A RECOVERED addict has accused HBO's hit-show Euphoria of glamorizing teenage drug use by masking the dark realities of addiction with seductive lighting and alluring cinematography.

Adam Jablin, a certified life coach and addiction specialist, told The Sun that he believes the gritty Zendaya-led drama – which follows a group of flawed and delinquent, pill-popping high schoolers – may encourage younger viewers to dabble with hard drugs as a coping mechanism for anxiety and depression.

Jablin, who has been sober for 15 years, has a 16-year-old daughter who is a fan of the show.

Both he and his daughter said they believe that Euphoria is "glamorizing teenage drug use" with its frequent portrayals of excessive consumption.

Jablin said he thinks the boundary-pushing series, which is now mid-way through its second season, can make the action of consuming drugs appear "fun" despite the negative consequences doing so can have.

"In almost every scene they are doing drugs or drinking. It shows certain characters going through hard times and their coping mechanism is hard drugs," he said.

"The show could be damaging in a way [by] showing kids that drugs could be an escape that helps to fix their problems.

"[I also] think the show may be encouraging teens to try hard drugs because they glamorize them, and when the kids are high in the show they express it through sparkles and glitter."

'GLORIFYING' DRUGS, SEX & VIOLENCE

Jablin is not alone with his concerns about Euphoria's fixation on drug use, and how the show's seductive cinematography may potentially be romanticizing hard substances for America's impressionable youth.

Last week, the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (D.A.R.E) issued a statement accusing director/writer Sam Levison and the rest of the Euphoria cast and crew of doing precisely that.

"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," D.A.R.E. said in a statement.

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Founded during the Ronald Regan era in 1983, D.A.R.E famously taught students to "say no" to drugs until the program lost its federal funding in the late 1990s.

The non-profit said it is hoping to consult with representatives of the show to present its concerns.

"It is unfortunate that HBO, social media, television program reviewers, and paid advertising have chosen to refer to the show as 'groundbreaking,' rather than recognizing the potential negative consequences on school-age children who today face unparalleled risks and mental health challenges," the statement continued.

'INCOMPLETE' PORTRAYALS OF ADDICTION

Towing a more diplomatic line, Sarah O’Brien, an addiction specialist at Ark Behavioral Health, told The Sun that while many believe the show is "glamorizing" teen drug use, it's also bringing attention to the growing prevalence of substance abuse among teens in the US.

"Shows like Euphoria could reflect an increasing culture of teens and young adults with drug-seeking behaviors," O'Brien said.

"While the show portrays certain aspects of drug use that may be considered ‘glamorizing,’ it also shows the ugly underbelly of addiction: damaged relationships, overdose, mental health struggles, and declining health."

However, while O'Brien acknowledges that these themes are discussed throughout the show, she said such discussions may give teens an "incomplete idea of what addiction truly looks like."

"Addiction, in reality, is not glamorous. Increased drug abuse among teens may lead to more mental health issues, difficulty among teens in managing emotions, higher overdose rates, and a desire to escape from reality," O'Brien added.

"Seeing other people their age using substances as a way to drown out mental health concerns might encourage teens to do the same.

"It may also reveal to them the deeper issues behind substance abuse — anxiety, depression, trauma — and show a need for therapy and addiction treatment, such as drug rehab."

TRIGGER WARNING

Euphoria, which first aired in 2019, is led by superstar Zendaya who stars as Rue, a bereaved teenager caught up in an endless cycle of addiction, using any drugs she can find to numb her anxiety and feelings of grief.

Creator Sam Levison based the show on an Israeli series of the same name but based Rue's journey on his personal battles with addiction as a teenager.

Before the first episode of the second season aired, Zendaya, who is also an executive producer on the show, posted a statement to her Instagram page, warning viewers the series may be triggering for some.

The actress and model, 25, also emphasized that the show is intended only for mature audiences.

"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,” Zendaya wrote.

She added that viewers should "only watch it if you feel comfortable.”

Zendaya posted a similar warning before the show's debut in 2019.

“Just a reminder before tonight’s premiere, that Euphoria is for mature audiences. It’s a raw and honest portrait of addiction, anxiety, and the difficulties of navigating life today,” she wrote.

“There are scenes that are graphic, hard to watch, and can be triggering. Please only watch if you feel you can handle it.”

Despite his reservations that the show may be glamorizing drug use, at the same time Jablin commended Levison and co. for taking on such difficult subject matter and prompting "uncomfortable" conversations.

"It is accurate and happening, so it's better to take a look at what's truly going on in society than stick our heads in the sand and pretend everything is Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers. It's time to have those difficult conversations.

"[In addition to glamorizing] I think it can also show the viewers how bad the drugs are and how they could affect someone's future."

HBO has not responded to a request for comment from The Sun.

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