Introduction

Although I initially started with the idea of wanting to produce a 2 minute video that visualizes the influence of media on the world of drugs and the curiosity that negatively impacted generations through the contrast of catchy visuals from TV shows like Euphoria that aestheticized drugs and the harsh reality of real world consequences, I believe the mode I deferred to does justice to the feelings I want to convey to the audience.

The podcast I have produced for my artifact is a short conversation with my friend Dr. Ronnell Jacob where we share our ideas and experiences of what influences played a role in a gateway to drug use. The glorification of drugs in mainstream media is a large topic that can cover many forms of media like music, tv and movies. In this short podcast however we briefly scratch the surface of the major issue that is caused by the influence of negative media. The responsibility of multimedia companies go beyond entertainment, the influence they have on the human mind should be considered in their methods of media design (Jackson, Janssen, & Gabriel, 2019).

Dr. Ronnell shares his experiences with drugs and how mainstream media paved the gateway to drug use and abuse through a glorified visual and auditory portrayal of drugs. We also share a common interest in rap culture and its influence, as we talk about the experiences artists have been through that have become controversial but at the same time a learning experience for both the artist and the audiences. The influence that music has on a listener is astronomical. Its impact on the human emotion is beyond what any form of art can accomplish. And when a musician has the talent to utilize the power of music, they are also bound by a social and moral responsibility.

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Problem Statement

The current day and age has become so fast. For some it may feel overwhelming and reality itself is too fast for them to catch up with. Everyone is looking for fast content, fast solutions, fast escapes. A fast paced world is a dangerous world. These dangers come in many forms, one of them comes in the form of a highly glamorised escape from reality – Drugs. (Goldstein & Volkow, 2011) had conducted research on how drug addiction causes the dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex. This report provides a detailed description of real-world consequences and how a brain on drugs can be affected with a scope of long-term damage.

Addiction is never optional. It cannot be turned off with a switch. A mind on drugs has multiple neurotransmitters firing at once and it builds a cycle of dependence, it is a chronic brain disorder that can be caused by drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and even alcohol (Mittal, 2025). There are several reasons as to why one may resort to the usage of drugs such as the feeling of euphoria. When one’s experiences fail to give them the feeling of joy that they hope to receive, it is human resilience that factors into finding an alternative that elevates them artificially into a “euphoric” experience. Stress, to some, plays a crucial role in their drug dependencies. It is very common for people who suffer from anxiety, depression and stress to rely on an external force to supress the symptoms that follow (NIDA, 2025). In the developmental ages of adolescence, it is common for teens to feel the pressure to fit in or out of curiosity at least experiment with different types of drugs depending on the friend circle (Bhujbal, 2024) (Levy & Nail, 1993)

Multimedia forms like TV, Movies and Music can use storytelling to address all these reasons of drug abuse and normalise it, which is morally irresponsible. The prevalence of anxiety and depression is a problem that requires attention in the form of controlled medical care, not a temporary fix that comes with long term consequences. Some forms of media makes drug use look normal and cool has a real impact on the younger generation, and it is a very serious problem. Communities need to push for responsible storytelling in movies and shows, and should be willing to talk openly about what drug use actually does to people. When communities get involved and young people are part of the conversation, it genuinely makes a difference. Together, we can make a drug aware future possible.

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Conclusion

Drug use is not a new plague to society as it has been around for a very long time. The growing trend of drug glamorization has to be addressed and people have to be educated to avoid life-threatening consequences for youngsters and adults. Educational movies and documentaries like Recovery Boys (2018), Ben Is Back (2018), Requiem for a Dream (2000), etc, are important because they promote the awareness of the prevalence of drug culture and how it has negatively affected real people’s lives.

This podcast aims to bring awareness about a social issue that is often talked about but rarely understood. Getting the perspective of a former addict and sharing my own experiences was something crucial to me in this project as it gives more insight through personal stories. I believe this will be the start of my message that will stay with me forever in the form of more projects that raise awareness and stays true to the reality of drug abuse.

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References

Bhujbal, M. P. (2024). The Influence of Peer Pressure on Students: Cause, Effect, and Strategies for Intervention. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 2582-2160 .

Goldstein, R., & Volkow, N. (2011, October 20). Dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex in addiction: neuroimaging findings and clinical implications. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, pp. 652-669.

Jackson, K., Janssen, T., & Gabriel, J. (2019). Media/Marketing Influences on Adolescent and Young Adult Substance Abuse. National Library of Medicine.

Levy, D. A., & Nail, P. R. (1993). Contagion: A Theoretical and Empirical Review and Reconceptualization. Genetic Social and General Psychology Monographs, 233-284. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/14793278_Contagion_A_Theoretical_and_Empirical_Review_and_Reconceptualization

Mittal, D. A. (2025, November 20). Case Study on Drug Addiction: Transformative Stories and Strategies for Recovery. Retrieved from athenabhs: https://www.athenabhs.com/case-study-on-drug-addiction

NIDA. (2025, November 29). Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. Retrieved from NIDA: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction