In a recent conversation with TMZ, D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) spoke out against HBO’s hit show Euphoria, claiming the show “chooses to misguidedly glorify and erroneously depict high school student drug abuse, anonymous sex, violence, and other destructive behaviors as common and widespread in today’s world.” On one hand, D.A.R.E is not entirely wrong—the series frequently depicts teenagers taking drugs and engaging in other dangerous activities. However, what D.A.R.E fails to acknowledge is how Euphoria also makes sure to highlight the consequences of these actions which are nearly impossible to romanticize. Caution, Euphoria Season 2 spoilers below!
Before I get too deep into this issue, let me explain what D.A.R.E is, having gone through the program myself at age ten. D.A.R.E is an educational program based mainly in the United States led by police officers in which they come into elementary school classrooms to teach young children about the harmful effects of drugs and provide prevention tips. On their website, they describe themselves as a “series of classroom lessons that teaches children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives.”
One of the harmful examples D.A.R.E highlights from Euphoria is when Zendaya’s character, Rue, nearly overdoses in one of the episodes of the new season (and this is not the first time it has happened, either). The series does not shy away from depicting scenes like this in vivid detail, calling their approach “honest.” This is certainly true in regards to showcasing the negative effects of drug abuse, away from the glitter and extravagance the show is famous for. For example, the series dives deeply into how Rue’s struggles with addiction have affected her relationships, particularly with her family. In another of the newly released episodes, there is a scene with Rue and her younger sister, Gia, in which they fight and showcase the mistrust and trauma Gia now feels as a result of Rue’s addiction.
In fact, one of the scenes from the first season—for which Zendaya won an Emmy for her performance—brilliantly captures the desperation and lows of addiction, in which Rue is banging on the door of her friend and dealer, Fez, asking him to sell to her. It is an intense and profound breakdown, free of any of the rosy glorification D.A.R.E alleges against the show. So while Euphoria may depict drug-taking in vivid detail, it makes sure to show us the comedown.
Additionally, D.A.R.E’s interview with TMZ does not acknowledge the effort on HBO’s part to warn audiences about the adult content in Euphoria. Episodes are preceded by a content warning about “depictions of drug abuse, very strong language, some strong violence, scenes of sexual nature and strong images of nudity from the start,” meaning that viewers are aware of the nature of the show ahead of time. Additionally, Zendaya issued a message from her personal Instagram warning fans about the intense, adult nature of the show and encouraging them not to watch it if they might be triggered or unable to handle it.
To conclude, D.A.R.E is correct about some things: there is an unhealthy abundance of drugs and danger in Euphoria that when paired with glittery makeup and dazzling outfits can seem cool and desirable. However, that glamorized dream is brought back to reality with a healthy balance of real-life, black-and-white consequences.