Testing Limits: The Movie Limitless and Substance Use

You may know Bradley Cooper from The Hangover. In his new film, he’s overindulging in a different way, experimenting with an untested pharmaceutical called NZT. Pop this pill and you’ll turn on the 80 percent of your brain that some suspect is just sitting there unused in everyday life. With the help of this chemical substance, Cooper’s character becomes a super version of himself as his brain’s synapses begin firing on a completely new level. His previously pathetic life becomes a dream as he welcomes money, success and beautiful women.

The story sounds familiar to addiction experts. It’s how those who take drugs like cocaine report feeling initially after use. There’s an invincibility that comes with taking a stimulant – at least early on. Those experts, and the addicts they treat, know the feeling doesn’t last, though. Abusing illicit drugs, alcohol or even prescription meds eventually takes a toll on the body and the mind. In the case of this psychological thriller, Cooper’s character doesn’t suffer from physical symptoms as much as he does from bad guys who want to get their hands on this wonder drug.

Who can blame them? Wouldn't we all like to simply pop a pill and have a better life? It’s tempting -- but unfortunately it’s just not true. It’s a reality that good people caught up in addiction must face every day. They never expected to fall victim to substance abuse. They were just looking for a way out of their everyday life. They were experimenting or looking for relief from pain. For the fortunate ones, they find that in recovery.

Prescription Drug Addiction

If you or someone you love is battling an addiction to prescription painkillers, call La Paloma at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.