Bad Beats: Music and Substance References

Pop culture is full of references to dangerous substances, and typically, songs and movies glamorize the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other dangerous drugs. Music can prove especially problematic, as artists from the 1930s to today have made plenty of references to drugs and alcohol in their songs—though typically ignoring the potentially devastating side effects of substance abuse. And despite the fact that many individuals have had to enroll in alcohol treatment centers to overcome their addiction, it seems that these references are unlikely to go away anytime soon. Here’s a look at just how pervasive these references can be.