Gone Too Far

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Reality addiction show is both earnest and exploitative.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this series -- which follows Adam "DJ AM" Goldstein as he attempts to help drug addicts turn toward recovery -- is haunted by the reality of Goldstein's August 2009 death from a drug overdose. Because of that, the show sometimes seems a little exploitative, but it firmly underscores how long and difficult recovering from drug addiction really is. It also sends the message that people, despite their own battles with addiction, can successfully reach out and help others. Expect very graphic images of people smoking and injecting drugs, as well as some strong language (words like “s--t” and "f--k" are bleeped).

  • Despite its often-rough content, the series sends a clear anti-drug message. The recovery process is clearly portrayed as difficult and -- thanks to Goldstein’s death -- sometimes tragically unsuccessful. The show also highlights how important family and friends are when it comes to making difficult choices to assist addicts in the recovery process.
  • Goldstein consistently claims that while he can’t cure addiction, he can offer addicts a path toward recovery -- and he does. He's also non-judgmental when speaking to addicts and their families. Unfortunately, Goldstein's efforts in the show are overshadowed by his own fatal drug overdose in real life.
  • Addicts often talk about how they steal and engage in other inappropriate behavior in order to finance their habit. Some yell and argue when faced with going into rehab.
  • There's always the potential for discussions about inappropriate sexual activity, prostitution, and other behavior that can become part of a drug addict's lifestyle.
  • Words like “pissed” and “hell" are audible; those like “s--t” and “f--k” are bleeped.
  • Goldstein gives addicts Apple iPods and other gifts to help them deal a bit better with the recovery process.
  • Very graphic footage of drug use, ranging from swallowing and inhaling narcotics to injecting heroin with needles (bloody needle marks visible). One addict is shown shooting up while driving. Addicts are shown in pain and being given pills while medically detoxing. Alcohol consumption is also visible.

What's the story?

GONE TOO FAR follows Adam Goldstein -- aka DJ AM -- as he travels the country trying to help drug addicts whose lives have spiraled completely out of control. Goldstein, a recovering addict who filmed the series before dying from an accidental drug overdose in August 2009, collects video footage of the addicts’ behavior and talks to the family members who are being affected. He brings in addiction professionals, helps stage interventions, and offers the user the chance to get help. Goldstein also periodically checks in on the addicts' recovery process while they're in rehab. Throughout it all, he shares his own struggles with addiction.


Is it any good?

 

Unfortunately, since Gone Too Far is being aired after Goldstein’s fatal overdose, many of the earnest messages he offers about recovery and empowerment are overshadowed by his own inability to beat drug addiction. Goldstein’s reactions to the addicts’ behaviors now seem ironic, since the same behaviors are what ultimately killed him. The end-of-episode tributes offered by the people that Goldstein helped before he died also make the show seem more like an homage to him than an earnest attempt to highlight the successful stages of recovery.

But while you could argue that airing the series after Goldstein’s death is more exploitative than helpful, the show definitely succeeds at underscoring how addicts -- even after reaching a positive turning point in their recovery -- can still succumb to their addiction at any time. And it shows viewers how an addict, despite his or her own battles and failures, can still reach out to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Sadly, the series also serves as a tragic warning about what the end result of drug use can too frequently be.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about whether shows that focus on people’s struggles with addiction and recovery
    are really intended to help people. Or do you think it's more a voyeuristic kind of
    entertainment?

  • How do the circumstances of Goldstein’s death affect your opinion of the show? Do you think the series helps people learn more
    about addiction and recovery, or is it exploiting
    someone’s death for entertainment?

  • What’s the best way to talk to kids (and adults) about drugs and the dangers of addiction? Where can people who are struggling with addiction go for help in your community? Parents: Check out our advice on some of these topics.


This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Teen, 18 years old
November 8, 2009
 
Great show
I love this show! I think that teens should watch this show because it shows you what happens to drug users! Also I am very sad that DJ AM had to go because he was such a good guy!

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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-14
Network:MTV
Cast:Adam Goldstein
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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