Poems about Addiction

‘Alcohol’ by Franz Wright is a moving poem that explores the complexities of addiction. It’s told from the perspective of alcohol, addressing someone who is addicted to the substance.

This poem is about addiction, specifically addiction to alcohol. The poem suggests that addiction is a powerful and destructive force and that it can cause immense pain and suffering in the lives of those who struggle with it. Wright's decision to imbue alcohol with a voice and persuasive arguments emphasises how difficult it is for people to overcome their addictions.

You do look a little ill.

But we can do something about that, now.

Can’t we.

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The Idea of Ancestry

by Etheridge Knight

‘The Idea of Ancestry’ by Etheridge Knight is concerned with family relationships and how important being with those you’re related to is.

Knight struggled with a drug addiction through part of his life, something that plays a large part in this poem. The poem's narrator acknowledges the fact their drug addiction drove them to steal. Knight thus demonstrates the ways in which addiction can consume a person's life, leading them to do things they would never otherwise have even considered.

Taped to the wall of my cell are 47 pictures: 47 black

faces: my father, mother, grandmothers (1 dead), grand-

fathers (both dead), brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts,

cousins (1st and 2nd), nieces, and nephews. They stare

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Canary

by Rita Dove

Rita Dove’s ‘Canary’ is a short poem that commemorates the life of Billie Holiday, an African American jazz singer.

The poem portrays drug addiction as a major issue in Holiday's life. It shows how her dependence on substances led to serious health problems and difficulties in her career. By focusing on this struggle, the poem reveals the damaging impact of addiction on her personal life and public image.

Billie Holiday’s burned voice

had as many shadows as lights,

a mournful candelabra against a sleek piano,

the gardenia her signature under that ruined face.

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Howl

by Allen Ginsberg

‘Howl’ is Allen Ginsberg’s best-known poem and is commonly considered his greatest work. It is an indictment of modern society and a celebration of anyone living outside it.

This poem contains references to drug use and addiction, reflecting the counterculture of the Beat Generation. Ginsberg also explores the spiritual and transformative potential of psychedelic drugs.

I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked,

dragging themselves through the negro streets at dawn looking for an angry fix,

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Translating the English, 1989

by Carol Ann Duffy

‘Translating the English, 1989’ is a bold and satirical poem that unpacks how English identity is marketed through clichés, contradictions, and surface-level pride, revealing the deeper problems hidden underneath.

Mentions of crack, smack, and heavy drinking come up without emotion, like they are just part of everyday life. That flat tone makes them feel even more serious. Duffy is not making a big scene—she is showing how addiction becomes just another thing people live with, especially in a society that avoids facing pain. It feels like a quiet cry for attention, hidden in a list of distractions. It is part of the story no one wants to admit.

Welcome to my country! We have here Edwina Currie

and The Sun newspaper. Much excitement.

Also the weather has been most improving

even in February. Daffodils. (Wordsworth. Up North.) If you like

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Dear John, Dear Coltrane

by Michael S. Harper

‘Dear John, Dear Coltrane’ by Michael S. Harper describes musician John Coltrane’s life and alludes to the ways in which it influenced the poet’s work.

The poem discusses Coltrane's battle with drug addiction. It shows the impact of addiction on his life and career. This topic is important as it highlights his recovery and resilience. Addiction is portrayed as a major challenge he overcame.

Sex fingers toes

in the marketplace

near your father's church

in Hamlet, North Carolina—

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Wanting to Die

by Anne Sexton

‘Wanting to Die’ by Anne Sexton is a poem about the poet’s desire to take her own life. It was written close to ten years before she committed suicide.

There are moments in the poem that suggest the speaker has used pills to cope with her thoughts. Sexton refers to resting without movement and letting go of her body. This hints at substance use, especially in the way it dulls awareness. The speaker seems familiar with how to stop feeling, which may come from using medication to sleep or escape. This is not the main focus of the poem, but it appears briefly as a part of her experience.

Since you ask, most days I cannot remember.

I walk in my clothing, unmarked by that voyage.

Then the almost unnameable lust returns.

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Money Talks

by Carol Ann Duffy

Carol Ann Duffy’s ‘Money Talks’ gives money a bold and unapologetic voice, revealing how deeply it shapes people’s lives, decisions, and beliefs.

Money in this poem feels like something people are addicted to. It speaks with charm, but also with danger. People know it can bring problems, yet they keep wanting it anyway. It offers rewards but never fully satisfies, and that’s what keeps people stuck. The poem makes money feel like a habit that’s hard to break—something that controls people without them noticing until it is too late. It becomes part of life, even when it hurts.

I am the authentic language of suffering. My cold, gold eye

does not blink. Mister, you want nice time? No problem.

I say, Screw You. I buy and sell the world. I got

Midas touch, turn bread to hard cash. My million tills

#10

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Mrs Faust

by Carol Ann Duffy

The legend of Faust is retold from the perspective of his wife, who helplessly watches as her husband descends into sin and greed after making a deal with a demon for power.

In this poem, Carol Ann Duffy explores Faust's addiction to wealth and power. Even after he gains everything, it is still not enough for him. His endless pursuit of power demonstrates his addiction to it.

I grew to love lifestyle,

not the life.

He grew to love the kudos,

not the wife.

#11

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1968

by Frederick Seidel

‘1968’ describes the aftermath of a raucous Hollywood party. Seidel works into this context a broader critique of sociopolitical realities.

Drugs are everywhere in this poem. They make their appearance in the very first stanza, with the "absolutely stoned" foot punting the football. At the same time, however, they are felt to be almost incidental to what we might take the poem’s argument to be. They are certainly not denounced – but then nothing else is either. Rather, they are an essential but nevertheless minor element of the picture

A football spirals through the oyster glow

Of dawn dope and fog in L.A.’s

Bel Air, punted perfectly. The foot

That punted it is absolutely stoned.

#12

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I Was Sitting in McSorley’s

by E.E. Cummings

‘I Was Sitting in McSorley’s’ is a prose poem in which Cummings describes his experiences sitting inside one of his favorite watering holes, contrasting the world outside with the world within.

The description of the poet's drink as something that never lets a man grow old could hint at the idea of addiction, although the poet never explicitly says this, and the idea of alcoholism is not discussed in depth. The reader could see it as implied, but it is down to personal interpretation.

i was sitting in mcsorley's. outside it was New York and beautifully snowing.

Inside snug and evil. the slobbering walls filthily push witless
creases of screaming warmth chuck pillows are noise funnily swallows

#13

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Nationality: American

Themes: Death, Disappointment, Identity, Religion

Emotions: Anger, Confusion, Grief, Pain

Topics:

Addiction

Youth

Form: Slam Poem

Genres: Elegy, Humor

"> 26/100

Cynthia

by Undefined Poet

‘Cynthia’ is a humorous example of slam poetry from the comedy movie ’22 Jump Street.’ It is performed by Jonah Hill’s character, Morton Schmidt, on stage.

While Cynthia's death by an overdose is very serious, the poem does not treat it as such as the scene is very much played for comedy. It should also be noted that dying from a drug overdose does not necessarily mean Cynthia had an addiction.

Yelling – Angry!

Waving my hands a lot

Specific point of view on things

13 Must-Read Addiction Poems

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13 Must-Read Addiction Poems

by Maya Angelou

by Franz Wright

by Etheridge Knight

by Rita Dove

by Allen Ginsberg

by Carol Ann Duffy

by Michael S. Harper

by Anne Sexton

by Carol Ann Duffy

by Carol Ann Duffy

by Frederick Seidel

by E.E. Cummings

by Undefined Poet

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