12 Films About Substance Abuse

Here's a list of 12 films that deal with substance abuse as central themes and the drug and alcohol substances of choice for the main characters in each film.

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12 Films About Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a growing problem in America. According to the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA),
roughly 18.9 million Americans abuse drugs or alcohol each
year. Because of its prevalence in society, it's not surprising that so many
movies have been made about this topic.
Here's a list of 12 films that deal with substance abuse as central
themes and the main substances of choice for the characters...
!
Blow (2001)
Cocaine, Alcohol, Marijuana
Blow is a biopic film about "Boston George" Jung, portrayed by Johnny
Depp. Starting out small, as a local beach pot dealer, Jung finds his way
into the international drug smuggling trade with the likes of the notorious
Pablo Escobar. Penelope Cruz does an outstanding job playing his cocaine-
crazed wife and Paul Reubens stands out as the local supplier who starts
Jung on his way to fame and eventually prison.
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The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Cocaine, Alcohol, Quaaludes
Based on the memoirs of Jordan Belfort, The Wolf of Wall Street
chronicles Belfort's rise in the world of high finance and the havoc his fast
paced life caused. Played by Leonardo DiCaprio, Belfort finds himself not
only addicted to cocaine and Quaaludes, but at the center of an FBI
investigation that closes his firm, has his friends and past lovers turning on
him, and sends him to jail.
American Pyscho (2000)
Cocaine, Alcohol, MDMA, Marijuana
Christian Bale plays the character of Patrick Bateman, a rich, young
investment banker turned serial killer in Manhattan. This film explores the
lavish culture of greed and narcissism in the 1980s. Though Bateman would
seem to have it all, money, designer clothes, invitations to the most
exclusive parties, his cravings transform him into a psychotic murderer.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
Heroin, Amphetamines, Cocaine, Opium, Alcohol, Mescaline, LSD,
Marijuana
Adapted from Hunter S. Thompson's novel of the same name, Raoul Duke,
portrayed by Johnny Depp, and Dr. Gonzo, played by Benecio Del Toro,
journey to Las Vegas to report on a motorcycle race. The pair never gets to
their work though. Instead they experiment with a wide variety of drugs,
which fuels violence, car wrecks and wild hallucinations.
Trainspotting (1996)
Heroin, Morphine, Amphetamines, Cocaine, Opium, Methadone, Alcohol,
MDMA, Marijuana
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Considered by the British Film Institute to be one of the top 100 films of all
time, Trainspotting is about a group of friends, their life in Edinburgh,
and their struggle with heroin addiction. The film is set in the late 1980s
and is supported by a great ensemble cast, including actors Ewan
McGregor, Kelly Macdonald and Robert Carlyle.
Drugstore Cowboy (1989)
Morphine, Amphetamines, Cocaine, LSD, Alcohol, Oxycontin
In this film, a crew of drug addicts supports their habit by robbing hospitals
and pharmacies. Matt Dillon stars in the lead role, playing the character of
Bob Hughes. After a tragedy involving the crew, Hughes attempts to get
sober during the course of the story. He learns it's not as easy as he thought
it would be. Never leave a hat on the bed.
Sid and Nancy (1986)
Heroin, Cocaine, Methadone
This biopic film is about Sid Vicious, the bassist from the punk band the
Sex Pistols, and his chaotic, drug-fueled relationship with Nancy Spungen.
Gary Oldman plays Sid Vicious. Sid and Nancy's addiction to heroin lead
to the breakup of the Sex Pistols in the middle of their American tour. Sid
tries to launch a solo career with Nancy's help, but the couple's addiction
ultimately causes Nancy's death and Sid's fatal overdose.
Scarface (1983)
Cocaine, Heroin, Quaaludes
Al Pacino stars in this iconic film about Cuban refugee Tony Montana.
Montana arrives in Miami penniless and works his way up the drug trade to
become a kingpin. Montana's relationship with a previous partner
deteriorates, and as the film climaxes, Montana snorts from a giant pile of
cocaine and prepares for violent gunfight to the death.
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Across The Universe (2007)
Morphine, Cocaine, MDMA
A movie musical, this film features songs from The Beatles. Set during the
time of the Vietnam War, the story is about Jude, a poor shipyard worker
from Liverpool, and his romance with an upper-crust American girl. The
film delves into the psychedelic world when the characters drink LSD laced
punch during the musical number "I Am the Walrus."
Requiem For A Dream (2000)
Heroin, Amphetamines, Cocaine, Barbiturates, Alcohol, MDMA, LSD,
Marijuana
This intense and gritty film travels into the desperate world of drug
addiction and the different forms it takes. Starring Ellyn Burstyn, Jared
Leto, Jennifer, Connolly and Marlon Wayans, this film is about the
delusions these drug-addicted characters live with, and the painful
consequences of their destructive habits.
Magnolia (1999)
Morphine, Cocaine, MDMA
With an ensemble cast of powerhouse actors like Tom Cruise, Phillip
Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore and William H. Macy, Magnolia is
riveting. The film is set in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley, and follows an
array of characters as they seek forgiveness, love and meaning in their lives.
Traffic (2000)
Heroin, Cocaine, Marijuana
Traffic is a unique and compelling film that examines the drug trade from
several different angles; the traffickers, law enforcement, a politician and
an addict. The movie, directed and shot by Steven Soderbergh, is woven
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together with a unique tint of color so viewers can distinguish and follow
the different stories. The ensemble cast, including Michael Douglas and
Catherine Zeta-Jones, delivers stellar performances.
Because of the pervasiveness of substance abuse in society, it is unlikely
that drug and alcohol addiction, as well as the illegal business surrounding
it, will stop being a subject filmmakers explore. The controversy that these
films glorify addiction will also likely continue. However, there can be no
argument that many films depict the utter destruction and desperation that
is the reality of those caught in the grip of substance abuse.
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