The Impact of Substance Use Portrayals in ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Breaking Bad’

In recent years, television shows like “Euphoria” and “Breaking Bad” have captivated audiences with their raw and unflinching portrayal of substance use. These series delve deep into the lives of their characters, such as Rue and Jesse, offering a gritty and often harrowing look at addiction and its consequences. By bringing such intense and realistic depictions to the screen, these shows have sparked important conversations about the impact of substance abuse on individuals and society. This article will explore how these portrayals influence viewers’ perceptions of addiction and the broader implications for mental health awareness and treatment.

First, we will be looking at Euphoria (2019) and its portrayal of substance use through the character of Rue. The HBO series focuses on a group of teenagers and offers a raw, unfiltered depiction of addiction and its ripple effects. Rue specifically struggles with a substance use disorder, and the show dives into how this addiction impacts every corner of her life from her relationships to her physical and mental health. Euphoria does a fantastic job of humanizing Rue, and showing that her addiction is an illness, while also holding her accountable for her harmful actions which impact those around her. 

The show helps viewers get a better understanding of the cycle of addiction with Rue turning to drugs as a means of escape during her father’s terminal illness and eventually becoming dependent on them. Rue states, “Every time I feel good, I think it’ll last forever, but it doesn’t,” highlighting the false happiness that substances evoke and drawing attention to the crash which inevitably follows (Levinson, 2019, Season 1, Episode 8). The portrayal of Rue highlights how addiction is a constant, exhausting struggle, filled with relapse and fleeting moments of stability. 

As Rue spirals deeper into her addiction, we see how substance use affects not only her mental and physical health but also her relationships with family and friends. Rue’s addiction creates distance between her and her loved ones, as she hides her relapse and drug use from them, eroding trust and isolating herself. Additionally, Rue’s addiction leads her to lash out against her family, saying harmful things and becoming physically aggressive toward her mother who attempts to keep drugs away from her. This is an accurate portrayal of how substance use or addiction can sometimes lead to rifts in relationships. 

One of the most powerful aspects of Euphoria is its depiction of Rue’s internal battle. The show doesn’t shy away from showing her moments of vulnerability, guilt, and shame, as she struggles to stay sober. By portraying Rue’s experience with addiction so vividly, the series effectively illustrates how addiction can sometimes dominate a person’s life, altering their behavior and emotional state.

Next, we will explore the portrayal of substance use in Breaking Bad (2008). Breaking Bad follows Walter White and Jesse as they enter and navigate the world of methamphetamine production and distribution, but while Walter’s journey is fueled by pride and ambition, Jesse’s relationship with drugs is more personal, driven by emotional pain and trauma. While Walter manufactures methamphetamine for financial gain, Jesse is portrayed as a user and a dealer, and someone who turns to meth as a means of escape from his fractured life.

Much like Rue in Euphoria, Jesse’s substance use is shown as a form of self-medication and an attempt to numb the feelings of worthlessness and guilt that plague him throughout the series. A sensitive character, Jesse struggles with the weight of his choices and the harm he has caused to those around him, and this guilt often leads him to relapse. Jesse’s drug use escalates after particularly traumatic events, like the death of his girlfriend Jane, which sends him into a spiral of self-destruction–which highlights the role of emotional distress in reinforcing substance addiction. 

Breaking Bad’s portrayal of addiction displays the allure of substances as a means to escape difficult emotional situations, while also drawing attention to the resulting consequences of such behavior. As Jesse becomes more entangled in the drug trade, he distances himself from those who care about him, including his family and his few friends. His addiction creates a barrier between him and the world, pushing him further into isolation and creating a cycle of dependence from which he struggles to break free. 

 In conclusion, the portrayal of substance use in shows like “Euphoria” and “Breaking Bad” serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about the complexities of addiction. While these series provide a stark and sometimes disturbing look at the realities of substance use, they also open up critical dialogues about the need for empathy, understanding, and effective treatment. By bringing these issues to the forefront, these shows challenge viewers to confront the harsh truths of addiction and consider the broader societal impacts. Ultimately, the hope is that such portrayals will not just entertain but also educate and inspire action towards better mental health support and substance abuse prevention.

If you are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact one of our mental health professionals for help.

References 

Gilligan, V. (Creator). (2008–2013). Breaking Bad [TV series]. AMC.
Levinson, S. (Creator). (2019–present). Euphoria [TV series]. HBO.