Some media researchers consider Confessions of an English Opium-Eater by Thomas De Quincey (1821) to be the first project that revealed why creative people indulge in drugs. Since the 19th century, however, Quincey’s ideas have skyrocketed into a pop culture jungle flooding with images of drugs, alcohol, and other distasteful activities. From LSD use during the Beatnik movement to the cocaine diet adopted by fashion models, intoxicating and addictive substances seem to be everywhere in modern media. In fact, the line between artistry and addiction is very slim. Let’s not forget a string of films like Trainspotting, Requiem for a Dream, and The Hangover. Of course, let’s not forget how Dr. Gregory House (played by Hugh Laurie) used Vicodin in excess on the series House.So, which drugs are taking the pop culture world by storm? Let’s take a closer look and find out more.
Adderall
Overall, this drug is a surprising entry on the list, to an extent. After all, isn’t Adderall the drug that is used to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? While that is true, in recent decades, adults have started using this powerball of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine to get a kick for work or study time. As a result, Adderall goes by several street names including beans and study buddies (making you reconsider this phrase if it is uttered by your teen). Ultimately, this drug has become popular in the hip-hop industry, notably when Detroit rapper Danny Brown explained that Adderall is the steroid of the rap business.
Cocaine
Now, this drug has always enjoyed an unfortunately powerful status in pop culture. Derived from the coca plant, cocaine is a drug that stimulates the release of dopamine, resulting in an overload of intense bursts of energy. So, you can begin to see why Bolivian marching powder (as cocaine is sometimes called) is so popular in the rock and roll industry. One of the most notable past users is Steven Tyler, frontman and lead singer for Aerosmith. Plus, we cannot forget cocaine’s infamous role in the film Scarface, starring Al Pacino as a crime boss who builds his empire on a snow-white foundation of addiction.
Fentanyl
As unfortunate as it may sound, painkillers are taking the world by storm (not always intentionally), but fentanyl is a particularly dangerous addition to the list of pop culture drugs. A synthetic variant of a natural opiate, this drug is more powerful than morphine, more addictive than heroin, and deadlier than any drug you may have heard about. So, what could make the situation worse? How about the fact that people are putting fentanyl in pills like Xanax? As a result of taking these pills, singers Prince and Tom Petty lost their lives (tragically too early).
Always remember that drugs and alcohol 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, alcohol abuse, or addiction troubles today.
