In the portrayal of drug use in films and television, there is often a disconnect between reality and fiction. Many movies depict exaggerated reactions, such as an individual taking a bong hit and immediately experiencing nonstop laughter, or someone using acid and becoming engulfed in psychedelic visuals reminiscent of album covers. These representations tend to skew a more fantastical view of drug experiences.

David Sedaris, in his book "Theft by Finding: Diaries," highlights a more relatable depiction of drug use in the series "Six Feet Under." When Claire and her friend take mushrooms, their experience is grounded in reality. Instead of wild hallucinations, they engage in a quieter, more introspective activity, using a sewing machine and dreaming about a past era, which resonates more authentically with the true nature of drug experiences.