The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, or D.A.R.E., released a statement this week accusing the HBO Max series Euphoria of glamorizing drug use, sex and violence among teenagers.

"Rather than further each parent's desire to keep their children safe from the potentially horrific consequences of drug abuse and other high-risk behavior, HBO's television drama, Euphoria, chooses to misguidedly glorify and erroneously depict high school student drug use, addiction, anonymous sex, violence, and other destructive behaviors as common and widespread in today's world," the organization said in a statement shared by NBC News.

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The statement continued, "It is unfortunate that HBO, social media, television program reviewers, and paid advertising have chosen to refer to the show as 'groundbreaking,' rather than recognizing the potential negative consequences on school-age children who today face unparalleled risks and mental health challenges."

Established in 1983 as a joint initiative of then-LAPD chief Daryl Gates and the Los Angeles Unified School District, the D.A.R.E. drug abuse prevention education program was conducted by uniformed police officers who visited classrooms and advocated for a zero-tolerance policy on drugs.

Euphoria is based on the Israeli series of the same name and stars Zendaya as Rue Bennett, a high school student struggling with addiction while also trying to navigate romantic relationships, friendships and tumultuous family dynamics at home. The series also stars Sydney Sweeney, Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow, and Barbie Ferreira.

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In addition to being rated mature on HBO Max, each episode of Euphoria begins with a disclaimer about mental health and a phone number for the National Alliance of Mental Health.

Zendaya also warned viewers the series may include triggering situations ahead of the Season 2 premiere in early January, writing on Instagram, "I know I've said this before, but I do want to reiterate to everyone that Euphoria is for mature audiences. This season, maybe even more so than the last, is deeply emotional and deals with subject matter that can be triggering and difficult to watch." The actor shared a similar sentiment ahead of the Season 1 premiere in 2019.

Released on Jan. 9, Euphoria's Season 2 premiere centered on the backstory of Rue's drug-dealing friend Fez (Angus Cloud), who was raised by his drug-dealing grandmother and who witnessed said grandmother shoot his abusive father dead as a kid. The episode also featured a realistic depiction of recreational drug use at a high school party, as well as a bloody brawl between present-day Fez and school villain Nate Jacobs (Elordi).

Season 1 of Euphoria is streaming now on HBO Max, with new Season 2 episodes releasing every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET.

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Source: NBC News