As we consider the dangers of prescription opioids, one particular member of the opiate family in genera has also been feeding the dangerous Opioid Epidemic: heroin. Injected or snorted, this terrible and powerful painkiller has become an underground killer of thousands of people across the United States. Derived from morphine (a derivative of the opium poppy), this illegal drug has always had a dark place in our society, and several U.S. films have demonstrated this reality throughout the years. Still, which one specifically focuses on this problem and (in a surprising twist) also reveals how law enforcement officials can fall victim to heroin, as well? Let’s take a closer look at this answer. Here is how the 1991 film Rush illustrates the horrors of this powerful painkiller.
Small-Time Cops, Big-Time Crime
Directed by Lili Fini Zanuck, Rush (1991) tells the story of two police officers who get mixed up in an illegal drug circle. From the start, you can see why this film would easily stand out among other “addiction” films. Rather than focusing on your average civilian, Rush focuses on two members of law enforcement and portrays the struggles (both inward and external) these people endure to crack open crime syndicates.
Set in rural Texas, an undercover narcotics cop named Jim Raynor (Jason Patric) receives his latest assignment to bust illegal drug activity and selects a beautiful rookie named Kristen Cates (Jennifer Jason Leigh) to be his partner. Their target is Gaines (Gregg Allman), an infamous drug dealer who has managed to elude the authorities for a while now. After falling in love with each other, Raynor and Cates eventually succumb to the dangers of drug culture, becoming members of lowlife society. Ultimately, they are forced to break free from heroin addiction to bring the criminals to justice, at the cost of their sanity.
Faking It to Make It
One interesting aspect of Rush is its focus on the lives of undercover cops. One scene, in particular, plays a pivotal role in the film and (in a sense) a warning cry to the audience. While the two are in his apartment at the beginning of the film, Raynor attempts to teach Cates how to shoot heroin. Ultimately, she rebukes by explaining that she knows how to fake drug use (through her academy education). Still, Raynor warns Cates that she will sometimes have to take heroin for real. This, simply put, is an excellent piece of foreshadowing to a series of events that spiral into madness.
Always remember that 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 drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
