Despite the grim realities of alcohol abuse and alcoholism, each of us has to admit that we tend to laugh out loud when some of our favorite television characters tend to overindulge a little too much. After all, how many times did you crack up when Lucille Ball drank too much of an alcohol-based vitamin mixture on I Love Lucy (1951-1957), or when Foster Brooks imitated alcoholics as part of his standup comedy? However, even comedy can be pushed to the extremes for the purpose of laughter as well as education. For today, let’s take a closer look at some moments on classic sitcoms when drunken behavior was taken a little too far.
“The Betrayal”: Seinfeld (Season 9, Episode 8)
Often regarded as one of the best comedy shows of all time, Seinfeld (1989-1998) followed the misadventures of a group of friends as they navigate everyday problems in New York City, but, in one case, the antics of three men and a lady were a little bit radical. In the famous “backward episode” (in that it plays its end credits first), “The Betrayal” (1997) focuses on the efforts of Jerry Seinfeld and George Costanza (Jason Alexander) as they get their friend Elaine (Julia Louis Dreyfus) drunk to pry her for information. What results is an intoxicated tirade resulting in an unplanned trip to India.
“The Shower”: Everybody Loves Raymond (Season 7, Episode 21)
Considering that it followed on the heels of Seinfeld’s awesomeness, Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005) had some big shoes to fill, and it definitely did not disappoint. Focusing more on the family dynamic, the show featured issues ranging from spousal disagreements, life-threatening injuries, romance, and even drunkenness. However, “The Shower” (2003) takes this problem to a more frightening level. In this episode, Debra Barone (Patricia Heaton) drinks too much booze at her friend’s baby shower and ends up sitting in her parked car, only to have a police officer arrest her for reputedly driving drunk. Sure, it is a hilarious situation, but it mimics a potentially hazardous emergency.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism
Alcohol withdrawal can easily be one of the most frightening aspects of healing. During the course of the recovery process, you will suffer from minor to severe symptoms that may include night sweats, hallucinations, fevers, anxiety, and sadness, but always remember that you can find the strength to overcome these problems. However, you must always seek medical attention when you have decided to cut ties with alcohol, as the withdrawal process can be notoriously dangerous. Never attempt to do this without the supervision of a trained specialist.
If you are suffering from a severe case of alcoholism or alcohol abuse, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol 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 want to find out more 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.
