The Impact of the Entertainment Industry on the Drug Population

Drugs have been a part of the Hollywood scene for many years. Pictures of celebrities have made some fans feel  the abuse of drugs is needed in order to be “rich and famous”! A picture here and there was enough to tease the fans, however due to today’s advanced technology; videos on “You Tube” can detail the use and method that a celebrity is abusing a drug. Many people, especially the younger generation, will try to imitate such behavior. A good example of this was a few weeks ago when Miley Cyrus demonstrated her actions via You Tube smoking a “Bong’. Although, it was announced that she was smoking a legal euphoric herb, many teens followed suit. This setting and video clip gave the appearance of a “drug scene”, which her fans are apt to imitate. This caused much controversy, proving the amount of influence a celebrity has on his/her fans. The same holds true with Paris Hilton and LIndsay Lohan.

A lot of pressure has been placed on Hollywood producers for their glamorization of illicit drugs. So much, that they have taken an about turn and are now producing movies that show the dangers and/ or harmful effects that these street drugs have on people. A good example of a movie in the past that showed the dangers of drug abuse was “Lady Sings the Blues”. It was a story about a singer, Billie Holiday, and her tragic life caused by the abuse of drugs. There have since been numerous movies that decrease the glamorization of drug abuse. Recently Diane Keaton’s movie, “On Thin Ice”, shows the effects that “meth” can have on one’s life and/ family. Movies, such as these, are a great preventive way in which to not only educate individuals about the dangers of illicit drugs, but get them thinking about the consequences that bad choices can have on them and their families.

Since the entertainment world and media have a large impact on their viewers, movies seem to be one of the most successful methods to educate a large mass of people in a very short time. This is why the United States government agencies are looking to Hollywood producers for help!