10 Times Star Trek Depicted Addiction
8. Raffi's Struggle
Star Trek: Picard's Raffaela 'Raffi' Musiker had the long-running addiction arc that Tasha Yar deserved.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than one in 10 veterans who seek treatment through the U.S. Veterans' Administration, meet the criteria for a substance abuse disorder. Military personnel with multiple deployments, combat experience, and combat injuries are the most vulnerable to substance problems.
Raffi's problems began when Starfleet rejected her alternative plan for evacuating the Romulans from the Hobus Supernova after the destruction of Starfleet's rescue armada during the Mars attack. Picard resigned in protest and she feared dismissal.
Denied the resources to investigate her theory that Romulans were behind the Mars attack. Raffi descended into paranoia and addiction. She disobeyed orders and committed court-martial-worthy acts including hacking, stalking, and coming to work intoxicated.
When mandatory rehab failed, Raffi received a dishonorable discharge and moved to a small house at Vasquez Rocks. She became addicted to the paranoia-inducing snakeweed and alcohol.
She later reluctantly joined Picard in investigating the android Dahj Asha, traveling to the 21st century, and fighting the Borg.
When not actively aiding Picard, Raffi struggled to reconcile with her estranged family. According to Professor Susan Finley, those seeking reconciliation, should consider their motives, ensure their safety, and make sure they are prepared for rejection. Raffi rushed into contacting her son Gabriel and failed; Gabriel was still resentful towards her.
Although Raffi would eventually develop a relationship with Seven, be reinstated in Starfleet, and reconcile with her family, her story was starker than Star Trek's previous depictions of addiction.