There is little doubt that the media we consume is saturated in alcohol and substance use. This includes the billions of dollars spent in advertising by alcohol and drug companies, as well as the “influencers” and “celebrities” that promote toxic lifestyles involving drinking and using. The good news is that there are some positive TV shows about addiction that can help you better understand its dangers and how to recover in the long term.
Understanding The Culture Around Substance Use and Addiction
Millions of people struggle with addiction. This includes alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder (SUD), as well as behavioral (process) addictions like gambling and gaming addictions.
Addiction is also highly stigmatized. This is one of the paradoxes of the world that we live in. The world largely promotes alcohol and substance use, but then turns and stigmatizes those who are affected most by it, including, and especially, the media. One way to get past these stigmas is to get a better understanding of what addiction is, who it commonly affects, and how to recover from it. This way, having a better education about addiction can motivate the media, such as television, to portray it in a more accurate portrayal.
What Media Exists About Addiction
People have been discussing addiction for thousands of years. However, relative to history, it is only recently that people have started discussing addiction more in the public sphere. This includes books about addiction, of which there is one particularly famous one – the Big Book of 12-Step recovery.
There are also many helpful audiobooks and audio podcasts about addiction that can be highly beneficial. However, for those who are more visual, TV shows about addiction may be the best choice to get helpful information on the subject.
TV Shows About Addiction
There are many TV shows about addiction. This includes shows about AUD, SUD, and behavioral addictions. Perhaps the most well-known and helpful TV show about addiction is “Intervention.”
“Intervention” is a show that depicts various people who are struggling on the severe spectrum of addiction. The show then follows their life as they navigate the world of active addiction. What the individual does not know is that their friends and close family members are working with a professional interventionist to get them the help that they need.
“Intervention” can be very helpful because it shows how damaging and devastating active addiction can be. It also shows how an effective intervention can help someone accept the vital help that they need. The show also shows how the individual is doing 30 days after treatment, and the transformation can be quite inspiring.
Picking the Right TV Shows About Addiction
There are also many other TV shows about addiction. These are shows like “My Strange Addiction” and “Celebrity Rehab.” While there are redeeming qualities about these addiction-based reality shows, you must be careful to understand that TV shows are meant to be sensational, and what you see should be taken with a grain of salt.
It is also important to understand that fictional shows about addiction like “Breaking Bad” and “Nurse Jackie” are often meant to glorify a lifestyle involving alcohol and substances, or they do not do justice to how dangerous and deadly addiction can be.
Getting Past TV Shows About Addiction and Getting the Help You Need
If you find yourself watching TV shows about addiction and relating what you see to your life (or the life of a loved one), it may be a sign that you should reach out for help. If you happen to be watching one of these shows and start to relate, there is often a number to call at the end of the show. Don’t hesitate to call it and get the help you need.
The good news is that there are many effective recovery programs that can help you get the recovery you both desire and deserve. These are programs like residential addiction care, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and sober living situations.
These programs also offer an opportunity to connect to effective means, methods, and modalities of recovery. This includes evidence-based psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). There are also many helpful experiential therapies like art therapy and nature immersion therapy. Holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation can also be extremely helpful for addiction recovery.
A Focus on Long-Term Success at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
Life is much more intense than what we see on TV, and it is certainly more meaningful. If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, the time for recovery is now. You can do this! We can help.
There are many popular TV shows that depict addiction realistically and thoughtfully. These TV shows also offer insights and raise awareness about substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). If you see a TV show that is telling your story of addiction, it may be time to seek help. Also, if you feel like a family member may be struggling with addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get them on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
