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Abstract
In recent years the portrayal of drug use in the media has become more and more
prevalent with shows such as Breaking Bad, Weeds, and Nurse Jackie gaining popularity and
acclaim. In turn, viewers, especially those in younger age categories, have more exposure to the
sensitive themes of drug abuse and addiction. While this exposure may cause alarm for those
who question the necessity and appropriateness of such themes, these portrayals of drug use also
open up a platform for awareness and discussion of these issues as they pertain to our society
today. An examination of how viewers respond to themes of drug use in television can create a
better idea of what kind of responsibilities content creators must have with regard to their
influence on viewers. In addition, this examination may also bring viewers an awareness of how
to interact with these themes in popular media and use them as a frame of reference from which
they can draw when interacting in situations involving drug use and addiction.
that raises awareness? All of these questions will provide information that paints a bigger picture
of the relationship between the media and drugs.
and compassion for addicts whom a viewer may not have found as relatable were it not for their
exposure to characters with similar ailments. Benefits of cinema therapy may also apply to these
television shows. Proponents of cinema therapy suggest that viewing story arcs involving
overcoming challenges that are relevant to the patient/viewers personal experience may have
therapeutic effects and can even aid in recovery. In this case, viewers struggling with addiction
may find solace in plot lines such as those seen in Nurse Jackie, in which the title character
struggles with and overcomes a prescription pill addiction, even dealing with multiple relapses.
with regard to less dangerous drugs may not be as irresponsible or dangerous as it may first
appear.
How can content creators portray drug use and addiction in a way that raises awareness?
Content creators have the opportunity to take responsibility for the way in which they
depict drug use. Viewers and critics express concerns about inaccuracies when it comes to drug
use because of the risk these portrayals may have when programs reach such large audiences.
One hundred percent of survey participants said that they felt television shows portraying drug
use were not informative with regard to the drug and addiction (C. McCool, Personal survey:
Drug use in television). By conducting thorough research during production of shows creators
have a better chance of creating a clearer picture of the realities of drug use that doesnt glorify
the issue. This type of portrayal would give creators the power to use their shows as a platform to
educate and raise awareness.
Taking on this kind of responsibility is noble, but it may also be seen as unnecessary.
Although it would be ideal to be able to have absolutely accurate portrayals of drug use in the
media, it is not necessarily the job of creators to educate viewers on such matters or even create
realistic media. Such expectations hinder expression and restrict the types of stories that may be
told. Uninformed viewers who are influenced by what they see in the media do not necessarily
have the right to blame their misfortunes entirely on what they saw on television.
Conclusion/Synthesis
There is no clear and precise connection between media portrayal of drug use and an
audiences relationship to drugs and addiction. Drug use is portrayed in many ways depending on
a shows genre and target audience. Whether or not these portrayals are harmful has to do with
many factors. More impressionable viewers may become curious about drugs due to the focus on
drug use being so prevalent in TV today. At the same time, this focus may act as a conversation
starter for discussions about addiction and the things that can be done to combat it. Ultimately,
discretion is up to the consumer of the media just as the content of television shows is up to the
creator.
References
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How Addicts Are Portrayed on TV | The Fix. (n.d.). Retrieved March 04, 2016, from
https://www.thefix.com/content/breaking-bad-real-housewives-kim-richards-addiction?
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Mann, D. (n.d.). Movie Therapy: Using Movies for Mental Health. Retrieved March 04, 2016,
from http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/movie-therapy-using-movies-formental-health
McCool, C., Personal survey: Drug use in television, March 2016
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Villani, S. (2001). Impact of Media on Children and Adolescents: A 10-Year Review of the
Research. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(4),
392-401.
Weeds: How TV Affects Modern Society. (n.d.). Retrieved March 04, 2016, from http://theartifice.com/weeds-how-tv-affects-modern-society/