minimum exposure.¹

Our residential rehab in Palm Beach is listing some movies related to drug abuse that got it wrong.

Pineapple Express

This action comedy is a memorable film about marijuana that shows the drug in a comedic light. Although the main character is on the run because of his smoking habits, the exaggerated story seems so farfetched that it does little to actually deter anyone from smoking. The movie’s comedic tone also doesn’t show the reality of a drug addiction and the negatives the come with it. Instead, it may only make someone want to try marijuana more.

The Wolf of Wall Street

Prescription drugs, alcohol, and cocaine play a major role in this movie. Based loosely on the true story of Jordan Belfort, The Wolf of Wall Street often uses drug use as comedic relief or as a way to enhance the lifestyle of the rich and famous. The main characters are always partying and when Belfort overdoses and tries to drive home, the scene is meant to be hilarious. Besides the financial trouble that ensues, the movie doesn’t discuss withdrawal symptoms, a drug detox, or the negative health effects of long-term drug abuse. The real-life daughter of Tom Prousalis, an associate of Jordan Belfort, even spoke out about the film saying, “Your film is a reckless attempt at continuing to pretend that these sorts of schemes are entertaining…We want to get lost in what? These phony financiers’ fun sexcapades and coke binges?”

We’re The Millers

A great movie for a good laugh, We’re the Millers depicts drug smuggling in a comedic and less than accurate light. A group of four people pose as a family on vacation in Mexico and use an RV to transport an enormous amount of drugs back to the United States. While the movie take a lighthearted look at what can happen when people get mixed in with the drug trade, the comedic moments overshadow the actual danger. The film also has a happy ending for the “family” of drug smugglers even though they broke the law.

Superbad

This comedic tale of two misfit teenagers mentions drugs and alcohol a whopping 172 times. The focus on partying and drinking neglects the negatives that come with drug abuse. Instead, drug and alcohol abuse are seen as cool, harmless, and lots of fun.

Real life addictions are often much more serious than what you will see in the movies about drug abuse. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, get help immediately. Call us today at 888-280-4763 to get started and to learn more about Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches.

Sources:

1. AAP News & Journals Gateway – Alcohol Use in Films and Adolescent Alcohol Use

To many people, the stereotypical alcoholic is someone who is noticeably drunk most of the time.

They might be isolated from their friends and family because of their drinking. They may have lost their job because they were hungover and may even be homeless carrying around a bottle in a brown paper bag. While some people with alcohol abuse disorder may fit this mold, not everyone qualifies. Some alcoholics you may never suspect.

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Many tourists flock to the Florida Keys for their fishing charters, but fish may not be the only things you will find in those waters.

Cocaine was found floating off the coast of the Florida Keys in early August. The U.S. Coast Guard recovered the cocaine bails and an investigation on where they came from began.

In the span of three days, the Coast Guard found six bails total of the illegal drug after boaters began reporting the floating bails. The first bail of cocaine was found floating 10 miles east of Islamorada. The next day, two more bails of cocaine were found. Finally, on the third day, three more bails were discovered, only this time 15 miles east of Marathon. Together, the bails contained over 280 pounds of cocaine that is worth an estimated $3.8 million.

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The Largest Drug Bust in Brevard County History

Known for the Kennedy Space Center and the quiet beaches, Brevard County is not usually the place for crime or drug busts, but recently this sleepy county made big news. After a six-month investigation, there was the largest drug bust in Brevard County history. 60 people have already been arrested and more than 100 people have warrants out for their arrest. Brevard County police found firearms, $100,000 in cash, and a combination of drugs including kilos of fentanyl, meth, and heroin. Brevard County Sherriff Wayne Ivey commented, “That is enough fentanyl to kill everyone in Brevard County.”¹

Not only was this Brevard County drug bust spanning across the county, but the sheer enormity of the bust leads to suspicion that the illegal activity was reaching outside of Florida as well. The suspects involved in the drug operation range in age and gender, proving that drug abuse knowns no bounds. The three suspected leaders of the drug trafficking include Brand Huff, Jonathan Walker, and Megan Wilborn who were taken to Brevard County Jail with high bails. ¹

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