HBO’s Euphoria stirs up a multitude of emotions ranging from discomfort to disbelief, sadness to shock, and faith to fear. This raw and realistic look at teen love, sex, and addiction is set in what feels like an extended acid trip with long, fast-paced dream sequences fueled by angst, sexual identity, and tragedy. Because it’s on cable and holds little back, it’s definitely Rate R and may be hard to watch for some. Euphoria’s depiction of high school life today is somewhat disturbing.
Euphoria gets dark
The fear lies in the fact that it is probably a glimpse into what’s really happening out there. And this is truly concerning. After watching all episodes of Season 1, the jury was still out. Covering addiction is essential to help continue to smash the stigma. Yet, sitting in the dark places Euphoria takes us is difficult.
Spoiler alerts below
This being said, the Euphoria Special Episode: Trouble Don’t Last Always includes one of the most powerful conversations on addiction I’ve ever seen on television. This episode is an extreme departure from the others. Not without fantasy though. The beginning is a dream sequence depicting Rue’s idea of the perfect relationship with Jules. Rue then snaps back to reality and lands in a diner where the majority of the hour is spent in conversation with her sponsor, Ali.
The real road to recovery is paved with hard work and takes time
There is a lot to unpack here. Like several of the biggest, heavy load-size suitcases. Rue calls her sponsor but shows up high at the meeting. Then, she admits she does not want to stop using and that she does not plan on being around for much longer. Usually, when recovery is covered on TV, there is some kind of rock bottom incident, the person goes to rehab, then starts going to meetings. The trite and bright bow on top is that life immediately starts getting better. Relationships are repaired, jobs returned physical appearance improves and life goes on. The problem is that this rarely happens. For many who have gone down this road, life gets worse before it gets better. For those who do the work and remain in recovery, life does get exponentially better, but it is often a long road.
The conversation is brilliant
We also get more insight into Ali and his recovery journey. Despite the work he has done and the many people he sponsors, Ali is still dealing with the consequences of his addiction. This prohibits him from being with his own daughters on Christmas Eve. Instead, he is in a diner helping Rue. One of the promises of AA is that we will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. This allows us to use our past to relate to newcomers and help each other on the journey of recovery. This is how we all get better.
The thing about this conversation is that it is exactly what good sponsors should say to newcomers who show up as Rue does. Ali does not let her skate because of the tragedy she’s experienced or because she says she’s really trying and uses what sounds like a canned response on her newfound “balance.” He calls her out and demands that she answer for her behavior by digging deep to identify why she relapsed. He uses his own experience to explain the disease and show Rue that she is not special or unique or alone and that recovery is possible.
The other thing about this conversation is that I have now watched it at least 5 times. I will be asking all my sponsees and all the people I know in recovery to watch it as well. It is jam-packed with true wisdom. Ali never strays from the course. His singular purpose is to get Rue to prioritize her sobriety and to connect Rue with a power greater than herself. His explanation of why is brilliant. However, I will not spoil that for you here.
The authenticity in this episode could only come from someone connected with addiction. 35-year-old, Sam Levinson, producer and writer of Euphoria has openly discussed his struggles with drugs and alcohol. Big ups for such a brave and accurate depiction of addiction and for taking on teen addiction, which is even more challenging to navigate.
Creator, Sam Levinson gets it right
Finally, and what struck me the most, is that by the end of this episode, I felt hope. Hope for Rue, for Ali, for the many struggling alcoholics, and for myself. There is an indescribable power in one alcoholic talking to another alcoholic. The results speak for themselves as these conversations are often what finally breaks through and keep people coming back to the program. The reminder of how it all works is invaluable, no matter how many times we hear this.
And with this special, COVID-caused, bonus holdover episode, the jury is back in. I am anxiously awaiting part 2 of the special episode airing on Jan 24. I will also be watching Season 2.
The holidays are difficult for many struggling with drugs and alcohol. Please ask for help if needed.
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.