Stories in this Issue:
HBO's Addiction Documentary Premieres in Raleigh
Thousands at Easter Egg Festival Hear Drug-Free Message
TeenFest 2K7 Draws National Support
by Dr. Jennifer Rounds-Bryant and Danisa Baker
RALEIGH (March 12, 2007) –Substance abuse coalitions got a first-hand glimpse of reality television as HBO selected Raleigh as one of its few nationwide locations at which to premier a new 14 part documentary called Addiction.
The Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts played host to HBO partnered with The Alcohol/Drug Council of North Carolina (ADCNC), the NC Department of Health and Human Services (Substance Abuse Section), Partnership for a Drug-Free NC (PDFNC), Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), and the NC CADCA affiliate Families in Action to host the invitation-only premiere event.
Prominent figures in North Carolina and in substance abuse studded the audience of more than 600 substance treatment and prevention professionals, HIV and mental health professionals, consumers, and state officials. Among them was First Lady of North Carolina Mary Easley and the CEO of CADCA, General Arthur Dean. Mrs. Easley provided the keynote speech for the event prior to the viewing of Addiction, focusing on the issue of underage drinking.
A reception, which included exhibits from over 30 organizations with substance abuse related programs from across the state, followed the screening. While browsing through table top displays and pamphlets, North Carolina’s substance abuse professionals had time to reflect on the documentary feature.
“Before the film, CADCA’s General Arthur Dean spoke with a couple who brought their 24-year-old addicted daughter to the event,” said Pat Conner of HBO. “After the film, the daughter said she was ready to submit to treatment. It was really a powerful affirmation for this series. We truly believe that the series and the fabulous leadership of organizations such as ADCNC will save lives.”
Film-goers admitted admiration for the event and its ability to stimulate discussions about addiction as a disease. Organizers say using continued viewings and conversations throughout North Carolina communities, they hope to reach their goal of reducing the stigma of addiction.
Conner said, “We were deeply gratified with the attendance, the eloquent remarks of Mrs. Easley and the overall response to the evening. [ADCNC] did a magnificent job on local coordination…It’s always an indicator that an event was successful when the guests linger long after the event, and that’s exactly what they did.”
Several similar viewings of the documentary have been scheduled in local communities represented at the premiere event. ADCNC is taking the lead in encouraging these events and making sure that they are published on AddictionAction.org.
In response to hosting a local community viewing Angela Childers of McLeod Addictive Disease Center in Boone, NC expressed, “I am interested in being involved and getting my community involved in addiction awareness.”
ADCNC is sponsoring weekly viewings of the 13 additional documentaries. In addition it is offering to facilitate viewings held elsewhere. ADCNC’s plan is to base the agency’s educational programming around the documentaries. ADCNC also offers information and referrals for those seeking help finding treatment (1-800-688-4232), statistical/research information for professionals and trainings.
For more information about planning a viewing in your community, contact Alcohol/Drug Council of NC at 919-493-0003 or visit www.alcoholdrughelp.org.
Check your local listings for HBO’s airing of Addiction and all its 14 installments.
First Lady Mary Easley addressed the audience prior to the screening of HBO’s Addiction about the adverse affects of substance abuse in North Carolina
Pat Conner of HBO and Danisa Baker of ADCNC show off the HBO “Addiction” poster during the reception
Partnership for a Drug-Free America
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminnistration
Partnership for a Drug-Free NC