D.A.R.E. Criticizes Euphoria For Glamorizing Substance Abuse

HBO’s hit show, Euphoria, is entering its second season. The series is full of dark storylines that revolve around young people engaging in high-risk behavior. The character played by Zendaya even overdoses during one episode. Some groups are questioning whether this type of content is a good idea.

D.A.R.E. is an anti-drug organization that has existed since 1983. The group had a major presence in schools throughout the 1990’s and into the 2000’s. A large percentage of Americans have been forced to attend a D.A.R.E. event or presentation.

TMZ reported that D.A.R.E. is fed up with the edgy imagery in Euphoria. A representative for the group pointed out that HBO is misguided and glorifying high school drug use. They believe it will have serious effects in the real world.

“Rather than further each parent’s desire to keep their children safe from the potentially horrific consequences of drug abuse and other high-risk behavior, 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.”

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The producers of the show say they’re just painting an honest picture of modern life. D.A.R.E. cites the unparalleled risks in today’s society as reasons why Euphoria may be triggering for young people. A meeting between the D.A.R.E. Youth Advocacy Board and HBO is the ultimate end goal.

The creators of Euphoria might see the story as a cautionary tale. That stands counter to D.A.R.E.’s take. They are pushing the belief that television is poisoning the minds of our youth. It’s fitting for an organization that came from the “Just Say No” Reagan era.

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