The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

8 things film and TV get wrong about drug and alcohol treatment

  • Written by Nicole Lee, Professor at the National Drug Research Institute (Melbourne), Curtin University
Sherlock Holmes book

Drug use and addiction are popular themes in movies and television, but they often get things very wrong. Here are eight common myths about drugs you’ll see on the silver screen.

1. Rehab goes for 28 days

In the movie 28 Days, Sandra Bullock is given a choice between prison and 28 days in a rehab centre.

The 28-day program, popular in the United States, actually has nothing to do with the optimum treatment period.

Health insurance companies in the US are only prepared to fund[1] 28 days in rehab. So the 28-day rehab model was developed around funding, not effectiveness.

We now think about three months of treatment[2] is optimal. Treatment completion[3] may be as important as treatment length. So completing a shorter treatment is better than dropping out of a longer one.

2. Rehab is a luxury retreat

In the Netflix series Cobra Kai, Shannon is in residential drug rehabilitation. It’s a luxurious vacation retreat with art and yoga classes, wide open spaces and Michelin-starred food.

Some luxury private rehabs are pretty fancy, but these can cost A$35,000 a week[4] or more, which is out of reach for most people.

The public residential rehabilitation system is is far less glamorous because it is severely underfunded[5], resulting in long waiting lists and little money to spend on pleasant surrounds.

There is no evidence the more you pay the better your success in treatment. And yoga and a private chef won’t solve your drug problem. What’s important is developing specific skills that can help prevent going back to problematic drug use. For that, you need trained professionals and good supports.

Take care[6], because currently the private rehab sector is unregulated[7] so anyone can set up a rehab without the knowledge, skills or experience to do so.

3. ‘Once an addict, always an addict’

In the original Sherlock Holmes books, Holmes used morphine and cocaine (legal at the time) whenever he was bored between cases, without any problems. In the TV series, Sherlock, he is shown as an “addict”, always on the edge of relapse. Watson starts out as his “sobriety coach”.

The idea that alcohol and other drug use is an incurable disease comes from 12-Step programs[8]. It has been a widely held view, especially in the US, for many decades, despite evidence against the idea[9].

Many people return to “controlled drinking[10]” or move from problematic to low or moderate illicit drug use, especially if they access help early. It’s just as realistic as abstinence-based recovery.

There’s also no such thing as an “addictive personality[11]”.

But for many people, a period of abstinence (sometimes a year or more) may help them gain the skills they need to go back to moderate use and to understand the reasons behind their use. For some it is easier to be abstinent for life, but that’s not universal.

Sherlock Holmes book
While Sherlock Holmes was a functional user in the original texts, the show portrayed him as a problematic addict. Shutterstock

4. Recovery only comes after ‘rock bottom’

Movies, like Requiem For A Dream and Trainspotting, often show people at their lowest point as a turning point for recovery. But the idea that someone has to hit “rock bottom” before they will seek help is not true.

First, it’s impossible to know what “rock bottom” is for any one individual. Potentially, aside from death, there is always something worse. Second, many people successfully change their alcohol or other drug use early, even after the very first signs of a problem.

If someone isn’t ready to go into rehab it’s not because they’ve not yet reached their lowest point. People tend to seek help when something else outweighs the importance of using alcohol or other drugs, such as family, friends or career.

The “rock bottom” idea can be dangerous because people may delay treatment until things are really bad. But the earlier someone seeks support, the better the outcome[12].

5. ‘Tough love’ works

Tough love is acting harshly with the aim of helping a person in the longer term. This might include locking them out of the house if they refuse to go to rehab, refusing money for food if they are still using, or refusing to pick them up if they are intoxicated.

In Four Good Days[13], Glenn Close’s character shuts the door on her distressed daughter, played by Mila Kunis, telling her she can come back when she is “clean”.

There might be good intention behind tough love, but not only does it not work, it often makes things worse. Leaving someone homeless or starving or in a dangerous situation when they are intoxicated or dependent on alcohol and other drugs may be harmful.

There are better ways to set clear and consistent boundaries[14] and still maintain relationships that can provide support for recovery.

6. Addiction happens after one use

The main character tries a drug for the first time and then spirals into unbridled drug use. This dramatic shorthand saves time in the plot, but gives the impression that anyone trying a drug will become dependent on it instantly.

In the 1991 movie Rush[15], Jennifer Jason Leigh is an undercover cop who has to use heroin to show a dealer she is for real, then spirals into a well of addiction.

But dependence (the more technical term for “addiction”) is a gradual process[16] in which your brain and body get used to having a drug regularly.

It’s impossible to become dependent after a single use[17] of any drug. This is evidenced by the fact nearly half of Australians have tried an illicit drug[18], but only a minority of those are dependent.

What might happen is the first time someone tries a drug they might like it. A lot. Then they might use it frequently over time until they become dependent.

7. All drug use is to ‘self-medicate’

Some people use alcohol or other drugs to help manage the difficult emotions[19] they experience as a result of trauma or other mental health issues – like Rue in the television series Euphoria[20], who descends into drug problems after the death of her father.

Rue uses drugs to manage difficult emotions in ‘Euphoria’, but this isn’t true for most people. WarnerMedia/HBO

There is a much higher rate[21] of alcohol or other drug use among people with mental health problems. But even among people with mental health problems[22], around two-thirds don’t have an alcohol or other drug problem.

Most people use alcohol or other drugs because it makes them feel good and is fun. Most typically use occasionally[23] for a short period in their lives, never experiencing significant problems.

8. ‘Interventions’ help

Picture this scene: a character returns home only to be greeted by family and friends sitting in the living room to confront them about their drug use. This popular trope was brought to life by the show “Intervention[24]”.

When family and friends raise their concerns, it can influence[25] a person’s decision to get help. But taking a confrontational approach will probably backfire. Confronting a person is likely to make them feel embarrassment and shame, both key barriers[26] to entering treatment.

Taking a supportive approach or seeking family therapy[27] usually results in better outcomes.

If you are worried about your own or someone else’s alcohol or other drug use, you can contact the National Alcohol and other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free, confidential advice.

References

  1. ^ are only prepared to fund (www.npr.org)
  2. ^ about three months of treatment (psycnet.apa.org)
  3. ^ Treatment completion (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  4. ^ cost A$35,000 a week (www.smh.com.au)
  5. ^ severely underfunded (ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au)
  6. ^ Take care (theconversation.com)
  7. ^ private rehab sector is unregulated (10play.com.au)
  8. ^ 12-Step programs (theconversation.com)
  9. ^ despite evidence against the idea (theconversation.com)
  10. ^ controlled drinking (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  11. ^ addictive personality (www.scientificamerican.com)
  12. ^ the earlier someone seeks support, the better the outcome (www.nps.org.au)
  13. ^ Four Good Days (en.wikipedia.org)
  14. ^ set clear and consistent boundaries (www.fds.org.au)
  15. ^ Rush (en.wikipedia.org)
  16. ^ gradual process (www.youtube.com)
  17. ^ single use (drugpolicy.org)
  18. ^ tried an illicit drug (www.aihw.gov.au)
  19. ^ difficult emotions (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  20. ^ Euphoria (en.wikipedia.org)
  21. ^ higher rate (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  22. ^ people with mental health problems (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  23. ^ use occasionally (www.aihw.gov.au)
  24. ^ Intervention (7plus.com.au)
  25. ^ can influence (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  26. ^ key barriers (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  27. ^ family therapy (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Read more https://theconversation.com/8-things-film-and-tv-get-wrong-about-drug-and-alcohol-treatment-180946

The Times Features

How to Protect Your Garden Trees from Wind Damage in Australia

In Australia's expansive landscape, garden trees hold noteworthy significance. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes but also play an integral role in the local...

Brisbane Homeowners Warned: Non-Compliant Flexible Hoses Pose High Flood Risk

As a homeowner in Brisbane, when you think of the potential for flood damage to your home, you probably think of weather events. But you should know that there may be a tickin...

Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo: Nourish and Revitalize Your Hair

Are you ready to transform your hair from dull and lifeless to vibrant and full of life? Look no further than the luxurious embrace of Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo! In a...

Building A Strong Foundation For Any Structure

Building a home or commercial building can be very exciting. The possibilities are endless and the future is interesting. You can always change aspects of the building to meet the ...

The Role of a Family Dentist: Why Every Household Needs One

source A family dentist isn’t like your regular dentist who may specialise in a particular age group and whom you visit only when something goes wrong. A family dentist takes proa...

Benefits of Getting an Online Medical Certificate

Everyone has experienced it. Rather than taking a break, you drag yourself to the doctor's office, where you have to wait in lengthy lines, and then you have to hurry to get that...

Times Magazine

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

How AI-Driven SEO Enhancements Can Improve Headless CMS Content Visibility

Whereas SEO (search engine optimization) is critical in the digital landscape for making connections to content, much of it is still done manually keyword research, metatags, final tweaks at publication requiring a human element that takes extensiv...

Crypto Expert John Fenga Reveals How Blockchain is Revolutionising Charity

One of the most persistent challenges in the charity sector is trust. Donors often wonder whether their contributions are being used effectively or if overhead costs consume a significant portion. Traditional fundraising methods can be opaque, with...

Navigating Parenting Arrangements in Australia: A Legal Guide for Parents

Understanding Parenting Arrangements in Australia. Child custody disputes are often one of the most emotionally charged aspects of separation or divorce. Parents naturally want what is best for their children, but the legal process of determining ...

Blocky Adventures: A Minecraft Movie Celebration for Your Wrist

The Minecraft movie is almost here—and it’s time to get excited! With the film set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025, fans have a brand-new reason to celebrate. To honor the upcoming blockbuster, watchfaces.co has released a special Minecraft-inspir...

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

LayBy Shopping