Although they must definitely be commended for their devotion to their crafts, method actors do tend to make us cringe after we read the stories about how they prepared for roles. From starving themselves for months, or even years to reach a certain weight. Some living homeless on the streets, these men and women have taken the love of acting to an entirely new level of extreme. They often credit these extremes to producing jaw-dropping results. Still, how far is too far? Would stars such as Ewan McGregor trying certain drugs for a role be considered too far?
Should an actor try experimenting with drugs if he was preparing to play a hardcore heroin addict? According to Ewan McGregor, the answer to this question about drugs is a huge “no.” Let’s take a closer look at the battle between this actor and heroin during the filming of the classic drug movie Trainspotting.
Keeping It Real…Sort Of
Often considered the role that launched McGregor’s career, Renton, one of the main characters of Trainspotting, is the prime example of someone addicted to drugs trying to patch up a life he had once praised. However, there is one catch to this role. Anyone who has never shot up heroin will not fully understand the pain and trauma this painkiller induces. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, McGregor acknowledged that he would not have a thorough knowledge of this opioid without using it.
A Big Eye-Opener
So, why didn’t McGregor relent and take drugs? Simply put, he met a few heroin addicts while he prepared for the role of Renton. At one point, he and the Trainspotting team met members of Calton Athletic (who served as extras on the set of T2 Trainspotting, the film’s sequel). During the meetings, the addicts revealed bits of information that none of the filmmakers and actors would have known unless they injected this drug. After meeting these victims, McGregor realized he would be disrespecting them by using heroin.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Addiction or Alcoholism
Throughout the decades, many famous people have suffered from severe, and particularly dangerous, cases of drug addiction, sometimes leading to uncomfortably dangerous situations that are plastered across social media and the press. All it takes to fall off the wagon and become sick is to take that first sniff, snort, injection, or shot before you are rolling downhill into insanity. Still, you can always push the train back up, but it will be a difficult hike. However, with the right mixture of perseverance and determination, you can easily get back on track and be happy once more.
Are you suffering from a severe case of alcoholism or drug addiction? Do you have a friend or a loved one who is coping with the same illness? In either case, get in touch us at with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of drug withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you are seeking more information about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
