Intervention: The Social Issue Of Addiction

The social issue of addiction has created many incentives to combat the spread of illicit drugs. Despite prolonged drug use being only one form of addiction, many Americans remain ignorant to towards the nature of addiction. This ignorance has fueled a critical need to provide proper representation of addicts and the lives of whom they affect. Intervention, a show first started in 2005, documents the personal struggles of addicts and their lives shortly before facing an intervention to aid them towards sobriety. Although Americans are able to relate and reflect on narratives about addicts, it is Interventions' refreshing sincerity behind every portrayal of addiction and their commitment to educate the public on a serious public health issue …show more content…
With more addicts in America than ever before, it is no mystery as to why the reality television show Intervention gained popularity. Instead of demonizing the user, Intervention portrays addicts as real people with real struggles. By presenting an honest image of the addict, and guiding that individual through the rehabilitation process, a sense of hope is offered to addicts and their family members, both in the show and those watching. Extreme situations of violence and self-destruction are used to highlight the plights of the addicts and those affected. No story remains untold- many addicts refuse treatment or relapse, and children are thrust into the midst of their parents’ addiction. It is the seal of authenticity behind many rehabilitation-centered television series; not every attempt to save a soul will be fruitful. By witnessing their neurotic behavior, Americans are allowed to gauge the impact of addiction on their mental and physical health. No addict is in their right mind when they choose to inject, sniff, or smoke their drug of choice. The foundation in the life of an addict is in this seemingly never-ending cycle; feelings of inadequacy lead to drug use, while continued drug use leads the addict to engage in activities that lower their sense of self, leading to feelings of intense inadequacy, which leads to even higher drug use. Instead of outright demonizing addicts, Intervention allows the addict to deconstruct their behavior and present a version of perception that is a reality to the addict. Audiences at home are then able to interpret and relate the addicts’ experiences to their own, regardless if audiences identify as