Believe it or not, drug abuse and addiction have been covered in movies for years. From the American classic Easy Rider to the over-the-top comedy The Hangover, some films have parodied drugs but have still emphasized the darker side of this nasty habit. On the opposite end, the British film Trainspotting takes a unique route by showing the different ways heroin can affect a person, resulting in one man overcoming addiction and another falling prey to it. However, one drug seems to have slipped past the radar for motion picture fans: anabolic steroids. These dangerous PEDs (performance enhancing drugs) are just as dangerous as meth or heroin in their own right, and two films in particular showcase the dangers these drugs pose to humans. Let’s take a look at these movies now.
Never Back Down: No Surrender (2016)
The third installment in the Never Back Down franchise, No Surrender follows the further adventures of retired MMA fighter Case Walker (Michael Jai White) as he finds himself thrown into the world of professional competitions once again. Now, in part 3, Case travels to Thailand to help his friend Brody James (Josh Barnett) prepare for the ultimate fight against the undefeated PFC champion, a 7-foot Brazilian beast named Caesar Braga (Nathan Jones). While the film captures the right amount of martial arts spirit and training montages, younger fans will also receive a lesson in how friendships and marriages can be ruined by drugs.
At one point, Brody is so terrified of his fight against the champion that he starts using anabolic steroids and almost fatally injures Case in a training exercise. After rekindling their friendship, Case helps Brody overcome his abuse and return to the ring. While not the highlight of the film, Brody’s steroid use shows how these drugs can (and will) transform you into a monster.
On that note, the film also hints at the possibility of PFC fighters begin fed steroids for publicity stunts. Braga, the immense PFC champion, exhibits near-psychopathic aggression and terrifying rage at the mere mention of his ex-wife (who has charged him with domestic abuse) and boasts superhuman strength (potential side effects of anabolics). While Brody showcases recovery from steroids, Braga is an example of addiction’s grip on the mind.
The Wrestler (2008)
As many fans of the serialized sport will know, wrestlers are not immune to accusations of anabolic steroid use. As shown in the Academy Award-winning film The Wrestler, however, these athletes and showmen can succumb to steroid abuse or addiction because of underlying guilt and fear. Close to retiring, former professional wrestler Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) feels obliged to fight one last fight against his former rival the Ayatollah to end his career with a bang. Later in the film, Randy purchases $900 worth of steroids and begins injecting them into muscles (as part of weight training). Later, he suffers a violent heart attack, and Randy’s doctor orders him to quit steroids (or he will lose his life). Interestingly, The Wrestler (in a cruel twist of irony) mirrors the death of former WWE champion Eddie Guerrero, whose fatal heart attack is still used as an example of the dangers of anabolic steroids.
Always remember that PEDs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance abuse disorder or 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 addiction and substance abuse troubles today.
