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Certain pop cultures and motion pictures show alcohol and drugs fascination. They aren’t cheap tricks but engrossing plots to spark our curiosity. Not all movies are comedies or mushy entertainers. There are dark films with powerful messages on societal changes and adult behavior. Such films are adult-watch, but some entertainers are an accurate depiction of habits and desires in the modern world.
Drug abuse is catching up amongst the teenage world. Drug addiction is becoming regular in adolescents and adults and can cause serious health complications for lack of an immediate recovery plan. Hollywood entertainers on drug addiction may not be the best to cheer you up, but they are worth your time and attention on the macro of things. Here are some movies on drug addiction to put on your must-see list.
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Year of Release: 1996
This movie, based on a novel of the same name, focuses on Mark Renton, the film’s main character, who, like many of his friends, struggles with heroin addiction. The movie has its witty moments, but it also has few jolting scenes on the opium withdrawal process that may leave an impact on you. This popular heroin-based film takes you into the world of junkies and their careless habits. The realistic portrayals of drug addiction treatment are eye-opening and may convince you to go for random drug testing and treatment.
Year of Release: 2000
This is another highly-rated film, based on a novel. It focuses on four characters, each with their storylines, challenges, and drug addictions. Unlike most drug addiction movies that focus on young people and their drug cravings, the film also sheds light on the drug abuse challenges among the elderly. Requiem For A Dream also shows how drug addictions can make the addicted feeling hollow when reality strikes them. Retired widow Sarah Goldfarb slowly becomes reliant on her diet pills. Her on-screen son, Harry Goldfarb’s increasing addiction to heroin alongside his girlfriend and drug accomplice’s similar habits, makes the situation murkier.
Year of Release: 2010
Written and directed by Dan Rush, this film shows Nick Halsey losing his salesman job of 16 years after showing up drunk at work too often. This affects Nick’s marriage, too, with his better half leaving him on the same day. Penniless, Nick reorganizes his life by starting a new career with the help of a neighborhood kid. With no funds left for drinking, Nick slowly realizes his involuntary withdrawal from alcohol and settles down to a life of soberness. The film conveys the message that alcohol addiction may not seem as harmful as drug addiction, but it can have the same devastating consequences.
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Year of Release: 1995
Leonardo DiCaprio-starred Basketball Diaries is based on an autobiography by Jim Carroll. The film shows the effects of heroin in high school. Despite its 1995 premiere, the film plot still holds relevance today. Jim, the main character of the film played by DiCaprio, has dreams of becoming a basketball star.
The unfortunate circumstances of his best buddy dying of leukemia and sexual predation by a coach make Jim become a heroin addict in his teenage years. Life becomes chaotic for Jim, who gets imprisoned on Rikers Island, convicted for several offenses. After his release, Jim turns sober and gets over his addiction.
Year of Release: 1988
This American drama film stars Michael Keaton as Daryl, a real estate agent struggling with cocaine addiction. Daryl learns of a drug rehabilitation program and discovers his hideout after embezzling money from his company’s funds. While in rehabilitation, Daryl meets Craig, a tough drug rehab counselor who makes Daryl realize his drug addiction. At a meeting aimed at recovering from substance addiction, Daryl gets charmed by a cocaine-addicted fellow patient Charlie Standers, who is in a disrespectful relationship with her boyfriend, Lenny.
Daryl has a soft corner for Charlie, whereas Lenny has a plan to win back Charlie. Unfortunately, Charlie dies in a car accident that pushes Daryl to return to drugs. He visits reformed addict Richard Dirks who talks him out of it. Daryl loses his job but gets free of the fear of facing the truth. The underlying theme of the film is ‘The best way to break old habits is to make new ones.’
Year of Release: 1991
Rush is a story of two anti-narcotic police officers who fall into the trap of addiction they are to destroy. The film shows how the two cops try to overcome their drug habits while dealing with drug dealers and the cunning boss, Will Gaines. Police cop Raynor teaches his investigation partner Kristen Cates how to use heroin in their ploy to destroy the illegal underworld. However, the police officers fall into their trap and get addicted to drugs. As the plot develops, Raynor gets shot by an unknown person. The drug dealer Gaines gets acquitted and walks away free. A few nights later, Gaines gets killed by the law-abiding Cates.
Wrapping Up
Addiction is a temporary phase of ecstasy and can be harmful on a long-term basis. Watch these movies to know the difference between short-lived pleasure and lasting joy.
