It occurs to me after recently re-viewing Coppola's "Bram Stoker's DRACULA" and then rereading the novel, that an interesting argument might be made for considering vampire legends as metaphor for alcoholism. Is there reason in or history to this thought, or is this just the result of  something like Ebenezer Scrooge's "bit of undigested beef or a blot of mustard" explanation of the ghost of Jacob Marley in the Dickens's classic "A Christmas Carol" ?

The idea of reading more into Stoker's classic tale of demons, lust, and the eternal battle between the forces of good and evil is far from original. However, most previous attempts to read between the lines of this tome have suggested that there was something more akin to libidinal urges and Victorian mores afoot than a consideration of the etiology of addiction and alcoholism in this gothic tale.
Let's consider the "Dracula legend" with an eye towards the characteristics of alcoholism. First, DRACULA is often portrayed as a seductive, virile, and powerful purveyor of eternal 'life.'  We are introduced to a dashing, sophisticated and almost regal individual, who is wealthy and powerful and in many respects, the envy of those who are introduced to him.  This is not all that different from the description of alcohol provided in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, where the drug is referred to as "cunning, baffling, and powerful."

Dracula's powers are witnessed in a number of different ways. Whether as devotees of comics or student's of Native American myth would call him, a shape-shifter, or in his ability to command the loyalty of those under his spell, we are introduced to an entity that possesses control over those it encounters. "It" promises to change the life of all that consume it, and its attractiveness results from its appearance in many forms. Hmmm...sounds like alcohol or other drugs doesn't it?

Like the alcoholic individual is drawn to drink, the heroine of the novel is attracted to DRACULA. She is unable to ignore/withstand his power, a power already demonstrated in having drawn Miss Lucy, Mina's closest friend, to the dark side of the force...but that is another film and another essay.

Knowing that the Count represents a threat, Mina still wishes to be with him 'always' and forsakes the exhortations of family and friends who warn her to beware. She is so enamored of his powers and charm that she cannot - or will not - heed the warnings of those closest to her. We see DRACULA as and entity requiring one's life-blood in order to survive in true parasitic fashion.
How often have we told our alcohol dependent clients that drinking is draining them of their humanity, robbing them of their self-respect, health, and all that is held dear. We are reminded of the Chinese proverb that say, "first the man takes the drink, then the drink takes the drink, then the drink takes the man," as we watch Nosferatu slowly convert the mortal into his minion.

DRACULA 'controls' souls, he promises eternal life, but delivers eternal death. He is seductive and sensuous, yet is totally self-absorbed. We can equate the lack of reflection in the mirror with alcohol's empty promise of seeing the true self while those who witness his presence in front of the looking glass see nothing. More literally, the 'blackout' that often heralds the onset of alcoholism? The stake in the heart or severing of the vampire's head but a metaphor for the necessity of total abstinence from alcohol...

The parallel can be continued adnauseam but my point is to question whether this legend and popular movie can play a role in the treatment of alcohol or other substance? Does it offer a vehicle that may enable clients to understand their dependence, to "see" it? Is it possible that DRACULA is to alcohol and Bram Stoker what Mr. Hyde was to drugs and Robert L. Stevenson - Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde being another wonderful metaphor for addiction?

If we look beyond the 'literal' plot of some of these gothic horror tales, can we find metaphor that has use in our understanding/treatment of addiction? More importantly, can these examples from the popular culture provide the professional counselor with a vehicle by which we can invite our clients to consider addictive disorders and their possible need for treatment?

Film is a power vehicle for capturing client interest, illustrating points made in therapy, and presenting a type of Bandurian "vicarious learning" experience. Enjoy this web site and the tools it represents as regards counseling, therapy, and the popular culture.

Robert J. Chapman, Ph.D.
Associate Faculty, Clinical-Counseling Psychology
La Salle University
 

 To access the entire text on-line Bram Stoker's Dracula

To read more essays by Dr. Chapman, click HERE