Etel Leit
I bet you there is one thing you did not know about the dramatic edgy show Euphoria.
It took me two chapters to start sitting comfortably and watching the show. The first time I tried to watch it was with my daughter. It looks like a typical show for teens in a brief look—love, parties, and conversations next to the lockers. Within 20 minutes, I understood I needed to watch it by myself. The extreme sensational scenes were too raw for both of us to watch together.
The buzz word, Euphoria.
Sex. Drugs, more drugs, violence, and more sex. Then, the glitter, the sparkles, and the incredible, creative, out-of-the-box makeup artist Donny Davi. I changed my mindset and started watching it like the edgy Pulp Fiction to reduce the extreme of the plot. This was when even I started getting attached to the characters.
But really, what makes this two-season show a must-see? It is the message behind it- Addiction. And I still did not tell you what the one thing you did not know about this dramatic show is.
Have you ever cared for someone with an addiction? The changes, the attitude, the moods, or the pressures of caring for your loved one suffering from this disease are loud and clear. Since the release of season 2, Euphoria has regained incredible exposure, on social media and many blogs. What seems to be a show about “sex, drugs, and parties” has a much deeper concept. There is, of course, the one thing you probably did not know about Euphoria, which I am about to tell you.
Not every biological father automatically makes a Father Figure. In some cases like with LGBTQ+ relationships, adoption, or step-parenting being biologically related to a child is not a requirement! A father figure is a man (or individual) that truly cares for a child. They tend to have a big heart, displays open arms, and listening ears.
The importance of father figures and their traits is undeniable. Every son, daughter, and child can benefit from having a strong figure. This figure can protect and cherish them while providing an ear to listen and arms to shelter in.
One of the most profound messages in the show is elaborated in magnificent and thrilling stories: Addiction is a disease. Addiction. is not something one can control by themselves. Any addiction is a cruel conniving disease that many are helplessly suffering from. Rue, the show star, played by Zendaya, is an addict. She is 17 years old and will do anything to get her next hit. By following her, we can feel compassion. This is not by her choice. Getting clean and maintaining sobriety is not an easy task; you can write and obey. Addiction, even if dealt with, is a lifetime struggle.
I love a few addicts. All sorts of addicts. I wrote my story and how to overcome the darkness in my latest book UnAddcited to You. Loving an addict is exciting, breathtaking, and thrilling. But it comes with a price – the price of the disease, as addiction is a family disease.
Unlike any other illness, addiction is an invisible disease. The attempts to save the person, fix, heal and change are immense. As this is a family disease, the people who care for the addict suffer as well. Jules (my favorite character), starred by the genius, transgender woman Hunter Schafer, shows us a beautiful story of a child who struggles with their mom’s alcoholism. She is helpless and later is affected by Rue’s, her best friend’s addiction. Self-blaming and obsession are just a few of the symptoms.
Dealing with addiction is not an easy journey. For some, it is a lifetime. Not for the addict and not for the person who loves them. Any addiction to alcohol, sex, drugs, food, or gambling. I know many families whose lives have been destroyed. Doing it alone is unmanageable. As it cannot be cured, it can be treated with a spiritual, loving program and guidance from people who have already experienced it.
Although I did not watch the show with my daughter, we eventually both watched. It opened up an incredible compassionate conversation about the reality of addiction, identity, and judgment, a conversation I whole heartily recommend in any household.
I still did not tell you the one thing you probably did not know about the show Euphoria? There are actually two things you must know. First is, the American euphoria is based on an Israeli Euphoria show produced in 2013. Being Israeli, it makes me proud. The second, and the most important thing is- there are hidden episodes 9 and 10 in the first season. Two hidden episodes, which you will probably find on HBO. These are, in my opinion, the most crucial episodes in the show. You will be inspired. You will see the back story of every addict, and every person who loves an addict.
Etel Leit, self-esteem mentor, personal therapist, speaker, and author.
Few last spots in the course UnAddicted to You, Addicted to Me is waiting for you or someone who needs a gift of empowerment for the new year: http://localhost/dretlet/seminars-stage-shows/