The movie gives us a glimpse into his rise to fame and the substance abuse that almost derailed his career. The film depicts how drug use can negatively affect relationships and careers, and ultimately ruin and even end your life. Actors Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb put in great performances as the ill-fated lovers. While the drugs themselves can be addicting, the money they bring can also become an addiction, as we learn from George Jung, played by Johnny Depp.

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Allison (Pugh) has a wonderful life, a healthy relationship, and a great job; however, when an accident changes her entire life, she becomes addicted to opiates, and loses even more than she already has. DiCaprio does a stellar job of portraying a teenage addict, struggling to get a grip on life and reality. There’s a rawness in his performance here that truly captures the kind of desperation and desolation a dangerous addiction can cause, with his gradual attempts at recovery feeling even more impressive as a result. This heart-wrenching biopic is one of the most intense and realistic portrayals of drug use and its long-term consequences. Jim Carroll (Leonardo DiCaprio) is consumed by his life as a high school basketball star. Pressured by a wicked coach (Bruno Kirby) and a concerned mother (Lorraine Bracco), Jim develops an appetite for heroin.

• With its raw and unflinching portrayal of addiction, Trainspotting captures the struggles, highs, and lows of substance abuse.
• They’re a mirror held up to society, reflecting our struggles, fears, and hopes when it comes to substance abuse and recovery.
• Allison (Pugh) has a wonderful life, a healthy relationship, and a great job; however, when an accident changes her entire life, she becomes addicted to opiates, and loses even more than she already has.

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It focuses on family and how drug addiction can ruin a career (not just your own, but of drug addiction other people’s careers as well). Steven Soderbergh believes that drug addiction is not a crime, but rather a public health problem. ‘Russel Brand – From Addiction to Recovery’ is an intensely personal film that the actor created following the death of singer, and close friend, Amy Winehouse, from a drug overdose. In the movie, Russel Brand goes down memory lane to revisit his years in addiction and tries to instill hope in viewers that all is not lost for all who are have substance abuse disorders. While everyone is different, some people may feel inspired by movie characters who overcome substance abuse.

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From harrowing descents into the depths of despair to inspiring journeys of redemption, Netflix’s poignant portrayals of drug addiction captivate audiences and illuminate the complexities of this pervasive societal issue. The streaming giant has become a powerhouse for thought-provoking content, and its collection of addiction-themed movies and shows is no exception. As viewers, we find ourselves drawn into these raw, often heart-wrenching narratives that shine a light on the dark corners of substance abuse and the human spirit’s resilience. Some inspirational, others tragic, many of these films are based on true stories.

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The toll addiction takes on family members is viscerally felt in Ben Is Back, starring Julia Roberts as a mother desperately trying to get her son clean. Roberts’ performance is heartbreaking and wonderful as she does all she can for her son who was hooked on pills at a young age and can’t kick the habit. One of the best movies of the ’90s, Leaving Las Vegas starring Nicolaus Cage, is more of a cautionary tale than one of recovery. It shows how deep people can get when they aren’t even interested in helping themselves and lose all will to live.

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He is accused of murder, but is unable to tell the police what had happened. Evidence later shows that Nancy’s death was likely accidental, although the ending is left up to the viewer’s interpretation. Oscar winner Denzel Washington gives yet another amazing performance in this film, which is a must-see based on his acting skills alone. You can also read the semi-autobiography by Nico Walker, which is similarly detailed and heartfelt. This is a great portrayal of how mental illness and drug use are related and the dangers that come when the two intersect. The story has a plot twist when her husband discovers he cannot deal with Alice’s newfound freedom.

• This vicarious experience can be a powerful tool for change, challenging our preconceptions and inspiring compassion.
• Helen also begins using drugs and betrayals arise as their addictions become worse.
• ‘Russel Brand – From Addiction to Recovery’ is an intensely personal film that the actor created following the death of singer, and close friend, Amy Winehouse, from a drug overdose.

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Sending out messages about motherhood and marriage, Granki’s 2004 movie is also a worthwhile viewing in this niche and sensitive subgenre. The director’s pragmatic approach to portraying substance abuse is thought-provoking and even touching at times because of how realistic it feels and how easy it is to connect with the characters. Furthermore, the incredible central acting performance is also to blame for its success.

28 Days is named after the number of days a standard trip to rehab goes for. In the movie, Sandra Bullock plays Gwen, an alcoholic who is given the choice between jail and rehab. Like many, she denies she has a problem and almost gets kicked out before falling out of a window and deciding to get sober. The movie got bad reviews, but that’s not fair, especially because Bullock is fantastic. Dustin Hoffman and John Voight bring to life the lead characters in this John Schlesinger film that sees a naive hustler navigating from Texas to New York City to seek personal fortune.