Movie analysis from a Prospective family member
What is Addiction?
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. Considered a brain disorder because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control.
(National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020)
Key findings from the 2021 NSDUH include:
Drug Use and Substance Use Disorder
9.2 million people 12 and older misused opioids in the past year.
46.3 million people aged 12 or older (or 16.5 percent of the population) met the applicable DSM-5 criteria for having a substance use disorder in the past year, including 29.5 million people who were classified as having an alcohol use disorder and 24 million people who were classified as having a drug use disorder.
Among people aged 12 or older in 2021, 61.2 million people (or 21.9 percent of the population) used illicit drugs in the past year. The most commonly used illicit drug was marijuana, which 52.5 million people used. Nearly 2 in 5 young adults 18 to 25 used illicit drugs in the past year; 1 in 3 young adults 18 to 25 used marijuana in the past year.
In 2021, 94% of people aged 12 or older with a substance use disorder did not receive any treatment. Nearly all people with a substance use disorder who did not get treatment at a specialty facility did not think they needed treatment.
(Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023)
1-800-662-4357 SAMHSA National Helpline
Ben Is Back, released 2018
Few movies have delved as deeply into the harrowing world of addiction as the 2018 drama film, "Ben is Back." Directed by Peter Hedges and starring Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges, this experience thrusts viewers into the all-consuming struggle of one family as they navigate the dark and treacherous path of drug addiction. "Ben is Back" leaves an indelible mark on its audience, presenting a raw and emotional portrait of addiction that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful.
Realism:
"Ben is Back" stands out for its portrayal of the devastating impact of addiction on individuals and their families. The film does not shy away from the harsh realities, showing the constant fear and anxiety endured by loved ones as they grapple with the relentless cycle of relapse and recovery. The raw and authentic performances by the cast further enhance the film's sense of realism, immersing viewers in the genuine pain and despair experienced by those affected by addiction.
The Complexity of Characters:
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its complex and multi-dimensional characters. Ben, brilliantly portrayed by Lucas Hedges, is a young man teetering between despair and the glimmer of hope for redemption. Julia Roberts shines as Holly, Ben's determined and fiercely protective mother, who must confront her own past mistakes while fighting to save her son. The characters are flawed, making decisions that are both heartbreakingly relatable and morally complex, forcing viewers to confront their own judgments and preconceptions about addiction.
A Lesson of Empathy and Understanding:
"Ben is Back" is not just a mere story; it serves as a powerful lesson on empathy, compassion, and the desperate need for understanding regarding addiction. It challenges society's tendency to view addicts as outcasts, reminding us that addiction does not discriminate and that it is a disease that requires support instead of condemnation. As viewers witness the characters' journey, they are compelled to examine their own attitudes and biases, potentially fostering a greater level of empathy and a desire for change in how addiction is treated and perceived.
A Balanced Narrative:
While "Ben is Back" primarily portrays the devastating effects of addiction, it also manages to strike a delicate balance by offering glimmers of hope and healing. Through poignant moments of connection and fleeting displays of redemption, the film emphasizes the potency of love, forgiveness, and the possibility of recovery. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the potential for healing and rebuilding broken lives and relationships.
"Ben is Back" is a profoundly impactful film that tackles the subject of addiction with unflinching honesty and gripping performances. It is a story that not only educates but also forces viewers to confront their own biases and judgments surrounding addiction. Through its depiction of flawed yet resilient characters, the film presents a gritty and powerful exploration of addiction and redemption. While its portrayal of the devastating consequences may be difficult to witness, "Ben is Back" ultimately reminds us that empathy, understanding, and love can play a transformative role in our battle against addiction.
APA References:
Drug Misuse and Addiction | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, July 13). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2023, January 4).
SAMHSA announces National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) results detailing mental illness and substance use levels in 2021. HHS.gov. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/01/04/samhsa-announces-national-survey-drug-use-health-results-detailing-mental-illness-substance-use-levels-2021.html
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