Smoke Staffer contemplates glorification of drugs in film industry

The portrayal of drugs in the media, specifically in movies and shows, is a mixed bag. More and more films and shows are being made that have plotlines revolving around drug abuse, and not all of them tackle this sensitive topic in the correct manner. While there are some portrayals that are honest and realistic, there are other portrayals that highly romanticize it and neglect to show the darker sides of it. These media depictions may seem harmless on the screen, but can lead to real life repercussions for teens indulging in this content.

Films romanticizing drug abuse show the addiction in a positive manner, and it’s usually shown as something cool, especially if it’s teenagers participating in the drug abuse. This simple portrayal of drugs as an escape from reality, without any repercussions, either intentionally or unintentionally makes light of the major issue.

Movies and shows that do this, also don't portray the dark sides of addiction, and the terrible effects it can have on the user mentally and physically. There are various effects of drug abuse that are very detrimental to the user in real life scenarios, like the withdrawal period, yet some shows chose to shy away from it. Instead, some films chose to portray drug abuse and and there are problems in the drug scenes. However, Euphoria at least shows how Rue’s substance abuse actively harms her mental health and her relationships with others. perception of things in the real world, either actively or subconsciously. To see addiction shown in a unanimously positive light, without showcasing any of the many negative effects of it, has an impact on impressionable people watching these films. It's been proven in several studies by John Hopkins Medicine that indicate teenagers are more likely to try drugs, drink alcohol, and smoke if they see overall positive media portrayals of it. Some of these shows that glorify drug abuse might center a teenager in the narrative, and oftentimes these shows are also marketed to teenagers, only amplifying the potential harm this media could cause.

Depictions of addiction in the media are important, and these stories of addiction should be told, just like any other story. However, some of these portrayals are harmful, and only add to misconceptions of drug abuse. Ultimately, these shows should work harder to accurately showcase these stories on screen in a nuanced way, without glorifying addiction or villainizing the drug user.

Yael Behar | Artist

Smoking marijuana causes negative interactions with prescription medications

Kaitlyn Nash | Co-Editor

Many in pain often seek different ways to alleviate their ailments, such as taking prescription drugs or eawting healthier. However, more and more people have decided to take a different path in their medication journey through using marijuana, in its Cannabidiol (CBD) or Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) form.

In fact, according to a study done by Statista researcher Jan Conway, 26% of Americans used CBD in 2022, an increase from 8% in 2018. However, the interaction between marijuana and prescribed drugs is one thing new users of marijuana may be unfamiliar with, especially teenagers who may obtain the drug illegally.

“There are all kinds of contraindications,” health science theory teacher Christine Gilbert said. “There are all kinds of drug interactions, no matter what substance you’re taking. There could be interactions with prescription drugs if using CBD oil or marijuana.”

There are around 27 researched drug interactions that are so highly clinically significant that the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit, which mostly include opioids. A few of these drugs are morphine, butorphanol, and levorphanol which all can lead to respiratory distress, coma, and even death.

“CBD with THC might antagonize the drug or it might make you not feel the positive effects of a certain prescribed medication,” Gilbert said.

“I don’t believe scientifically they’ve found that marijuana has a lot of side effects as far as being something sinister or something that would cause physical harm, as opposed to a lot of prescription medications.”

Not only that, but interaction between blood thinners and marijuana or anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen have been known to cause an increased risk of bleeding. Antidepressants such as lexapro are known to cause extreme drowsiness and dizziness when interacting with marijuana as well.

“I do think it’s important to be mindful,” Gilbert said. “It’s important to do scientifically sound research and not make assumptions. I think it’s always good to be on the safe side. I would encourage students to do research using reputable sources, not just social media, but actually go in and look at research.”

If one were to want to stop medicating with marijuana, there are a few ways to do so that can limit the negative effects of stopping cold-turkey that can be found on this page.

“The studies show it’s not addictive, but it can be habit forming in that you’re self medicating,” Gilbert said. “And it is very difficult to put down something that you feel has been helpful. I would suggest that change often sticks and is more sustainable when we take baby steps.”

Gilbert recommends that all students and faculty be transparent with their medical providers about what kind of drugs they take, especially with marijuana. If someone were to go to the hospital and need a dose of some sort of opioid or fentanyl without telling their provider of their drug use, interactions of marijuana and the drug they are given could be deadly.

“I think what happens is people aren’t honest with their health care providers,” Gilbert said. “They think they’re going to be judged. They think they’re going to be told that they can’t do something that in self medicating has made them feel better. But in reality, as a healthcare provider, myself, and as a former psychiatric nurse and a former substance abuse nurse, I can tell you, we don’t judge. For the most part, health care providers just want to make sure you’re safe.”