‘Days Of Wine And Roses’ Depicts The Rapture And Ravage Of Alcoholism

[Spoiler alert for the film, Days of Wine and Roses]

Recently, the entertainment industry lost notable figures such as wrestling champion Hulk Hogan and Black Sabbath legend Ozzy Osbourne. While alcohol addiction did not directly cause their deaths, both individuals were vocal about their struggles and successes in overcoming this addiction. The portrayal of alcoholism in films is not new, with many movies depicting the effects of alcohol with varying degrees of accuracy and sensationalism.

I watched Days of Wine and Roses at New York City’s Film Forum as part of a tribute to Jack Lemmon. This 1962 Oscar-winning film starring Lemmon and Lee Remick portrays the destructive impact of alcohol on a newlywed couple in a gripping and heartbreaking manner.

Alcoholism has been a recurring theme in Hollywood, as seen in films like Leaving Las Vegas, Clean and Sober, Crazy Heart, and When a Man Loves a Woman, among others. The damaging effects of alcohol are not just limited to movies but also affect the lives of many celebrities, highlighting the real-world impact of addiction.

In recent years, alcohol-related deaths, particularly from cancer, have doubled in the United States, disproportionately affecting men and individuals over 55. Excessive drinking is a leading preventable cause of death, claiming 178,000 lives annually.

Starts Off Innocently Enough

Alcohol consumption often begins innocently, as portrayed in Days of Wine and Roses. Characters like Joe Clay and Kirsten Arnesen initially view drinking as a social activity, but soon realize its destructive nature. The film highlights the gradual descent into alcoholism and the challenges of recognizing and addressing the problem.

Recognizing the issue and seeking help are crucial steps in overcoming alcohol addiction. While Clay acknowledges his problem and takes steps to change, Kirsten struggles to accept her addiction, a common barrier in seeking treatment due to stigma and misconceptions.

Women And Alcoholism

Women, like Kirsten in the film, often face unique challenges in acknowledging and addressing their alcohol use. The rise in alcohol consumption among women, particularly during the pandemic, has led to increased health risks and negative consequences. Recognizing the impact of alcohol on women’s health is crucial for addressing this growing issue.

Women who engage in heavy drinking are at a higher risk of developing alcohol-related liver damage (hepatitis and cirrhosis) and heart disease compared to men who consume the same amount of alcohol. Research indicates that alcohol misuse can lead to faster brain damage in women than in men. For instance, a study revealed that teenage girls who binge-drink exhibit reduced brain activity and perform poorly on memory tests compared to their peers who consume less or abstain from alcohol. Teenage boys, on the other hand, did not show similar brain impairments.

Despite the severe health implications, women are less inclined to seek treatment for alcohol addiction compared to men. However, there are options available for those in need of help. Various evidence-based treatments for alcohol addiction exist, including FDA-approved medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram, and topiramate. Additionally, behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, coupled with peer support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, can be beneficial in aiding recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD).

It’s important to acknowledge the positive trend of younger adults drinking less alcohol, with Gen Z and Millennials showing a decline in alcohol consumption. Treatment strategies are expanding, with the advent of telehealth appointments making it more convenient for individuals to seek help for their drinking habits. Emerging treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists and psychedelics are also showing promise in reducing alcohol consumption, but further research is needed in this area.

While the movie “Days of Wine and Roses” portrayed some inaccuracies about alcohol addiction, it emphasized the challenging nature of the disease. It highlighted the importance of recognizing the problem and seeking help, as exemplified by some characters like Clay, while also acknowledging the difficulty faced by those who may not be ready for treatment, such as Kirsten.