Addiction, stigma and movies.
OBJECTIVE
To identify common character stereotypes of alcohol and other drug users as portrayed in motion pictures.


METHODS
A selective review of a number of movies prominently portraying alcohol and other drug use and misuse.


RESULTS
The great majority of popular films portray alcohol and drug use whether as a routinized background, routinized foreground or exceptional foreground. Four main stereotypes of alcohol and other drug users appear to be prevalent - the tragic hero, the demonized user, the rebellious free spirit and the comedic user. A number of movies are selected which portray alcohol and other drug use as a prominent theme.


CONCLUSIONS
Movies, as a medium for mass communication, have a powerful influence on the public and perpetuate popular mythologies regarding alcohol and other drug use.
Cape
G S
GS
Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. gavin.cape@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D009040:Motion Pictures; D013240:Stereotyping; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*