Drug Use in The Modeling Industry

Abstract

Models’ lives may appear perfect—top fashion, after-parties, celebrity encounters, photoshoots, and designer brands are all things that come to mind when we think of the model lifestyle. But did you know that more than half of the individuals working in the fashion and modeling industry report using illicit drugs? In a period when drug usage is becoming increasingly prevalent among young women, the three main contributors to this are peer pressure, mental health challenges, and the use of drugs as a coping mechanism. These pressures, along with unique risk factors such as the need for the perfect figure, staying energized, standing out in a competitive field, and the “party culture,” can make models more prone to substance use. Some ways to help reduce drug use in the modeling industry include agency responsibility, accessible therapy, and drug testing.

Introduction

We see models everywhere: in magazines, billboards, commercials, and runway shows. Top-performing models’ lives can often appear perfect from an outside perspective with access to top fashion brands and items, extravagant after-parties, celebrity encounters, photoshoots, and global fame. However, behind the glamor lies a darker reality that is rarely discussed: the frequent drug use in the modeling industry. While drug use is a large-scale societal problem that can affect anyone regardless of their background, gender, occupation, or status, there are specific risk factors unique to models that increase their chances of substance abuse.

For young females specifically, the three main contributors to drug use are peer pressure, mental health, and use as a coping mechanism. A study conducted by research organization Nemours Kids Health found that peer pressure is one of the largest contributors to drug use among young people and teenagers. A study found that peer pressure caused 21% of teens to use drugs at least once (Thomas, 2023). Young adults are extremely likely to get peer pressured into drug use because of how hard it is for teenagers to say no and dread feeling left out of a certain social group.

Many young women may resort to drugs as a way of coping with things like anxiety, stress, and depression. These substances can provide temporary relief to these negatively perceived feelings and may feel like the only available escape. Drugs are also seen as ways to help adjust to new environments and situations when under stress, by providing a rare opportunity to relax.

In a clinical setting, drugs are prescribed to regulate mood by stabilizing dopamine and serotonin levels, leading to a temporary increase in a person’s mood. These pharmaceuticals can alter the way a person looks at themselves and the world around them, improving self-esteem and increasing their reported happiness. However, when used without appropriate recommendation from a professional, these drugs can be overused and create an unhealthy dependency.

Many young women start their substance abuse with the phrase-“I’ll try it once”, which is proven to be very unconvincing as the curiosity of trying something new often leads to a lifelong battle with addiction. According to a three-year longitudinal study, researchers recorded that among 12–15-year-olds, those who reported any tobacco curiosity at the baseline survey were most likely to later engage in use, which suggests curiosity may be one of the earliest markers of risk for later substance initiation (Khajeh Value, Zavar, Alidoust, & Pourandi (2013).

There is also a strong link between stress and substance abuse. Some people who work highly stressful jobs rely on drugs as a way of coping and escaping from the stress the jobs create for them. Research from OSHA reports that 83% of U.S. workers suffer from work-related stress and 54% say that work stress affects their home life. This is just for Americans in the workforce, but those who work in the modeling industry often experience much higher levels of work-related stress (Spooner & Hetherington, 2005).

Some of the most common contributors to work-related stress include limited control over one’s working schedule, fatigue, and longevity. Many of these factors are extremely present in the modeling industry. Models often do not understand what their upcoming work days may look like until they are living it, as jobs and shoots often get scheduled last minute. These jobs are often in close time frames with one another which leads to high levels of fatigue, and work weeks often include over 40 hours of diverse tasks.

Stress at work can lead to health-related issues that include anxiety, depression, and poor decision-making that leads to riskier behavior, such as substance abuse. Job industries prone to high stress levels such as the modeling industry are also subject to drug abuse. A survey from the American Addiction Center tells us that an average of 8.6% of workers across all occupations used drugs in the previous month because of work-related stress (Stein, 2019).

Industries with the highest levels of illicit drug use in the month prior to the survey were: Accommodation and food service (19.1%), Arts, entertainment, and recreation (13.7%), and Management (12.1%). With entertainment careers such as modeling, there is a high proportion of workers that turn to drug use in comparison to other industries (Free by the Sea, 2022).

As we saw in the previous point, there are many risk factors and contributors for young women that make them prone to drug use. Among all the other jobs and occupations, modeling seems to stand out in risk factors compared to those of different occupations.

More than half of individuals working in the fashion and model industry (54%) reported the use of illicit drugs. Illicit drugs are those not prescribed by a professional and taken and obtained illegally- and/or alcohol abuse at least once in their lives (Spooner & Hetherington, 2005). This rate is significantly higher than that reported by other industries, confirming that models represent a high-risk group for substance abuse disorders.

Drug use among fashion models is sometimes seen as a way to handle the stress and pressure of their jobs. In an industry where looks matter a lot, models might feel the need to stay thin and always fit into the expectations of society’s “perfect woman”. Some models turn to drugs like cocaine or amphetamines to help them stay thin and have more energy. Drugs can also provide them with a temporary sense of relief when they’re stressed, anxious about their appearance, or competing with other models.

Models have a very tight schedule which means that they have the constant need to be very energized without getting lots of rest. Lots of layovers and time changes when traveling, the need to stand out and look fresh at castings, and the need for energy in a very competitive field, are all reasons that models may take drugs as a coping mechanism.

A normal workday during events like New York Fashion Week frequently exceeds twelve hours. Models and stylists are expected to be at their best despite exhaustion and sleep deprivation. Stimulant drugs like cocaine can help cope with stress and fatigue, pull all-nighters, and be outstanding on a catwalk or in a studio for as long as it is required.

Another huge reason models may take drugs is to maintain their body weight or lose weight. In this profession, you must look a certain way to get jobs, and due to modeling being a very competitive field young women are willing to go to desperate measures to get the “perfect model figure.” Because of this, some models started using cocaine as not only a “stress reliever” but also a way to alter the body’s metabolism in a way that keeps a person skinny regardless of what they eat. Another stimulant, Noradrenaline also decreases your appetite and along with dopamine, breaks down stored fat, called lipolysis. When lipolysis occurs faster than usual, a person loses fat mass.

Appetite Suppressants, such as phentermine, diethylpropion, and liraglutide, work by making you feel less hungry and reducing your calorie intake. Stimulants, like amphetamines or methylphenidate, can increase metabolism and energy expenditure, thus leading to weight loss. Thyroid Hormones, such as levothyroxine, are known to increase metabolic rate. Fat Absorption Inhibitors, exemplified by drugs like orlistat, function by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats.

However, research done by drug rehabilitation centers across the U.S. shows that the most common drugs in the fashion industry are cocaine and heroin, two highly dangerous and illegal drugs (12 Keys Rehab, 2016).

“Packs of cigarettes, daily colonics, laxatives, Phentermine diet pills, Adderall, prescription drugs that suppress the appetite… I’ve heard stories that some modeling agents encourage girls to do speed and cocaine to speed up their metabolism and eat less. And all kinds of injections are becoming more and more popular, from HCG injections that go with a 500-calorie diet plan to T3 thyroid injections that healthy models inject in an attempt to speed up their thyroid function, which results in a faster metabolism,” top fashion model Kira Dikhtyar quoted in an interview to Fox News in 2012.

Another specific risk factor unique to the modeling industry includes the idea of a “party culture.”

Party culture is defined as the “ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society,” according to the Oxford English Dictionary. Party culture follows this definition, except it would involve the social group of people who attend parties.

The party culture in the fashion industry can often influence fashion models to use drugs. In an environment where social events and gatherings are common and an easy way to boost social profile and find jobs, models may feel pressure to participate in late-night parties and after-show celebrations, occasions that are often fueled by alcohol and drugs, creating an atmosphere where substance use may seem normalized or even expected. The desire to fit in with peers and industry insiders, as well as the expectations of living up to the glamorous lifestyle associated with the fashion world, can contribute to models’ experimentation with drugs- experimentation that can lead to substance abuse.

Runway shows also often have a VIP area where models can go before, after, or during their show. These areas often have free drinks to help calm the models, which can lead to a reliance on drinks or other substances for stress release.

To contribute to the topic, I gathered data on drug use in the modeling industry by conducting an anonymous survey that questioned 55 female fashion models from 18-25 years old. The survey included questions about experiences with drug offers, pressures, and personal drug use resulting from the industry. The survey revealed that approximately 32% of models reported having been offered or pressured to use illicit drugs during their careers, and approximately 10% admitted to using illicit drugs at least once because of the industry.

A large part of this fight against substance abuse includes agency responsibility. A big way agencies can reduce the numbers of drug use is by drug testing their models- out of fear of losing jobs, models will be discouraged against drug usage. In a 2000 study by the National Institutes of Health, researchers discovered that the presence of drug testing and zero tolerance policies in the workplace significantly reduce the usage of substances in workers, as workers whose employers drug test were 0.57 times as likely to use marijuana in the past month than workers whose employers did not (NIH, 2000).

Another way agencies can help is by sending their models to therapy before the addiction even starts. This way, models would have the support of a therapist who teaches them what to do in certain situations and how to say no to pressure and possible desires to encourage a healthier lifestyle against stress. The National Institutes of Health also found in 2001 that interventions for work-related stress such as therapy have many benefits, including higher mood and lower levels of anxiety, which can help combat the demand for coping mechanisms such as illicit drug use (NIH, 2001).

While fashion models are in charge of their own decisions about drugs, they should know about available help and possible downfalls. They can be provided with a clear understanding of the risks and given the support to make choices that keep them healthy. If a young girl dreams of becoming a model due to the glamor and glory that is portrayed through the media, she should also be educated about the risks she is getting herself involved in. It is unlikely that her aspirations include unhealthy coping mechanisms. Models should understand that turning to drugs can also cause problems like addiction that may ultimately hurt their careers. They should be encouraged to prioritize their health over fitting in with what others are doing. Models can rewrite history and change society’s idea of the “Perfect American Model” from beauty standards to role models by showing they value staying healthy and making smart decisions. Fashion agencies and others in the industry should support models in staying safe and getting help if they need it, and it is also important for models to take control of their health and say no to things that could harm them to take back the modeling industry for the exciting environment it appears to be.

References

Abuse, N. I. on D. (n.d.). Increased drug availability is associated with increased use and overdose | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Nida.nih.gov. Retrieved March 27, 2024, from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-opioids-heroin/increased-d rug-availability-associated-increased-use-overdose#:~:text=NIDA.-

Amaro, H., Sanchez, M., Bautista, T., & Cox, R. (2021). Social vulnerabilities for substance use: Stressors, socially toxic environments, and discrimination and racism. Neuropharmacology, 188(188), 108518. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108518

Bogár, N., Dukay‐Szabó, S., Simon, D., Túry, F., & Pászthy, B. (2022). Frequency of disordered eating habits among fashion models. European Eating Disorders Review, 30(6). https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.2912

Canavan ’26, M. (2022). Call It What It Is: The Truth Behind the Modeling Industry. The Advocate. https://theacademyadvocate.com/13717/opinion/call-it-what-it-is-the-truth-behind-the-mo deling-industry/

Carpenter, C. S. (2007). Workplace Drug Testing and Worker Drug Use. Health Services Research, 42(2), 795–810. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-6773.2006.00632.x
Drug Addiction in the Fashion Industry – 12 Keys Rehab. (2016, May 3). JourneyPure 12 Keys. https://www.12keysrehab.com/drug-addiction-in-the-fashion-industry/

Fixsen, A., Kossewska, M., & Bardey, A. (2022). I’m Skinny, I’m Worth More: Fashion Models’ Experiences of Aesthetic Labor and Its Impact on Body Image and Eating Behaviors. Qualitative Health Research, 33(1-2), 81–91. https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323221141629

High on the Runway: Drug Abuse in the Fashion Industry. (n.d.). Destinationhope.com. https://destinationhope.com/high-on-the-runway-drug-abuse-in-the-fashion-industry/
Ji, C. (2023, February 4). Heroin Chic and the Price of Beauty. Students, Faculty & Staff. https://m.georgetown.edu/welcome/student_news/detail?feed=student_news_1&id=04b0 d0c8-e01f-59b5-9665-95ee7f634601

Keyzers, A., Lee, S.-K., & Dworkin, J. (2020). Peer Pressure and Substance Use in Emerging Adulthood: A Latent Profile Analysis. Substance Use & Misuse, 55(10), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2020.1759642

Khajeh Value, M., Zavar, A., Alidoust, M., & Pourandi, R. (2013). The Relation of Self-Esteem and Illegal Drug Usage in High School Students. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 15(11). https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.7682

Lipari, R., & Van Horn, S. (2017, August 24). Children Living with Parents Who Have a Substance Use Disorder. Samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_3223/ShortReport-3223.html

Poulsen, T. (n.d.). The Dark Side of Our Fashion Industry: Drug Abuse. Anne of Carversville. https://anneofcarversville.com/style-photos/2019/2/7/the-dark-side-of-fashion-industry-is -drug-abuse

Santonastaso, P., Mondini, S., & Favaro, A. (2002). Are Fashion Models a Group at Risk for Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse? Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 71(3), 168–172. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48510101#:~:text=More%20than%20half%20of%20the

Sea, F. by the. (2022, January 26). Job-Related Stress and Addiction | Free by the Sea | Washington State. Free by the Sea. https://freebythesea.com/job-related-stress-and-addiction-how-work-burnout-can-lead-to- substance-abuse/

Spooner, C., & Hetherington, K. (2005). SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF DRUG USE. https://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/ndarc/resources/TR.228.pdf
Stein, S., August 21, Msnl. U., & 2019. (n.d.). Occupations Linked to Drug and Alcohol Abuse. American Addiction Centers. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/occupational-stress-influences

The benefits of interventions for work-related stress. (2001). American Journal of Public Health, 91(2), 270–276. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.91.2.270

Thomas, A. (2023). Peer Pressure with Substance Use. https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/23.06.29_Getting-Candi d-Peer-Pressure-with-Substance-Use-Blog-2.pdf

Wade, N. E., Palmer, C. E., Gonzalez, M. R., Wallace, A. L., Infante, M. A., Tapert, S. F., Jacobus, J., & Bagot, K. S. (2021). Risk factors associated with curiosity about alcohol use in the ABCD cohort. Alcohol, 92, 11–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.alcohol.2021.01.002

Why Are Some People More Prone to Addiction? (2018, July 3). Priory. https://www.lifeworkscommunity.com/blog/why-are-some-people-more-prone-to-addicti on#:~:text=Children%20of%20

---