The series that is built on substance abuse disorders is Breaking Bad. In order to pay for his treatment for cancer, Walter White, a chemistry professor, turns to producing and selling methamphetamine. Walter White collaborates with Jesse Pinkman, a former student with a history of drug abuse. Jesse helps Walter distribute the drugs because he already has an established drug network. In addition to distributing drugs, Jesse is addicted to methamphetamine, which is indicative of a stimulant use disorder. The most obvious signs of his substance abuse disorder are frequent tremors, psychological problems, such as heightened anxiety, interpersonal issues, precisely anger issues, and conflicts with others.
The number of people suffering from substance abuse disorders, especially methamphetamine use disorder, has risen in the United States. In 2020, approximately 0.6% of the population had a methamphetamine use disorder, which is about 1.5 million people (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2021). Substance abuse disorder is a recurring theme in movies and TV shows because it is a prevalent social problem.
As for Jesse, he meets the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for stimulant use disorder. He gradually increases his meth intake, attempts to control use, fails to fulfill obligations at work and school due to use, and experiences interpersonal problems. For example, his parents forced him to move due to his drug use. His meth addiction strains his relationship with everyone in his life. Jesse made numerous unsuccessful attempts to control his use, including joining Narcotics Anonymous. He also spent a lot of money to obtain meth and even squandered Walter’s money in this quest. He experienced psychological trauma due to his girlfriend dying after both of them abused meth and heroin. Additionally, Jesse displays abusive behavior, including withdrawal and tolerance, causing him to seek “pure” meth. It is evident that the character Jesse Pinkman battles severe substance abuse disorder.
However, while the character embodies the symptoms of a stimulant use disorder, there are missing symptoms, such as rotting teeth, acne, or constant itching. One course of treatment that could have been beneficial for Jesse is inpatient drug rehabilitation. This involves staying in a healthcare facility to receive services such as therapeutic and medical treatments. Inpatient rehabilitation would be effective because it would remove Jesse from the outside environment where he had easy access to drugs.
References
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.