Drugs in streaming shows is a major theme these days. In fact, streaming shows about drugs and addiction are becoming more popular every day. There’s never a shortage of TV shows that feature characters struggling with an addiction or talking about drugs in general.
A show about addiction generally follows characters struggling with addiction. It portrays the life of people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, their family members, how it affects them every day, and every other thing that comes with addiction.
Streaming shows about addiction give us a chance to learn more about drug use and the people who become addicted. They educate us on the consequences of addiction and how it affects addicts’ lives, their families, and their friends. TV shows about addiction also show us the different struggles with drug use in society.
Let’s take a look at a number of shows that are streaming with drug use as a prominent theme this year:
Euphoria
The 2nd season is underway and you’ve just got to be there. This award-winning show is centered around a complicated coming-of-age story and a friend group that, along with the typical early 20s vices, battle sharp issues like:
- Domestic violence
- Abortion
- Various forms of substance and alcohol use disorder
The cinematic cuts and even fully choreographed musical drop-ins create a more dynamic show, and all show the complex yo-yos of use and recovery.
Some of the main characters in “Euphoria” include Rue, a drug addict who is trying to get clean; Jules, a transgender girl who is just starting hormone therapy; and Nate, a jock who is hiding his homosexuality from his friends and family. Each character has their own unique story that is revealed over the course of the show.
The show has been praised for its honest and frank portrayal of teenage life, with many scenes that are sure to make you cringe. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking drama, “Euphoria” is definitely worth a watch.
Dopesick
Dopesick is a six-part documentary series about the opioid epidemic in America. The show follows three stories of people affected by the epidemic: a mother trying to get her son clean, a drug dealer on the streets of Baltimore, and a college student who became addicted to opioids after being prescribed painkillers for a sports injury. Dopesick provides a detailed look at the epidemic from all angles, and offers insight into how to address the problem.
The show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the opioid epidemic, and for raising awareness about the issue. It has also been criticized for being biased against drug companies and for not providing enough solutions to the problem.
Intervention
The Emmy award-winning series “Intervention” on A&E profiles people whose uncontrollable addiction to drugs, alcohol, or compulsive behavior has brought them to the brink of destruction and has devastated their family and friends.
This season begins with all-new episodes anchored in California confronting the Fentanyl crisis, followed by never-before-seen episodes from various cities.
Shameless
The Showtime series “Shameless” is a dark comedy-drama that tells the story of the dysfunctional Gallagher family, who reside in the South Side of Chicago. The show is set in a poor and crime-ridden neighborhood, and the Gallaghers are constantly struggling to get by. The family patriarch, Frank Gallagher, is an alcoholic and a womanizer, and his six children are all forced to fend for themselves. The show follows the Gallagher family as they navigate through life’s many challenges, including poverty, addiction, and violence.
Despite their hardships, the Gallaghers are a close-knit family who care for each other deeply. They often turn to each other for support, and they are always there to lend a hand. The Gallagher family is full of strong and resilient characters, and they never give up hope. “Shameless” is an engaging show that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a series that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, then “Shameless” is definitely worth watching.
Recovery Road
Maddie, an adolescent drug user, has a reputation as a party girl, although she doesn’t think she has a problem. When her school guidance counselor confronts her about her drug use, Maddie is forced to choose between being expelled or entering drug rehab. Maddie chooses the latter option and moves into a sober living facility, where she lives with other recovering addicted individuals.
Combined with the regular pressures faced by teenagers in their everyday lives, life in rehab proves difficult for Maddie. “Recovery Road” is based on the young adult novel of the same name by Blake Nelson.
Degrassi
This iconic early 2000s show launched Drake’s career and featured many taboo topics surrounding substance use. The young lives on Degrassi Street are always rife with problems. Whether it’s about sexuality, growing up, drugs or parents, there’s always something going on in the high school and at their homes. The long-running, multiple award-winning series follows the characters in a soap opera-type format as they endure the pangs of transitioning from childhood to adulthood.
Mom
Single mom Christy has her hands full with two children, Violet and Roscoe, and maintaining newfound sobriety, when her passive-aggressive, recovering-alcoholic mother re-enters the picture, brimming with criticisms about Christy’s life.
As the daughter works to be the best mother she can and to overcome mistakes she made, she must also navigate dysfunctional relationships with her married lover—and boss— Gabriel, and with her irresponsible ex-husband, Baxter. Despite the uphill battle, Christy tries to be positive and stay on the path to what she wants in life.
Drugs In Streaming Shows Reflect a Larger Societal Problem
Streaming TV shows tend to write about what’s happening in society. Sadly, what’s happening in society is substance use and abuse. While entertaining on a certain level, there are, of course, real problems on display.
Do these shows with drug use feel a little too familiar? Maybe your life is uncomfortably similar to the plight of some of the characters in these programs. If so, don’t hesitate to call us today at 888.501.9865 if you need help.
