10 Movies To Scare You Into Sobriety

Drug addictions and alcoholism have been the subject matter of a number of films. While most of the mainstream movies tend to romanticize the issues of alcoholism and addictions, there are several films which break the mold - movies which deftly address the uglier side of addictions, laying bare the realities of this ailment.

These are ten of the best, most hardcore substance abuse movies that force you to face some of the most terrifying aspects of addiction. They'll scare you so sober, you'll never touch drugs again. (And if you're looking for something a little more feel-good, check out this list of the top inspirational movies about addiction.)

1. Requiem for a Dream

This is one of the grittiest drug movies ever made. The film deals with a wide range of narcotics, right from street drugs to prescription medicine abuse. It doesn't hold back when comes to showing the devastating effects of drug addiction. Physical deformities and mental hallucinations, everything is presented in its raw form to let you know the dark side of addiction. It also shows that addiction can hit anyone, regardless of their age, gender or social standing.

2. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

This period drama features trippy scenes and vivid depictions of mental breakdowns. While the film proved to be a box office dud when it was released, it later achieved a cult following, mainly due to its realistic portrayal of drug abuse and the effects. The film shows how people tend to lose their grip on their life after getting addicted to drugs.

3. A Clockwork Orange

This Stanley Kubrick film features real and fictional drugs, including Milk-Plus. Nevertheless, the film presents a hard-hitting illustration of the effect of mind-altering drugs and the gruesome outcomes of such addictions. The film is known for its graphic violence scenes, as well as illusory yet controversial rehabilitation therapies.

4. Less than Zero

The film is based on a novel of the same name and traces the life of a group of drug addicts. It focuses on the ‘It’ crowd of Los Angeles and portrays the pitfalls associated with drug addictions. It shows people displaying volatile behaviors, failed relationships, and even death due to such addictions. If that’s not enough, the film also shows people rendered homeless as they rack up debt on account of their drug abuse habits. The film offers a wakeup call for people who are hooked on drugs or alcohol.

5. Easy Rider

One of the most definitive and well-written movies to chronicle hippie era and rampant drug abuse during those times. The film shows drug use among the revelers, in the communes and even drug smuggling. It takes a satirical view of the drug use and the certain kind of pretensions attached to it. It shows dire consequences of drug abuse including deaths. While the film maintains a breezy style, it is poignant in its portrayal of drug culture.

6. Maria, Full of Grace

The hard realities of drug culture are not just about the physical and mental consequences of substance abuse. Marie, Full of Grace is an intense film that looks at people who are engaged in illegal drug trading. The film follows the trials and tribulations of a Columbian girl, who acts as a drug mule. It went on to win several accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Actress nomination. Its gory scenes and graphic violence provide a stunning portrayal of the drug trade.

7. True Romance

This film contains the trademark violence and bloodshed associated with Quentin Tarantino creations. This star studded film expertly mixes drama and romance with hardcore drug scenes. While the movie manages to have a happy ending, it also takes the audience through a rollercoaster ride, where the true realities of drugs and addictions are laid bare.

8. The Basketball Diaries

This film excels at showing the negative influence drugs and alcohol can have on a person’s life. Addiction has become a big issue as it robs people of their potential. Based on the life of Jim Carroll, the film shows a promising basketball player falling prey to heroin addiction. The protagonist resorts to stealing, and even prostitution, to fund his drug habits, but eventually manages to kick his addiction following his incarceration. The film offers a terrifying yet inspirational portrayal of drug addiction.

9. Winter’s Bone

This chilling film shows how drugs not only affect the addict’s life, but also have an indelible effect on the lives of their loved ones. The film follows a teen looking for her meth addicted father. The realistic portrayal of various struggles faced by the addicts and their families make this movie a compelling watch. This movie was even highlighted by 60 Minutes when interviewing Jennifer Lawrence.

10. Trainspotting

No list of gritty drug movies is complete without the mention of Trainspotting. This Danny Boyle film takes a trippy view of the drug underworld and is full of psychedelic scenes. Trainspotting offers a look into the world of drug addicts and presents it in the rawest form. Devoid of any romanticism, the film may act as an eye opener for many.

All of the above movies are accurate, often brutally realistic, portrayals of the struggles of addiction, and can be taken as warnings of the dangers of substance abuse. Let these be your caution tales to scare you sober. Remember, there is a fine line involved when it comes to recreational experimentation and the slippery slope of drug and alcohol abuse. You must actively remind yourself to make smart decisions when dangerous and addictive substances are involved. Furthermore, these are all excellent pieces of cinematic achievement. They are worth watching for any film student or movie aficionado. So grab a bag of popcorn and enjoy!

About The Author: Kylah Strohte is Editor-In-Chief of AddictedToAlcohol.com, an online resource dedicated to stopping alcoholism in a refreshingly entertaining style. She has extensive experience in publishing, journalism, and marketing, with a focus in the Addiction Treatment and Substance Abuse industries, among others. Kylah earned her BA in Linguistics from University of Maryland, College Park, class of 2012. She now lives in Los Angeles and is also actively involved in the LA Terps, the Los Angeles chapter of the UMD Alumni Association. Kylah works in digital marketing, writes articles for various websites and blogs related to addiction treatment, as well as helps manage a 24/7 addiction treatment helpline.