The Drug Abuse Resistance Education Organization (D.A.R.E.) Speaks Out Against HBO’s “Euphoria”

By: Yzora Lopez

        The drug resistance organization recently told TMZ in an interview that the HBO show “glamorizes” substance use, especially in its new season. 

         In a statement, D.A.R.E wrote, “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.” 

        Shortly after, the organization came in contact and offered to work with ‘Euphoria’ showrunners to address the concerns saying, “We would welcome the opportunity for our team. Including members of our high school-aged Youth Advocacy Board, to meet with individuals at HBO who are involved with producing Euphoria to present our concerns.”

        However, fans aren’t happy about this sort of backlash and decided to speak up about it in response. Some fans said that the show actually encouraged them to stay away from drugs while the D.A.R.E program taught in schools, made them more curious about drug use. 

        Others went on to point out the show’s rating (TV-MA), saying that there is a specific reason for that rating in the first place. One fan stated, “From Rue nearly dying of overdoses several times in the first season, to several of the main characters literally almost dying in a drug deal gone wrong at the beginning of the second season. People are blind if they can’t see the difference between the depiction of a damaging problem and glorification.”

      Prior to the release of the second season, ‘Euphoria’ star Zendaya who plays Rue, came to social media, warning fans that the show is again, not meant for young or vulnerable audiences. The actress went on saying, “I know I’ve said this before but I do want to reiterate to everyone that ‘Euphoria’ is for mature audiences. This season, maybe even more so than the last, is deeply emotional and deals with subject matter that can be triggering and difficult to watch. Please only watch it if you feel comfortable. Take care of yourself and know that either way you are still loved and I can still feel your support. All love, Daya.”