Euphoria is hardly the first TV show to depict substance use. The Wire, Breaking Bad, Ozark, Dopesick, and others all largely illustrate the overtly stigmatized yet simultaneously overlooked illegal drug trade currently plaguing the nation. What perhaps makes Euphoria different, and what D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) advocates are criticizing, is the setting and age group of which the series is based: teenagers in a high school. The show is many narratives in one; it follows a group of teens as they navigate love, loss, and deep personal traumas, but unlike most stories of similar caliber, Euphoria does not shy away from the darker sides of life: the gritty hard stuff like addiction, abuse, and the life-threatening nature of the drug trade.

Despite the intentional viewer discretion notices and messages warning of explicit content meant for mature audiences (and a screen sharing helplines open 24 hours for those struggling as well as an entire resource page on the network’s website), D.A.R.E. believes Euphoria “chooses to misguidedly glorify and erroneously depict high school drug use, addiction, anonymous sex, violence, and other widespread behaviors as common and widespread in today’s world.” This statement, released earlier this year around the launch of the second season of the show, certainly poses a few questions: is Euphoria’s content truly “glorifying” these widespread behaviors or is it accurately depicting a frightening world that teens of today’s generation face daily? One that is rife with reckless sex, varying forms of abuse, and the very real, very frightening underground drug market. Where is the line between promotion and exaggerated reality, especially for the sake of informing viewers of otherwise taboo topics?

Is Familiarity Dangerous?

There was a similar discussion when Breaking Bad received critical acclaim and widespread viewership; many felt that the series glorified Methamphetamine use, even when the show realistically portrayed the horror and self-destruction of those who fall victim to the allure of desperately seeking the next high. Prosecutor Blake Ewing argues that “while Breaking Bad may not glorify Meth in the sense of making it attractive to the average viewer, it does normalize the idea of Meth for a broad segment of society that might otherwise have no knowledge of that dark and dangerous world.” Largely, Ewing believes that what he calls a “false sense of familiarity” – a result of formed connections with the characters in the show – is dangerous because it makes the very existence and prevalence of an entire underlying culture a little less foreign and unknown.

Almost an antithesis to the everlasting adage, “knowledge is power,” the notion that familiarity is “inherently dangerous” (quoted from Ewing’s piece written for Time) is interesting. A technology-dependent society, more and more frequently we learn from the media; screens dictate and depict our inside emotions or that which we are curious to learn more about, often acting as a mirror or a window depending on how we’re feeling when we pick up the remote. Young people are especially perceptible to media and influence and the way different outlets portray and represent behaviors and subcultures such as partying and drug use. For instance, a recent study investigated adolescents’ exposure to various substances’ advertisements and found that there is a correlation between exposure to alcohol content (particularly pointed marketing) and early alcohol consumption.

However, as is the case with Euphoria, when the content is blunt, heavy, and raw, rather than glamorous or sophisticated, are teens more or less likely to relate to the underlying themes? Do they engage in the exhibited dangerous and reckless behaviors simply because they have a greater bandwidth of understanding or simply thank their lucky stars that the characters are behind a screen rather than at their school? It’s hard to know for sure; the show is not even 3 years old.

Is Euphoria A Fair Representation Of High School Today?

Unlike other teen-focused party culture dramas, Euphoria has managed to capitalize on the true and utter desolation of topics like severe teenage drug addiction and intense (and varied) sexual trauma without forfeiting sensitivity. While 13 Reasons Why was criticized for romanticizing suicide and promoting a false narrative that suicide is pointedly blamable, Euphoria is honest, albeit intensely dramatic, but not brooding; in many ways it’s hard to watch. And yet, with multiple storylines and deeply developed characters, the show provides an arguable 360-degree view of the varying conflicts and life choices the characters, and many high schoolers around the world, face.

One local news source in Toronto, Canada reached out to high school students asking if they felt that the show accurately depicted current high school life. Of the responses they received, most students agreed that while certainly exaggerated, thematically, it checks out. “I think our generation has really taken drinking to the next level. Bringing a bottle of vodka and putting it in your locker and being smashed during, like, all periods…that happens,” said one recent graduate from Ontario, Emily Clarizio. Another responder, Alessia Rescigno, age 15, says many teens post content online containing nudity, alcohol, and drugs they’re selling, citing that violence, particularly in cases involving drug deals, is common. “Three of my friends in the last 2 years have died, like, 3 of my friends and…I’m only in grade 10. I don’t think [Euphoria] is exaggerated. I think this is really what happens.”

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Euphoria Fans Defend The Show

While D.A.R.E. is upset that HBO, social media, and critics refer to the show as “‘groundbreaking,'” rather than recognizing the potential negative consequences on school age children who today face unparalleled risks and mental health challenges,” their cry is seemingly falling on deaf ears. The HBO network has not responded to offers of collaboration and many fans have met the claim with zealous criticism of their own stating that D.A.R.E. was the reason they became curious about drugs, while Euphoria scares them away entirely. Sam Levinson, creator, writer, and director of the show purposefully designed the narrator/main character, Rue, (played by Zendaya) based around his own experiences with substance abuse and addiction:

I think it’s crucial that film and television portray addiction in an honest way. That we allow for its complexities to play out. That we show the allure of drugs, the relief they can bring, because that is ultimately what makes them so destructive.

His main intention was to begin a conversation and create space for these issues that so often separate generations and build walls between parents and teens. By purposefully refusing to shy away from both the enticement and the simultaneous danger and devastation drugs promise, Levinson paints a powerful picture meant to replicate and reflect reality.

Art As Conversation Starter: Could Euphoria Encourage Sobriety?

Ultimately, Euphoria is sparking dialogue; precisely the goal. Addiction, assault, familial trauma, sex and gender expression/experimentation, and overwhelming loss are topics and matters of life that are hard and painful to process and work through. Perhaps consciously (and conscientiously) created art that legitimizes this pain is a solid first step toward widespread awareness and eventual recovery.

Get Help Today

Substance abuse and addiction are serious and scary and often leave those who suffer feeling alone. If you or someone you know and love is struggling with addiction, help is available; you don’t have to struggle in silence. Reach out to a treatment provider today to learn more about recovery and rehab options; you deserve to live your best life now.

The post Does ‘Euphoria’ Encourage Teen Party Culture? appeared first on Addiction Center.

During 2020, Pornhub, a leading adult entertainment platform, received 3.2 billion visits per month. Another leading adult site, X Videos, received 3.4 billion per month. The accessibility of porn can lead to unhealthy habits and even an addiction. A person may have a pornography addiction if their life is negatively impacted by their desire to look at porn. This compulsion interferes with daily life, relationships, work, and their ability to function. Those with a porn addiction are unable to stop watching, even if they want to. Although the medical definition of porn addiction is often debated by scientists, negative effects are relatively common. Even celebrities have opened up about their struggles with watching porn. 

Signs Of Porn Addiction

The main indication that a porn addiction is present is when it becomes the most important thing in a person’s life. Day to day life gets interrupted by the compulsion to watch pornography. Other signs of a porn addiction include: 

• Neglecting personal care.
• Losing interest in other activities and social interactions.
• Damaging relationships.
• Ignoring responsibilities.
• Negative effects to school work or job. 
• Watching pornography in inappropriate places (like school or work).
• Sex life becomes unfulfilling. 
• Continuing to watch porn despite feeling frustrated or ashamed.
• Can’t stop watching although not as enjoyable as once was. 
• Looking at or watching porn routinely for over 6 months.

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The Addiction Debate

Not all medical professionals and scientists agree that heavy porn use is considered an addiction in the medical definition of the word. Different organizations and associations have opposing views on the subject. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed compulsive sexual behavior as a mental health disorder. This addition was defined as repetitive sexual behavior that becomes the central focus of an individual’s life causing them to neglect their health, personal care, and care for interests, activities, and responsibilities. 

Studies have shown that problematic porn use can trigger certain responses in the brain. These responses occur in the areas that are associated with reward and memory. Researchers believe that this is similar to the brain activity that is seen with drug or alcohol addiction. Despite the support shown in this study, excessive porn use is not recognized by The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The American Psychiatric Association does not believe that developing a dependence to porn creates the same long-lasting effects on the brain as a substance use disorder (SUD) does. 

Celebrities Who Have Spoken On Their Porn Addictions

It may seem that the lives’ of celebrities are very different from the average person. While this can be true in some aspects, they have struggles like everyone else. In fact, many celebrities experience substance abuse at some point in their career as a result of social pressure, criticism, and accessibility. 

Celebrities are also just as vulnerable to porn addiction. In recent years, several celebrities have opened up about overcoming their addiction to porn despite the stigma associated. This has been especially true after Brooklyn 99 actor, Terry Crews, revealed in 2015 that he had attended rehab for his porn use. Here are 5 other celebrities who overcome an addiction to porn. 

Andra Day

In a 2021 interview with InStyle, actress Andra Day spoke about her struggles with porn addiction. The 36-year-old celebrity discussed her portrayal of Billie Holiday in The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Day stated that she intentionally wanted to exclude sexuality from her performance of the influential singer. 

I didn’t want any element of sexualization. I had to come out of something in my own life: dealing with porn addiction and sex addiction. I’m being very, very candid with you because I’m not the only one.

Day went on to say that she is much healthier now that she is on the outside of her addiction. 

Kanye West

Rapper, producer, fashion designer, and celebrity Kanye West, who legally changed his name to Ye in 2021, shared his experience with porn addiction with Apple Music 1’s The Zane Lowe Show. In this 2019 interview, West told the story of how his interest in Playboy Magazine at age 5 grew into a “full blown addiction.” 

My dad had a Playboy left out at age 5 and it affected almost every choice I made for the rest of my life. From age 5 until now, having to kick the habit.

Kanye credits his faith with helping him to overcome his various addictions including porn addiction. 

Russell Brand

On his comedy web series, Russell Brand discussed the negative impact watching porn can have. Brand has been open about his struggles with his past struggles of substance abuse and sex addiction. In this 2015 collaboration with Fight The New Drug, an anti-pornography nonprofit, Brand spoke on how he has had to work towards not watching porn and its overall influence on him. 

It’s affected my ability to relate to women, to relate to myself, my own sexuality, my own spirituality.

Brand went on to point out the impact pornography has had on our society. He believes that porn has warped attitudes towards sex, deviating it from its true purpose as an expression of love and means of procreation. 

Jada Pinkett Smith

Actress Jada Pinkett Smith and daughter Willow had an open conversation about porn on her Facebook Watch series, Red Table Talk. This discussion began with Willow, who was 18 years old at the time, sharing her porn preferences. Pinkett Smith then revealed her own past unhealthy relationship with watching porn when she was trying to practice abstinence. 

It was actually like feeling an emptiness, at least you think it is, but it’s actually not. And actually, reading some of the effects of pornography, like the idea that it really gives you false expectations, as far as sexual interactions.

During this conversation, Willow said she doesn’t think it has a negative effect on her because she has an open line of communication with Pinkett Smith and her father, Will Smith.

Lamar Odom

Former NBA player Lamar Odom sought treatment for drug and alcohol addiction in 2015 after an overdose. While this stay in rehab was successful for this celebrity’s substance use disorder, his addiction to porn continued. In 2019, he stated that he had given up watching porn to work towards a healthier lifestyle. His fiancé, at the time, had noticed that his addiction to porn was getting in the way of their relationship and helped him by downloading an app that blocked all porn from his phone. 

I think that’s what drugs and porn did- took me away from being present. You always want to be present with your loved ones.

In an interview with Kevin Hart, Odom said that his addiction will never truly go away and that it’s something he has to work on every day.

Get Help For Porn Addiction Today

Porn addiction can be incredibly difficult to live with. The debate surrounding the “legitimacy” of porn addiction, along with the stigma attached to compulsive sexual behaviors, can be enough to keep many people from seeking treatment. Fortunately, there are treatment professionals who are well versed in porn addiction and other behavioral health issues that are here to help. If you need help with porn addiction and want to learn more about your online therapy options, click here.

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Movies can sometimes reflect aspects of our real lives on the big screen. When a movie achieves a sense of realism, the audience can feel understood or inspired. Although an estimated 20 million people in the US struggle with a substance use disorder (SUD), making realistic movies about addiction can be difficult. Symptoms of substance use may be trivialized, exaggerated, or glamorized. These kinds of portrayals can stigmatize SUDs and drive those struggling further away from treatment. 

Fortunately, there are movies that are more authentic in their depiction of substance use. These films can be successful in conveying the hardships and feelings of obsession, desperation, and isolation that are associated with drug and alcohol use. Here are a few realistic movies about addiction.

Beautiful Boy: A Realistic Movie About Addiction And Family

Beautiful Boy is a 2018 film starring Steve Carrel and Timothée Chalamet. The Felix Van Groeningen directed movie is based on 2 2008 memoirs that tell the true story of David and Nick Sheef. David is the father of Nick who is struggling with Meth use. This dual perspective allows the audience to feel empathy for both sides: the user and his family. David is desperate to help his son by any and all means as Nick’s addiction progresses. Nick’s cycle of relapse and recovery is juxtaposed with flashbacks of his childhood to show the emotional toll that one’s substance use can have on familial relationships. 

Nick’s sense of privilege and stability are powerless in the face of drug use. Despite being a smart and creative kid with plenty of opportunities to be successful, Nick’s intense dependency on crystal Meth overcomes all other priorities. Beautiful Boy is a realistic movie about addiction because it highlights the idea that the struggles of a SUD does not discriminate and can affect everyone in a user’s life. 

Requiem For A Dream: Contrasting Addiction And Potential

Director Darren Aronofsky tells a story of how addiction can easily derail a person’s life in the 2000 psychological drama Requiem For A Dream. This realistic movie about addiction follows 4 interconnected people and their separate struggles with substance use. Sara Goldfarb, portrayed by Ellen Burstyn, is the mother of Harold or Harry, played by Jared Leto. Sara is dependent on appetite suppressant amphetamines. Harry, his girlfriend Maryanne (Jennifer Connolley), and their friend Tyrone (Marlon Wayans) use black tar Heroin. Each character has an emotional void that they are using substances to cope with. 

Despite their clear use, the specific names of the substances and even the word “drug” is never said in the film. Each character also has non-substance addictions such as television, money, or a co-dependent relationship. By showing that addiction can come in all shapes and forms, the audience can reflect inward on their own dependencies. Aronofsky uses very stylized montages with manipulated time and music crescendos to mimic the anxiety, tension, and stress that is induced by drug use. The film contrasts the dark path of substance use with the aspirations and potential of the characters. This comparison humanizes the characters by showing that they are average people with real lives and struggles. 

Uncut Gems: How Gambling Puts Everything At Risk

Certain sets of behaviors can also lead to an addiction when an individual is unable to resist their impulses. The 2019 film, Uncut Gems, tells the cautionary tale of Howard Ratner who struggles with a sports gambling disorder. Gambling is the only behavioral disorder recognized in the DSM-5. Howard’s dependency on sports gambling puts all other aspects of his life at risk including his family. The audience is completely immersed in the high stress, denial, and chaos involved in Howard’s destructive gambling cycle. 

Directors Josh and Benny Safdie, who love sports but do not gamble, hoped that their realistic movie about addiction could help to reverse the normalization of gambling disorders. Because sports gambling is legal in 25 states, many do not consider it an addiction. Although seemingly harmless, a gambling disorder can affect one’s relationships, finances, work performance, and use of other substances.

Sound Of Metal: A Realistic Movie About Addiction And Deafness

Sound Of Metal is a 2019 film that tells the story of Rueben, a drummer in recovery who suddenly begins to lose his hearing. Reuben, portrayed by Riz Ahmed, calls his sponsor who suggests he enter a rural sober living home specifically for deaf people. Concerned about his sobriety, his girlfriend leaves him at the center against his will. Reuben is resistant to accepting his new hearing loss and becomes obsessed with solutions that will help him return to normalcy. This is portrayed as being a new form of addiction for Reuben. 

This Academy Award winning film has been recognized for its use of sound to accurately depict deafness. Representations of deaf culture in this realistic movie about addiction show how other factors, disabilities, or disorders can affect an individual’s relationship to substance use. The treatment center in the film is an example of a culture specific treatment option that differs from the stereotypical 12-step programs that are typically shown in movies.

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Trainspotting: Two Signs Of The Addiction Coin

1996’s British comedy-drama, Trainspotting, was directed by Danny Boyle and stars Ewan McGregor as Renton. Renton and his friends are Heroin users living in Edinburgh, Scotland. The film follows Renton’s attempts to quit using Heroin. In doing so, the movie shows the misery, social destruction, and death that can result from substance use. The substance use addressed in Trainspotting is still a major problem in Scotland which has the highest drug related death rate in Europe. 

Some have criticized this film for glamorizing substance use. Boyle has defended his choices in his movie about addiction by saying that he wanted to show why people do drugs and how temporary euphoric effects lead to awful outcomes. The adverse effects of substance use can be seen in the realistic withdrawal scenes in the movie. The film also comments on the use of substances as a form of escapism when the characters use Heroin in response to a tragic event that was caused by their substance use. 

Seeking Treatment

These films do their best to show how addiction affects more than just the user. Creative sound, dialogue, and visual effects help to make viewers understand what substance use and associated stress feels like to users. For more information on substance use disorders and treatment options, contact a treatment provider today.

The post 6 Realistic Movies About Addiction appeared first on Addiction Center.

In 1973, actor and martial-arts expert Bruce Lee experienced a minor headache. After taking Equagesic, a prescription painkiller, Lee slipped into a coma and never awoke. It was determined that the cause of the 32-year-old actor’s death was a reaction to an ingredient in the pain medication he took. Recently, a collection of letters written by Lee was found at a flea market. These letters, which have been authenticated by experts, revealed that friend and fellow actor, Robert Baker, supplied drugs to Lee in secret for several years. This discovery adds Bruce Lee to a long list of celebrities who have struggled with substance abuse.  

In one letter, Lee wrote to Baker, “I was throwing stones like hell, but I am working on the next character… some coke will help…” This statement indicates that Lee had become dependent on the use of certain substances to deal with his work. Cocaine, acid, “hash” or “grass,” and mushrooms were mentioned in Lee’s letters. 

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The content of Lee’s unearthed letters highlights issues some celebrities may have with substance use disorders (SUD). The lives of celebrities are often very public which can lead to constant scrutiny from media and fans. Celebrities may feel an immense pressure to be perfect which could be why many celebrities choose to keep their substance use struggles as private as Lee did. The general stress of being famous can also cause celebrities to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. 

Throughout the history of Hollywood, developing a SUD has been especially prevalent among young celebrities. The revelation of Bruce Lee’s letters contribute to this idea. Lee, who grew up in Hong Kong, was a childhood actor. At the age of 1, Lee appeared in his first film, Golden Gate Girl. Lee had been in 20 films by the age of 20. It is possible the pressures of fame and work led to his substance use, like many other young celebrities. These are a few young celebrities who struggled with a SUD. 

Judy Garland’s Cycle Of Substances

At age 13, Judy Garland signed to the American media company Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as a contract player. Early on in her career, Garland received criticism about her appearance and weight. The studio put the young actress on Amphetamine-based diet pills to control weight and keep up her energy for long days of work. At the end of each day, Garland was given sleeping pills. This cycle of pills created an intense dependency on substances which caused her to struggle with substance use for the rest of her life. Her long-term addiction resulted in her death by accidental overdose which occurred in 1969. As a celebrity, constant attention on appearance, pressures to work long hours, and influence of the studio contributed to the development of Garland’s substance use. 

Drew Barrymore Was A 12-Year-Old “Party Girl”

Drew Barrymore’s acting career kicked off when she was in E.T. The Extra Terrestrial when she was 7 years old. By age 12, Barrymore was a self proclaimed “party girl” and was doing Cocaine at nightclubs with her mother regularly. The actress sought treatment at age 14 where she was able to treat her SUD at the source. The facility recommended she legally separate from her mother and one year later she was emancipated. Today, Barrymore is grateful for her time in treatment and that she is no longer a celebrity struggling with substance use. 

Matthew Perry Doesn’t Remember Filming Some Of Friends Because Of Substance Use

Friends actor and celebrity, Matthew Perry, has spoken about his struggles with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) during the early years of the popular series. Perry, who was 23 when the show began, has said that there are 3 full seasons that he doesn’t remember filming because of his substance use. Although Perry claims he never drank on set, the effects of his alcohol use, such as feeling hungover, were still present. Perry described this time as the loneliest time of his life, despite it looking like he “had it all” from the outside. 

Justin Bieber’s Overnight Fame Led To Use Of Substances

In 2020, Canadian singer Justin Bieber addressed his struggles with drug use. Bieber admitted that he began smoking Marijuana at about age 12. After becoming dependent on marijuana, Bieber turned to heavier substances such as alcohol, lean, prescription pills, MDMA, and mushrooms. Bieber has also opened up about how overwhelming it was for him to become a household name at age 13. 

“Millions of fans were saying how much they loved me and how great I was. You hear these things as a young boy and you actually start believing it … So by this point I was 18 with no skills in the real world, with millions of dollars and access to whatever I wanted. This is a very scary concept for anyone,” Bieber said on Instagram in 2019. 

Why Are Young Celebrities Prone To Addiction

In general, people may turn to substances to cope with experiences, memories, or events that emotionally overwhelm them. When one is emotionally overwhelmed, they feel an intense emotion that is difficult to manage. This can affect their ability to think or act rationally. Often being emotionally overwhelmed can be caused by stress, traumatic experiences, or relationship issues. When someone uses substances to deal with this feeling, the original issue gets worse rather than better. For young celebrities, being famous, public criticism, and work stress can be overwhelming. 

The concept of fame, on its own, can be addictive. The developing brain of a child or young adult can get used to a certain level of attention and flattery. As child celebrities age or their careers shift, this attention may disappear. Because they have become addicted to the feeling of being adored, they may fill this void with substance use. Additionally, child celebrities are often in environments where temptations are high with few people who will tell them no. 

For more information on substance use disorders and how to treat them, contact a treatment provider today.

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Have you ever heard of the term “California sober?” It’s a phrase that has been popularized by singer/actress Demi Lovato in a recent documentary detailing her battle with addiction. According to the star, the term means avoiding all addictive substances except “soft” drugs like Marijuana and alcohol. The practice is rooted in harm reduction rather than absolutism. 

People who are “California sober,” also known as “Cali sober,” either moderately use or forgo alcohol and “hard” drugs. A few examples of  “hard drugs” are Heroin, Cocaine, and crystal Methamphetamine. Instead, they use “soft” drugs like Marijuana, LSD, or Psilocybin. Demi Lovato explains it’s a form of “balanced” sobriety that has helped her stay away from harder drugs. Lovato clarifies, “I’ve learned that it doesn’t work for me to say that I’m never going to do this again.” She explains cutting off all substances was “setting myself up for failure because I am such a black-and-white thinker.” Since Lovato’s interview, the term California sober has blown up on social media. Still, does it work? 

Does “California Sober” Work?

Demi Lovato claims California sobriety works for her but is it for everyone? Unfortunately, no, it is not. Exposing yourself to light alcohol and drug use may be ok for certain people while disastrous for those who have struggled with addiction. According to research, people once addicted to a substance that return to drinking or smoking are more likely to relapse. Even if an individual refrains from using “softer” drugs or alcohol, they are likely to backslide. According to the American Medical Association Journal, nearly 50% of people relapse within a year of treatment. 

Staying away, or abstaining, from all drugs and alcohol is necessary for those in recovery. To some, it may seem like absolutism, but in reality, it is the best chance a person has to improve their odds of staying “clean.” The practice of reintroducing “soft” drugs to a person’s system is risky. Both alcohol and Marijuana are part of the 3 most commonly used addictive drugs in the United States. More than 11.8 million people admit to using Marijuana, and about 30% of them have a Marijuana use disorder. Nearly 70% of adults over-consume alcohol, and about 14.5 million are battling an alcohol use disorder. 

California Sober Is Not Medically Proven Or Regulated

Though celebrities rave about being “Cali sober,” it is essential to note that the term is not medically recognized or regulated. There is no way of knowing what 2 different people consider as okay while “Cali sober.” Some individuals use alcohol and smoke weed, while others take shrooms and do not drink. The term is arbitrary with little to no clear criteria or scientific basis. 

Besides being confusing, going “Cali sober” can still lead to a dependency on Marijuana and alcohol. The goal of treatment is to help patients stop drug abuse. By using “soft” drugs, individuals are, in a way delaying true sobriety. Still, medical professionals must do much more research to understand if being “Cali sober” is beneficial for some people.

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Find Help 

If you or a loved one are battling addiction or experiencing a relapse, there is help available. Contact a treatment provider today to explore available treatment options. Treatment providers can answer rehab-related questions and provide valuable information about treatment. Reach out to a treatment provider today!

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Luxury rehabs are inpatient centers dedicated to treating people battling addiction in a resort-like setting. They provide their patients’ treatment for drugs, alcohol, and other addictions. Much like other rehabs, they offer traditional therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). What makes the lux centers unique are their high-end amenities. 

Some amazing amenities in luxury rehabs include:

• Juice bars
• Libraries 
• Personal chef’s kitchen 
• Marble baths 
• Private and decadent rooms
• State-of-the-art gyms
• Resort-style pools 
• Spas 
• Tennis courts 
• Massages
• Personal trainers
• 5G internet connectivity

Some resorts even offer individually designed nutritional meals. If you or a loved one are considering treatment at a luxury rehab, then look no further. Below are the top 10 locations for luxury rehab.

Top 10 Locations For Luxury Rehab

The U.S. 

First, let’s start in the West. The United States has hundreds of renowned luxury rehabs all over the country. The nation’s diverse cultures and geography make it an excellent place for a wellness escape. There are plenty of amazing luxury rehabs located in states like Hawaii, New York, and Florida. The U.S. also has some of the most exclusive addiction treatment centers in the world. There are several facilities in places like Malibu and Beverly Hills, California, that only allow a maximum of 12 guests at a time. 

Mexico 

South of the U.S. border rests the proud nation of Mexico. The country is best known for its fantastic food and festivals. Still, many do not know that Mexico has some of the finest luxury centers in the West. Countless lavish addiction treatment facilities currently operate in places like Tulum, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta. Many of the posh centers have incomparable beachside views with some of the best cuisines in the country.  

South Africa

Third on our list is South Africa, with the second-largest economy in the continent. It is home to the world’s largest known diamond and oldest fossils ever discovered. The country has some of the most glorious coastlines on both the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Annually it draws millions of tourists eager to experience the splendor of its wild land. South Africa’s serene and ancient beauty makes it an excellent place for people to change their lives and do things differently. If you are searching for a life-changing haven, South Africa has some of the best luxury rehab centers in the world. 

Nepal

For those searching for recovery from addiction, another excellent option in Nepal. Located between India and China, Nepal is best known for its serene mountain peaks. The small country is home to 8 of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest. Deep within its capital are also some of the most renowned addiction treatment centers in the world. In Nepal’s facilities, patients have the luxury of detoxing, meditating, and practicing mindfulness among like-minded people. The luxurious treatments in the Buddhist country focus on empowering its patients through inner peace, control, and happiness. Many of the centers even have therapies taught by the country’s monks.

The U.K. 

Suppose a luxury yet monastery-style addiction treatment does not suit what you’re looking for. In that case, the United Kingdom has some excellent options. The U.K. has several contemporary addiction treatment centers. The posh facilities have unique features like amethyst crystal steam rooms, vitality pools, and even Zen color therapy rooms. For people searching for something elegant but outside the city, the U.K. has many wellness centers that treat addiction in the serene countryside. 

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India

Sixth on the list is none other than iconic India. The vibrant country is brimming with color, culture, and sights. For people searching for an escape from their mundane and toxic lifestyle, inpatient treatment in India is a great choice. The country has had a bewildering growth of peaceful recovery retreats and luxury centers. Like in Nepal, meditation and yoga are vital instruments used to support their patients’ recovery. Still, among all the peace and serenity, patients are surrounded by gardens of blooming jasmine blossoms and all the amenities they would expect in a luxury rehab. 

Switzerland

Switzerland is a country many aspire to move to. It has one of the highest ratings for quality of life, according to USA Today. It is the 11th wealthiest country in the world and the largest exporter of gold. Naturally, Switzerland offers patients some of the most luxurious and innovative centers worldwide. Switzerland has many exclusive high-private institutions that guarantee premium care. The addiction treatment centers have customized medicine within a hotel-style rehab offering comprehensive treatment for addiction, eating disorders, and mental illness. 

Greece

Greece is renowned for its beautiful blue coastline and colors. The country’s beauty provides its guests some of the best rehab options in the world. The Mediterranean country’s spectacular sights and natural traits have encouraged luxury rehab clinics to establish themselves among its prettiest cities and lands. These addiction treatment facilities are best known for servicing high-end clients like executives, celebrities, and sports stars battling addiction. Greece is the place if you or a loved one are searching for a comfortable and chic experience. 

Thailand

For those in search of beaches and mountain settings, Thailand may be an excellent option. Not only does the country provide cutting-edge care, they do so surrounded by pure luxury. Thailand has beautiful addiction treatment centers secluded among its rolling mountains. Patients who opt-in to one of these modern and holistic treatment programs are sure to receive the support they need for a lasting recovery.

Spain 

Last but not least is Spain. The Spanish country has strong roots in addiction recovery and indulgence. For ages, the citizens of Spain have had personal experiences battling substance dependency. The familiarity has made Spain one of the best and most comprehensive locations for truly individualized luxury treatments. Individuals interested in recovery can find many of Spain’s rehab centers within the city and privately owned acres overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. 

Find A Luxury Rehab Center Today

If you are searching for a life-changing experience that will provide the comfort and opulence you need, look no further than luxury rehabs. If you or a loved one are searching for a luxury rehab center, contact a treatment provider. Talk about all treatment options by contacting a treatment provider today.

The post Top 10 Locations For Luxury Rehab appeared first on Addiction Center.

The 16^th season of ABC’s reality show The Bachelorette has been unlike any other season so far. The show started with Clare Crawley as the lead, but after 4 episodes, she decided to call off the rest of the competition and settle down with one contestant, Dale Moss. This left the rest of the contestants hanging, until a new lead, 30-year-old Tayshia Adams was brought in to take over Clare’s position as the lead. Unlike previous seasons, where cast and crew travel to exotic destinations throughout the season, the 16^th season is held solely at the La Quinta Resort & Club in California due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This season also has openly discussed issues like racial inequality, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Bachelorette contestant Zac Clark, who made an early connection with Adams, shared his story of addiction and recovery on Tuesday’s episode of the show.

Zac Clark From The Bachelorette Opens Up About Heroin And Crack Use

From the beginning of Adam’s season as the Bachelorette, 36-year-old Zac Clark has received a positive edit from producers of the show, with plenty of screen time that shows his growing connection and relationship with Adams. For this reason, Clark is expected to go far in the competition and is seen as a front-runner, and on the latest episode, airing December 1^st, 2020, Clark opened up about his substance use disorder and his recovery.

The pair started out on a classic “one-on-one” date, with a wedding themed photoshoot, followed by dinner, and then a ride on a Ferris wheel. During the wedding outfit photoshoot, Adams and Clark connect over the fact that they had both previously been married. The topic of conversation continued to get more in depth as they moved to the dinner portion of the date. Clark began by telling Adams he grew up in an amazing home with an amazing family that he loves and that he graduated college, until he, “wasn’t feeling well.” After an x-ray, doctors discovered that Clark had a brain tumor. Clark explained that after his surgery for the tumor, he started abusing pain medication. Many people who start taking prescription pain killers after an injury or surgery develop an Opioid use disorder, and sometimes transition to illicit drugs as their addiction worsens.

The Bachelorette is not the first time Zac Clark has opened up about his struggles with addiction. A 2014 article published in a Pennsylvania newspaper, Reading Eagle, quoted a speech by Clark given to students at Alvernia University. Thirty years old at the time, Clark told the students about how his first drink as a teenager, “set off like 15 years of lying.” In high school he drank alcohol and smoked Marijuana and started experimenting with prescription medications. He used Adderall that he bought from girls who had prescriptions for the drug. Clark explained, “I had the numbers of 5 people who I could call at any time and buy their extra doses off them.” Clark played 3 sports in high school and baseball in college, but all the while he was drinking heavily and abusing drugs.

Clark’s substance abuse disorder only got worse after the surgery to remove his brain tumor in his early 20s. He now had access to drugs like Morphine and Dilaudid, telling Alvernia University students, “Now I had something I could go to doctors with, legitimate.” Bachelorette contestant Zac Clark began smoking and snorting OxyContin, the brand name for Oxycodone, a powerful and addictive Opioid medication that has played a major role in the Opioid epidemic. During this time, Clark was able to graduate and hold down a job, and even get married at 23, but his drug use was severe. Clark explained that at the time, his greatest concern was figuring out how to get drugs during his honeymoon in the U.S. Virgin Islands. A quote from Clark in the 2014 article stated, “I have got to leave the country for 10 days and for a guy with a serious, serious drug problem, that’s not cool.”

In his conversation with Adams on the Bachelorette, Clark said, “I was hanging out with some sketchy people, it wasn’t pretty. So I got arrested.” Clark was arrested for possession of Crack Cocaine and driving under the influence (DUI). This resulted in his wife leaving him and getting a divorce. Clark started on an 8-month drug binge where he injected Heroin, smoked Crack Cocaine, and did Whippets. Whippets are a type of Inhalant drug where the user inhales nitrous oxide to experience a recreational high. He explained the dark and hopeless place that he was in, and how some days he felt as though he wasn’t going to make it until tomorrow. After attempting to cash one of his father’s checks, the bank teller called his father and told him what was going on. This moment sparked a realization in Clark where he felt like, “it was time.”

Zac Clark’s Recovery From Substance Abuse

After that moment with his father at the bank, Bachelorette contestant Zac Clark entered rehab for 4 and a half months at Caron Treatment, a treatment program that Clark now serves on the board of. Clark went on to found Release Recovery in 2017, an addiction treatment center in New York, “with the goal of helping people reclaim their lives from addiction.” Clark admitted to going to rehab once before, and he had to show his family his dedication towards his recovery. Clark’s work has paid off. In his conversation with Adams, he said, “just the fact that I’m sitting here is kind of a miracle.”

Break free from addiction.

You have options. Talk about them with a treatment provider today.

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Living With A Drug Or Alcohol Problem

Anyone can succumb to the powerful hold drugs and alcohol can have over a person. Over 20 million American adults have a substance use disorder, and only a small fraction of them receive treatment for it. It doesn’t matter what your personal, family, or financial background is. There are options to get help. Overcoming a substance use disorder can feel impossible without help, but professionals are out there who can help with a medically supervised detox, treatment, and an aftercare plan to stay on the path of recovery. To talk to someone about options for you or a loved one, reach out to a treatment provider for free, available 24/7.

The post Bachelorette Contestant Zac Clark Shares Story Of Addiction appeared first on Addiction Center.

In an interview with Vogue earlier this year, Justin and Haley Bieber (née Haley Baldwin) opened up about their relationship with each other as well as Bieber’s relationship with drug and alcohol addiction. In the early 2010s, Justin’s substance abuse and behavioral issues were pushed into the spotlight by tabloids and paparazzi. A brutal catalogue of his offenses is still easily searchable – including egging his neighbor’s house, urinating in a restaurant mop bucket, partying in a Brazilian brothel, catching a DUI for drag-racing a Lamborghini, and buying a pet monkey that was seized at customs in Germany.

In addition to discussing these past issues, Bieber opened up about his more private struggle with Xanax abuse. While talking about his addiction, he described how he used drugs to try to drown out the shame and humiliation he felt about his life choices and cope with his depression.

Drugs put a screen between me and what I was doing. It got pretty dark. I think there were times when my security was coming in late at night to check my pulse and see if I was still breathing.

Toxic Portrayals Of Celebrity Addiction And Recovery

While these feelings of shame, despair, and hopelessness can resonate with many who have struggled with addiction, that’s where most people’s ability to relate comes to a screeching halt. Many people associate Hollywood celebrities with substance abuse in a stereotype that both glamorizes drug use and normalizes unhealthy behavior. Additionally, there is a similarly romanticized version of the treatment of these individuals, should they seek help with their addiction.

The well-known trope of luxurious Malibu rehab centers equipped with infinity pools, personal trainers, and 5-star chefs is a type of rehab that few will ever see. An abundance of money and resources provide these stars with a level of luxury that can be dangerous to normalize for people seeking recovery. Addiction is difficult for anyone to overcome. However, the privileges celebrities have and the media’s coverage of their struggles often makes recovery seem like a pleasant vacation. This is not the case.

Hailey Bieber’s Problematic View On Rehab And Recovery

For Justin Bieber’s addiction, the path to recovery may not have been easy but was uniquely provided with more opportunities because of his privileged position. Instead of going to rehab, Justin was able to stay with close friend and celebrity pastor, Carl Lentz. In 2014, as Justin’s public image and personal life were tanking, Lentz took the singer in and hosted what the Biebers describe as a sort of “informal detox“.

I’m really proud of him. To do it without a program, and to stick with it without a sober coach or AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or classes — I think it’s extraordinary. He is, in ways, a walking miracle.

While Hailey boasts that her newly-wed husband was able to recover without going to a rehab facility (as though getting help from professionals is somehow less admirable), this is not the case for the majority of people with an addiction. In reality, the notion of not seeking the help of a medical professional during detox and for help throughout recovery is quite dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Some addictions, Xanax and other benzodiazepine addictions especially, require careful, medically-supervised detox programs so that the body does not go into shock as a patient stops using. Benzodiazepine withdrawal often involves seizures, even if the person has only been taking Xanax or Valium a short time. Additionally, programs such as AA and other support group therapies significantly lower one’s chance of relapsing after getting sober.

It is not unreasonable to assume that while staying with Pastor Lentz, Justin had access to medical professionals who helped him during his “solo mission toward sobriety.” While the idea of someone battling an addiction on their own seems admirable and maybe even heroic, it is a toxic narrative to spread. For most, not only would this sort of recovery be painfully difficult, it could be life-threatening.

If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction, contact a treatment provider for rehab-related help.

The post Justin Bieber’s Battle With Addiction And Recovery appeared first on Addiction Center.

In 2015, over 15 million American adults over 18 years-old qualified as having an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), also known as an alcohol addiction and alcoholism. That’s 6.2% of people in that age group. By far, alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the U.S. – and celebrities are no exception. Oftentimes, they suffer outsized amounts of pressure and public scrutiny that leads to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. These, too, can contribute to alcohol abuse as a means of coping.

Below are 10 celebrities who struggled with alcoholism and found recovery.

1. Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck, 46, attended rehab twice before he entered alcohol addiction treatment in 2018. In a post on Instagram, the Justice League actor admitted to completing a 40-day program before moving on to outpatient rehab – typically, where patients are allowed to return home, then attend treatment sessions at the facility each week. Affleck stated he hopes his openness about his illness will inspire others to have the courage to similarly seek proper treatment.

Battling any addiction is a lifelong and difficult struggle. Because of that, one is never really in or out of treatment. It is a full-time commitment.

2. Daniel Radcliffe

In a February interview, Daniel Radcliffe, 29, admitted to turning to alcohol to deal with the instant-celebrity status he’d gained as the star of the Harry Potter series. Though he loved his job, the English actor says he shut himself off from the public to escape the constant scrutiny. While he describes his personality as naturally addictive, Radcliffe credits his close friends with helping him to get help and develop new, healthier coping strategies.

People with problems like that are very adept at hiding it. It was bad. I don’t want to go into details, but I drank a lot and it was daily – I mean nightly.

Break free from addiction.

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3. Edie Falco

Edie Falco, 55, has said she used her experience living with addiction to play prescription Opioid-addicted Nurse Jackie on the Showtime hit show of the same name. Falco, who is also known for playing Carmela on The Sopranos, now celebrates 25 years of sobriety from alcohol addiction. Moreover, rather than tempting her to relapse into substance abuse, Falco said playing Jackie’s character reaffirmed her journey to recovery.

I was as heartbroken as everybody else that [nurse Jackie] took that pill at the end of the (last) season. I’m also grateful that we’re portraying (addiction) the way it really is, which is irrational and so often disappointing.

4. Zac Efron

Zac Efron, 31, confesses that becoming a celebrity at such a young age pushed him to abuse drugs and develop an alcohol addiction. Efron entered rehab twice in one year, when filming Seth Rogen’s Neighbors, after failing to control his alcohol intake while on a set that was essentially a party “every single day more or less.” The Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile actor wants people to know that addiction is “a never-ending struggle” but therapy and Alcoholics Anonymous have helped change his life.

It’s impossible to lead an honest and fulfilling life as a man and not make mistakes and ‘fess up to them when you need to. But it’s especially humiliating when they happen to be so public and so scrutinized.

5. Colin Farrell

After filming Miami Vice, Colin Farrell, 43, admitted that he “didn’t want to live” due, in large part, to the stress of his drug and alcohol addiction. Rehab, however, helped completely change his life and helped him to mend relationships broken by years of substance abuse. In 2018, the Dumbo actor even went back to a $36,000 per month treatment facility for help managing substance abuse cravings before he might relapse. Today, Farrell hopes the persistent stigma of addiction and asking for help will be eradicated from the recovery conversation.

It is certainly not abnormal what I went through, sadly. It is pretty much a garden variety tale of an addict, I suppose. And having an addiction and not knowing as a man what to do in a male-dominated society that puts worth and high value on emotions of alpha behaviour and pack mentalities and such.

6. Kat Von D

Each year in July, celebrity tattoo artist Kat Von D looks forward to celebrating another year of sobriety on social media. In 2018 on the 11th anniversary of her recovery from alcohol addiction, the 37-year-old artist wrote that she “hopes that someone out there in need of a way out from addiction might see this, and realize that you’re not alone.” When asked what helped her decide to seek treatment, Von D credits her art and leaving behind the “addiction to dysfunction” many musicians, writers, and artists harbor.

Looking back at my wild drinking days, I really never imagined that I would be excited about being sober. When you are on the other side of things, you have such a profoundly different perspective on life… Personally, being sober means that I operate better and I function better.

7. Tim McGraw

For Tim McGraw, 52, getting on stage to perform in the early days of his country music career required a few shots of “liquid courage.” Despite growing up in a culture of binge drinking in Louisiana, the artist said he knew he was developing a problem. Eventually, drinking became a crutch, and McGraw felt completely unable to perform without it. Identifying the excuses behind his drinking habits and resolving past trauma helped him to get sober before the start of a 2008 tour – one he later described as the hardest of his life.

It got to the point where I knew that I drank too much. I knew that it was affecting my personal relationships, it was affecting my professional relationships, it was affecting my family. It was turning me into a person that I didn’t want to be… I was at a point where I could lose everything that I had in my life, first and foremost, my family.

8. Michael Phelps

Even the most decorated Olympic athletes can struggle with addiction, including 18-time gold medalist Michael Phelps, 33. In 2014, after his second DUI arrest, Phelps entered himself into a 6-week inpatient rehab. When asked publicly if he had an alcohol addiction, Phelps responded, “I don’t know.” According to the American Psychiatric Association, using substances in dangerous situations (such as drunk driving) is one aspect of addiction. So is continuing to use despite intervention by law enforcement. The National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens blog, in 2018, wrote about Phelps’s co-occurring disorders – struggling to manage his depression while abusing drugs and alcohol.

I checked myself in because I think I was at a point in my life where something needed to change.

9. Johnny Depp

In 2016, following his divorce from actress Amber Heard, Johnny Depp says he felt he had reached a new low point in life. Then he began pouring himself “a vodka in the morning and started writing until the tears filled my eyes and I couldn’t see the page anymore.” Spending “far more” than $30,000 on wine alone, Depp, 56, soon found himself in “personal and financial ruin.” Since, Depp says he tries to focus on writing (on an antique typewriter) and his music with band, Hollywood Vampires (including bandmates Joe Perry and Alice Cooper).

I spent years poisoning myself. I was very, very good at it… It was best to stop. Now I look back and say, ‘Why? Why did I do that?’

10. Elizabeth Taylor

Hollywood legend, Elizabeth Taylor, battled an addiction to alcohol and prescription painkillers for much of her life. Often, the star would spend entire days on set too drunk to read her lines. Taylor eventually entered addiction treatment at the Betty Ford rehab center in 1983 and has said she was the first celebrity to do so. After leaving the program – 45 pounds lighter – Taylor was quoted saying, “Not being drunk is the only way I’m going to stay alive.” At 79, her failing health contributed to her death from congestive heart failure in 2011.

I feel like hell. I’m going through withdrawal. My heart feels big and pounding. I can feel the blood rush through my body. I can almost see it, running like red water over the boulders in my pain-filled neck and shoulders, then through my ears and into my pounding head. My eyelids flutter. Oh God, I am so, so tired.

Looking For Alcohol Detox Help?

If you are worried that you or someone you know has a problem with drinking too much alcohol, consider alcohol detox as way to clear the mind and get back to a healthy, sober life. Contact a treatment provider today for rehab-related information.

The post 10 Celebrities Affected By An Alcohol Addiction appeared first on Addiction Center.