Euphoria is a show that follows 17-year-old Rue, played by Zendaya, and her troubles with drug addiction. The show first aired in 2019, but production stopped when Covid hit. Since its return in January, the series has gained popularity, and many DHS students enjoy tuning in.

”I believe that Euphoria is a good show that we could all learn something from,” sophomore Avery Mobley said.

Many believe Euphoria is an appropriate show, as the show is about high schoolers and the experiences they may go through or witness. While Euphoria explores identity, trauma, drug addiction, violence, friendship, and love, they are showcased in a way that is raw, and to many, real. 

Many viewers focus on the substance abuse storyline. 

“So when Ash was a kid he was dropped off at this drug dealer’s house, and they took him in and raised him, but in the last episode, you can see he only knew that life,” Senior Makayla Perez said. 

“The person who, like, can up with the whole storyline, he also went through drug abuse and all that,” junior Jianna Zamora said. “So I don’t think he would want to make a show that glamorized it, because he went through it himself,” Jianna added.

“I personally don’t think Euphoria glamorizes drugs, if anything they just show the worst things drugs do,” freshman Alfredo Ramirez said.

Recently, the show’s lead actress, Zendaya, has received backlash for Euphoria. Many people have complained about how Euphoria glamorizes drugs in the show. Zendaya responded to D.A.R.E’s Criticism and said, ‘Our show is in no way a moral tale,’ and said later in the interview, ‘If anything, the feeling behind Euphoria, or whatever we have always been trying to do with it, is to hopefully help people feel a little bit less alone in their experience and their pain. And maybe feel like they’re not the only one going through or dealing with what they’re dealing with.’

“Everyone can learn a thing or two from the show,” sophomore Zoe Ortiz said. “We don’t know what these people go through, and what can happen to them. It’s not like they tell us these things during Red Ribbon week.” 

In no way, does Euphoria glamorize drug consumption. The show clearly sends viewers a message about drugs, without having to say the words ‘Don’t do it.’ It doesn’t lecture or preach. It shows you what can and most likely will happen. It shows all the downfalls of what drugs can do to a person, things we didn’t know that person could go through. All Euphoria actors and producers hope that those who need to heal and grow can connect with the character Rue and find the help they need.