The 2018 film, Beautiful Boy, directed by Felix van Groeningen- an adaptation of the memoirs by David and Nic Sheff, captures the brutal reality of substance use disorder (SUD), not just for those who live with it, but for the loved ones who endure its wake. With Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet delivering heart-wrenching performances, this film opens a window into the hidden lives of caregivers- those people who shoulder a quiet, unrelenting weight.
Nic’s addiction takes control over his father’s life along with his own. David’s love for Nic is unwavering, yet it becomes a source of immense pain as he watches his son drift in and out of addiction. The film captures the cyclic nature of hope and despair: the rush of relief felt by David on witnessing signs of Nic’s recovery, followed by the devastation he felt when Nic relapsed. This cycle of hope and despair breeds a type of grief that is uniquely ambiguous- mourning a version of a loved one who is now emotionally altered; a loss in which the person you love is physically present but transformed psychologically. Even if Nic is present at home and sober, David is haunted by the unbearable sense that the son he once knew is slipping through his fingers as he stands right before him. A study published in the Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology in 2024 also confirms this emotional toll- according to the study, 64% of caregivers of drug-dependent individuals experience significant psychological distress, most commonly depression. Anxiety, chronic stress, and a deep sense of helplessness often accompany the constant vigilance required in caregiving. The feeling that his son is slipping away creates a sense of helplessness in David, which would lead to distress amongst any caregiver.
Beyond the emotional turmoil, Nic's addiction also poses financial challenges in David's life- he pours almost all of his time and money into rehab facilities, therapy, and interventions. This disrupts his financial stability, his career, his personal relationships and overall, his life. As a parent and caregiver, David is faced with crushing guilt and constantly wonders if Nic’s addiction was his fault. Although addiction is a function of complex biological, psychological, and social factors, parents of addicts tend to blame themselves. Additionally, stigma towards the caregiver complicates the support they can offer. An observational study published in the Journal of Family Psychology in 2024 explored caregiver burden and stigma experienced by the parents of individuals (17-32 years old) with SUD. The impact of these experiences on their ability to access support and resources, both for themselves and their children, is of particular interest. Eventually, David comes to see that love on its own cannot heal Nic. In a difficult but essential adjustment, he finds ways to set limits to safeguard his own psyche - another accommodation many addicts' caregivers must make for their own survival.
Beautiful Boy accurately conveys the reality about addiction, reminding us that it injures entire families, and not individuals alone. The story told is deeply personal, but its relevance is universal. Across the world, caregivers of individuals with addiction endure similar trials. Their resilience, though often unnoticed, is immense. As public conversations about addiction grow more nuanced, they should also include those in the caregiving role. Recognition of caregivers is just the first step, which must be followed by action- through mental health resources, financial support, workplace accommodations, and community care. A paper published in the Archives of Psychiatric Nursing (2020) states interventions that promote self-care, confidence, maintaining relationships, and productive engagement can help caregivers cope with stress and prevent the deterioration of their well-being. Caregivers, too, deserve healing and films like Beautiful Boy help remind us that behind every person struggling with addiction is often someone silently bearing the weight of love, fear, and hope.
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Written by: Neeharika Tithe (ADT24SVSB0039) and Michelle Thosar (ADT23SVSB0055)
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