D.A.R.E. Isn’t Happy with Euphoria’s Depiction of Teen Drug Addiction
D.A.R.E is back and they have a lot to say about the hit show that has everyone tweeting Sunday nights, Euphoria.
The HBO series, which is currently on its second season, has been heralded by critics and viewers as honest and trailblazing because of its raw depictions of Gen-Zers. However, leaders at the drug prevention organization have a different take on the show with one representative telling TMZ, “HBO’s television drama Euphoria chooses to misguidedly glorify and erroneously depict high school student drug use, addiction, anonymous sex, violence, and other destructive behaviors as common and widespread in today’s world,”.
Many viewers of the Emmy-winning series disagree with D.A.R.E’s claims. They’ve called out the fact that many see the toll drug addiction has taken on Rue and it makes them want to steer clear from hard substances. Others even said the educational program itself failed in its goal of substance abuse prevention by making people want to do drugs even more. However, some Twitter users agree that the constant and graphic depictions of teenage sex and drug and alcohol use could be sending the wrong message to young viewers of the show.
Yea they buggin nothing seems fun about any drug use in the show. Ali lost contact with his child because of his drug use. Rue almost died 3 times. Rue manipulating and gaslighting her friends sister etc. None of this is glorified if you pay attention
— Robby Twistout (@RobertJoasilus) January 26, 2022
dare commercials made me want to do drugs in elementary school https://t.co/aYaadRfb6m
— ً (@bergmanology) January 27, 2022
I mean they kind of have a point… That whole presentation telling u how to get your friends and family to believe you’re not on drugs, the way they showed rue “almost dying” but taking more drugs to revive, plus the glorification of sex among teenagers has become a bit much. 🤷🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/hh87nbWAnB
— ax (@Xg2342) January 26, 2022
If you’ve ever seen a cool skater boy wearing a t-shirt with the letters “D.A.R.E” in big red font, then perhaps you’ve wondered what that meant. D.A.R.E which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education was founded during the Raegan administration. Anyone alive during the 80s or who is just a history buff knows Nancy Reagan’s infamous slogan, “Just Say No.” Euphoria has a primarily young and liberal fanbase, so it makes sense that in today’s political climate the majority of Gen-Z would not agree with a police-led program.
D.A.R.E is adamant that this criticism isn’t merely to beat down on the show, actors, or creator, Sam Levinson, but to start a dialogue on how to use their show to prevent teen drug addiction. “We would welcome the opportunity for our team, including members of our high school-aged Youth Advocacy Board, to meet with individuals at HBO who are involved with producing Euphoria to present our concerns directly”, says the representative.
Prior to the season 2 premiere, lead actress, Zendaya, posted a heartfelt message warning viewers of the sensitive and potentially triggering nature of the show.
The critically acclaimed HBO show amasses around 2.5 million weekly viewers. It doesn’t seem like they’ll be wanting to water down their depiction of teens. Nevertheless, it’s highly unlikely that Sam Levinson would ever let that happen no matter what any organization says.
