Watch this powerful animated video show the tragic reality of addiction
A little understanding goes a long way.
Powerful animation about addiction.
Nearly everyone is touched by addiction in some way. It could be someone you know, someone you work with or yourself. Most people have been exposed to addiction at some level, but understanding how it occurs and then takes hold can be tough. This short animation titled "Nuggets" by Andreas Hykade dives directly into what addiction feels like for the addict, all without saying a word.
The animation is of a kiwi, a bird that has almost nonexistent wings, wandering around before coming to a gold bubble of liquid on the ground. The curious bird takes a drink of the liquid before the once flightless bird takes off into the air. The symbolism of the bird missing its wings is powerful as it allows the creator to show the contrast of flight. But it doesn’t take long before the flights don’t last as long as they did the first time and the world isn’t so bright anymore. This video is very effective as a means for others to understand the addiction cycle and possibly evoke empathy for people who are in the middle of an active addiction.
Addiction is pervasive and causes trauma for everyone involved in the person’s life, including the person themselves. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, in 2015, 4% of Americans met the criteria for drug use disorder in the past year and 10% had had a drug use disorder at some point in their lives. A cartoon like "Nuggets" can really do wonders for understanding addiction.
This powerful short film was originally created in 2014 and is now being revived by shares on TikTok. Hopefully Hykade will do a follow-up animation to depict recovery. So many experiences can be empathized with through film and seeing this animation is a wonderful example of that.