While we like to enjoy modern fantasy adventures like A Song of Ice and Fire (George R.R. Martin) or Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling), sometimes it’s great to return to classic literary tales, the building blocks for a large portion of today’s epic adventures. From Treasure Island to Dune and from the works of William Shakespeare to the poems by Robert Frost, classic literature has as much to offer today as it did back when it was still considered “to date.” However, did you know that a large quantity of your favorite novels, novellas, short stories, and poems actually stemmed from drug abuse and addiction? While this might not initially surprise you, you will be shocked about our additions to this list. Let’s take a closer look at some classic works of literature that stemmed from experimentation with drugs. Face it, you might not look at these stories or characters the same way again.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Robert Louis Stevenson)
While many kids grew up reading his classic Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson is also a notable figure in the horror/thriller department due to this iconic novella. Everyone knows the iconic, infamous story of a man who discovers a potion that turns him into a monster and, over time, begins to lose complete control to his second half. On the surface, this is a terrifying body horror story. Beneath, it might be a cry for help from a drug addict. According to reports, after consuming a disturbing amount of cocaine and suffering a fever dream, Louis Stevenson pumped out the 60,000-word story in less than one week.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Tennessee Williams)
Throughout the course of his career, legendary author Tennessee Williams powerfully portrayed elements of friendship, romance, and distress in the hard time of America, and perhaps one of his best examples is the iconic Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Later adapted as a movie starring Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor, this play tells the story of a cotton tycoon named Big Daddy and the relationships between his son Brick and his wife Maggie “The Cat.” However, themes of abuse and alcoholism also run rampant in the play, inspired by William’s real-life struggle with alcoholism.
Always remember that alcohol and drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or addiction troubles today.
