With its flashy cinematography, bold colors, and dazzling style choices, it’s no wonder the HBO Max show Euphoria has become a sensation among teens. However, concerns are beginning to rise regarding Euphoria’s representation of addiction. Despite the raving reviews from teenagers on social media, the show is controversial with its show of drug use. Representatives of Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education (D.A.R.E), an anti-drug organization, even criticized the show for “glorifying” addiction.
The truly euphoric show tells the story of high school teenagers surrounded by drugs, addiction, relationships, and parties. The story focuses on Rue, the main character and narrator, as she seeks to find her own happiness through the escapism drugs seem to provide.
Fans view the show as a cinematographic masterpiece. Since its debut in 2019, the show has generated a major shift in pop culture. Teens are beginning to alter their style to mirror the glamorous Euphoria looks. This cultural phenomenon is creating new trends in hair, clothing, and makeup as fans seek to recreate the flashy looks represented in the show. Fans are seen copying different characters’ famous looks like Jules’s colorful hairstyles, Maddy’s edgy carnival look, and Cassie’s famous sparkly blue halloween costume.
Teens are attracted to this show because it turns the boring, mundane high school experience into a colorful, exciting time period. However, is this really the reality of high school? Euphoria’s creators must be careful with such a young, impressionable audience. Drugs and addiction are portrayed as seemingly normal occurrences and form the major plot points within the show. Specifically, plot lines revolve around overdosing, drug deals, and party drugs. The cinematography, flashy colors, and electronic music scores seem to glamorize the drug experience.
Is this an accurate representation of addiction? D.A.R.E has publicly stated its strong opinions on Euphoria and its questionable representation of drug use.
In a recent statement to TMZ, D.A.R.E said, “Rather than further each parent’s desire to keep their children safe from the potentially horrific consequences of drug use and other high-risk behaviors, HBO’s television drama, Euphoria, chooses to misguidedly glorify and erroneously depict high school student drug use, addiction, anonymous sex, violence, and other destructive behaviors as common and widespread in today’s world.”
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Zendaya, an executive producer and the actress who plays Rue in the show, stated in response to D.A.R.E’s criticism that Euphoria is not a moral tale.
“If anything, the feeling behind Euphoria, or whatever we have always been trying to do with it, is to hopefully help people feel a little bit less alone in their experience and their pain,” Zendaya said.
More concerns arise on the show’s portrayal of high school students. The high school experience is described with graphic and triggering scenes that are included in almost every episode. In the first episode of the recent season, the plotline revolves around the grade’s New Year’s party. This episode feels like a fever dream with bright colors, unique outfits, and Euphoria’s favorite plotline – drugs. Within the first 15 minutes of the episode, Rue overdoses. After Rue overdoses, to counter the event and save herself, she uses another drug. During this experience, she meets Elliot, another addict. Through this experience, they begin to get closer and bond through their similar interests – drugs.
D.A.R.E continued to state, “It is unfortunate that HBO, social media, television program reviewers, and paid advertising have chosen to 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.”
People see this show as raw and authentic, which brings emphasis to the show’s overall message. But Euphoria has such a large, impressionable audience and the power to impact people’s perception of drugs amongst other contemporary issues. Given the show’s popularity, a third season has already been confirmed, bringing even more attention to the show. As it continues in the spotlight, it is imperative to take into account the impact it has on its audience and what message is being highlighted.