MOVIE REPORT:
THE SUBSTANCE
Brenda Sofia Reyes
Zarraga
QUESTIONS
What do you know about drug abuse and addiction?
The repeated and prolonged use of these substances over time favors the development of dependence
disorders, which are chronic and recurrent disorders, characterized by an intense need for the substance
and loss of the ability to control its consumption, despite adverse consequences in the state of health or
interpersonal, family, academic, work or legal functioning.
Can you name different types of drugs and their common uses?
Drugs can be categorised by the way in which they affect our bodies:
depressants – slow down the function of the central nervous system
hallucinogens – affect your senses and change the way you see, hear, taste, smell or feel things
stimulants – speed up the function of the central nervous system.
What are some signs of addiction that you might recognize in yourself or others?
Signs of drug addiction include frequent intoxication, hangover or illness, and paraphernalia related to
substance abuse. Behavioral changes may also indicate drug or alcohol addiction, and these include:
Problems at work or school, including poor performance, lateness or absenteeism, and social dysfunction.
QUESTIONS
1. What types of drugs (substances) are featured in the film, and how are they portrayed?
In the film primarily features psychoactive drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and MDMA, which are portrayed
by showing both their immediate effects and long-term consequences. The film depicts the moments of
euphoria, disinhibition, and connection that the characters experience when using these substances, but
it also highlights the aftermath of dependence, isolation, and the physical and emotional deterioration that
drugs cause. Through its scenes, the film presents drug use not only as a temporary escape but as a
destructive cycle that ensnares the characters.
2. How do the characters' experiences reflect the symptoms of addiction?
The characters' experiences clearly reflect the typical symptoms of addiction, such as the constant
obsession with obtaining the substance, excessive use, and the inability to stop despite the negative
effects. As the plot unfolds, the characters show a deterioration in their personal relationships, work
problems, and increasing emotional numbness. The film captures the desperation, social isolation, and
internal struggle involved in trying to quit, but also the self-justification that comes with addiction.
QUESTIONS
3. Do they suffer from any mental health issues (other than addiction)?
Yes, several characters suffer from mental health issues beyond addiction. Some of them experience
anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The film highlights how drug use is often a way of
trying to cope with or escape from deeper emotional problems, but it also shows how addiction
exacerbates these conditions, creating a vicious cycle of suffering where the substance becomes a form
of self-medication. This emphasizes the interconnectedness between mental health and addiction, which
is a central theme of the narrative.
4. What message do you think it conveys about drug abuse?
The Substance conveys a cautionary message about the dangers of substance abuse and how it can
trigger a downward spiral in people's lives. The film shows not only the physical and social consequences
of drug use but also the emotional and psychological implications, suggesting that addiction is a form of
escapism that ultimately destroys the lives of those who fall into it. Through its characters, the film
illustrates that while drugs may offer temporary relief, continued use leads to a loss of control and
dehumanization.
