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This frightening portrayal of the
horrors of drug and alcohol abuse shows children and young adults yielding to the almost
irresistible lure of drugs—and suffering the miserable consequences. Addict is an eye-opener
for those who have not been exposed to drugs and hopefully an eye-opener to those who have. The
young person's view of "it can't happen to me" becomes less clear after experiencing this
convincingly powerful drama. Most anti-drug plays turn off the very people that need the message;
ADDICT doesn't. Addict and Juvie, both by Jerome
McDonough, are among the most produced plays in the United States. McDonough gives explicit
instructions on allowable cutting of the script to maintain the full force of the horror created
and not defeat the purpose of the play. He also urges updating all street terms to keep the show
from becoming an "old fashioned" comedy.One act, simple set with 2 benches, modern clothes.
The play opens "No one needs to suffer alone. No living person is beyond help.—and now, Addict."
"This play is neither self-consciously 'preachy' nor offensively didactic. It presents
the facts and they speak for themselves."—AATY Distinguished Play Award judge's
report. "CRC has searched for a vehicle that would reach adolescents on their level and
help give them resistance skills... ADDICT is that vehicle."—Announcement of 5-state
tour by the Children's Repertory Co., Newtown Square, Pa. "A powerful message about the
effects of drug addiciton."—Plano, Texas, Police Dept. "Our company's purpose
is to provide the Chicago area schools with assembly programs on substance abuse...I would like
to implement this script in our repertories."—Great Expectations, Park Ridge, Ill.
"We performed Addict...a joint junior high, senior high production...my kids were so
incredibly touched by the play, as were their peers, parents, teachers, and administrators...we
hope to take it on the road next year."—Patty Miller, Sterling, Texas, H.S.
Other McDonough Young Adult plays: Alky, Blues,
Carriers, Dolls, 'Hoods,
Splits, Turners, Users
See also: Awareness Plays for Young Adults
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