Is drug use glorified in pop culture? Does Hollywood make you think that using alcohol or marijuana is safe to do? When it comes to addiction and pop culture, there are many misleading and often worrisome beliefs presented. However, if you are struggling with substance abuse right now, recognize there is treatment available to you. For those with alcohol addiction or drug addiction, overcoming the stereotypical addict image in pop culture is hard. At Bayview Recovery, we provide the tools you need to do just that. To learn more, contact our team today at 855.478.3650.

The Link Between Addiction and Pop Culture

Pop culture is a term used to express the common practices and beliefs held by a group of people and communicated, often, through entertainment, fashion, trends, and media. It’s often perceived as the guide to how to be social and how to judge a person. It often makes concepts or beliefs mainstream in that it promotes these ideas as the “right” or the “okay” thing to do. When it comes to using drugs and alcohol, pop culture often depicts it as being safe, social, and acceptable.

Pop culture has played a role in addiction development through the way it portrays drug use. Here are a few examples:

• Social media makes it seem safe and “normal” to have a glass of wine after a long day of dealing with the kids at home.
• Television shows and movies often portray social drinking in bars with friends to be safe and normal.
• After a long day at work, many characters from television or movies find themselves drinking or using drugs to cope with stress, depression, or anxiety.
• Drinking and drug use are often portrayed as a good experience in many comedies, even though these drugs, like hallucinogens and stimulants, can cause overdose with a single-use.

There’s also a component of this that relates to language. For example, there are countless terms and phrases that have unique meanings that people who use drugs or alcohol may only know or use. This, too, helps to make substance abuse more commonly accepted.

Pop Culture Celebrates Certain Addictions

Many people do not realize that substance abuse is more likely to occur when people believe these substances are safe. Even as drugs like alcohol and marijuana become more readily available and legally obtainable, that doesn’t mean they are safe to use. As a result, there’s more access.

Addiction and pop culture are a very dangerous combination. Those struggling with drug addiction or alcohol addiction notice how pop culture presents normalized substance abuse, which may be overwhelming and angering. What if it wasn’t so “okay” to use? Would you have avoided using these substances yourself? Do you wish others would know what comes from routine use like this?

Overcome Substance Abuse Through Effective Treatment

If you have an addiction, and pop culture is misleading you, know that you can make changes. Our team at Bayview Recovery works closely with many men and women struggling with drug addiction or alcohol addiction. We offer comprehensive, compassionate programs designed to provide you with exceptional care and attention to your needs. Learn more about overcoming substance abuse by learning about our programs, including:

• Partial hospitalization program
• Intensive outpatient program
• Outpatient treatment program
• Extended care treatment program
• Dual diagnosis treatment

Embrace Change and Treatment When You Call Bayview Recovery

Addiction and pop culture may seem to go hand-in-hand. Yet, for those struggling with substance abuse, getting help now is critical. It’s not cool to have a drug addiction or to fight for your future with an alcohol addiction. You don’t have to struggle with it. Our team at Bayview Recovery can help you. Call 855.478.3650 or reach out online for the support you need.