Due to my interest in addiction, its treatment, and the day to day struggles of my those facing its challenges, I am trusting that this series will be done well, will be well worth watching, and may help to continue the conversation already happening around the country vis-a-vis the disease model of addiction and recovery.My only regret is that I will not see the series myself, not having access to HBO. I'll just have to wait for the DVD.
HBO’S BIGGEST MULTI-PLATFORM MEDIA EVENT,
THE ADDICTION PROJECT,
A GROUNDBREAKING 14-PART SERIES, KICKS OFF
WITH CENTERPIECE DOCUMENTARY MARCH 15
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Project Defines Addiction As
A Chronic Relapsing Brain Disease That Is Treatable
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Entire Series To Be Offered Free To Cable Subscribers
During Four-Day Preview On HBO, March 15-18
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“How can we comprehend the concept of a person who wants to stop doing something and cannot, despite catastrophic consequences? That is what we are up against. Some people don’t want to speak about addiction, or compare it to other chronic diseases. Well, this is a disease, a treatable disease, and it needs to be understood. HBO’s ADDICTION project is an initiative that will help people understand more about this illness, its advancements and how to find help.”
-- Nora Volkow, M.D., Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 12, 2007 – One in four Americans has a family member who is struggling with addiction. Over 80% of people with substance abuse or dependence disorder started using before age 18. Currently, addiction affects 22.2 million Americans. Yet only 9% are receiving the treatment they need.
In partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), HBO launches the ADDICTION project, an unprecedented multi-media campaign aimed at helping Americans understand addiction as a treatable brain disease, as well as spotlighting new medical advancements. Debuting THURSDAY, MARCH 15 (9:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT), with the centerpiece documentary ADDICTION, the series is eye opening and ultimately hopeful, providing guidance in navigating the often-confusing world of addiction treatment and recovery.
For the first time, HBO will use all of its digital platforms, including the HBO main service, multiplex channels, HBO On Demand, pod casts, web streams, and DVD sales to support a campaign that includes a 14-part documentary series, a book published by Rodale Press, four independent addiction-themed films, a robust website and a national community grassroots outreach campaign funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. All films will initially be offered during a free HBO preview weekend from Thursday, March 15 to Sunday, March 18 in participating cable systems.
“HBO is utilizing all of its platforms to develop programming directly targeted to the various needs of the American public on this complex public health issue,” says Chris Albrecht, HBO’s chairman and CEO. “Our resources are committed to illuminating, demystifying and defining addiction – a problem that is riddled with misconceptions.”
The ADDICTION project showcases the work of many of today’s leading documentary filmmakers, including Jon Alpert; Kate Davis and David Heilbroner; Susan Froemke; Liz Garbus and Rory Kennedy; Eugene Jarecki; Barbara Kopple; Albert Maysles; D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus; and Alan and Susan Raymond.
ADDICTION brings together leading thinkers and organizations that are at the threshold of new treatments. Current advances in brain imaging science make it possible to see inside the brain of an addicted person, pinpoint the parts of the brain affected by addiction, and see how the addict’s brain differs, ushering in a great many advances in medical treatment. In fact, treatments for addiction are now as effective as treatments for other chronic relapsing diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or asthma.
A candid depiction of the emotional, psychological, social and political toll that addiction takes on the country, the ADDICTION project demonstrates conclusively that the disease is treatable and shows that there are millions of Americans in long-term recovery. Topics covered include: the nature of addiction, addiction in the workplace, and the protracted insurance battles waged by families, as well as the difficulty of finding and getting adequate treatment.
The ADDICTION project will be supported by an unprecedented 30-city nationwide community outreach campaign funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and coordinated by Join Together, Faces and Voices of Recovery, and the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA).
The ADDICTION project is produced by John Hoffman and Susan Froemke and executive produced by Sheila Nevins. For additional information, visit hbo.com.
16 comments:
Yes, but why are they offering it only on a premium pay channel where most of the people who actually NEED to see such an "important" program won't be able to see it? Arrogance abounds...
I actually wrote the person who emailed me from HBO and let him know that I can't even see the film. It is frustrating at best, but HBO does have a right to air their self-produced programs on their own channel. Maybe PBS can pick it up as well?
I understand that frustration, certainly. As a former addict, I would clear my schedule in order to view such a program, for alas, we can't all afford premium cable. And of course HBO has the right to broadcast their own programs...but that's not my point. They've made other programs widely available in many markets...and perhaps they will this one as well, eventually. However, one can't help but feel that it's a bit elitist to only offer it initially on the expensive channel. :~) Loving your blog, my friend!
We had the first public viewing of the HBO film at the CADCA National Leadership Forum. The film is excellent and has a wealth of knowledge.
HBO is opening its channels so that every cable user can view the film on March 15. HBO will also offer the series on DVD and will work with local coalitions so that the film can be shown in local communities.
Awesome! Thanks for the news!
Yeah, it actually says right in the post that it's going to be offered free to people without HBO during their four day preview.
"Entire Series To Be Offered Free To Cable Subscribers
During Four-Day Preview On HBO, March 15-18 "
For those interested, there are two books out related to the HBO Special on Addiction, "Preventing Addiction: What Parents Must Know To Immunize Their Kids Against Drug and Alcohol Addiction" and "Addiction: Why Can't They Just Stop?"
I believe one can purchase a 4 DVD set from HBO on their web-site for $24.95. Not great, but better than having to sign up for HBO and then pay for the premium show. You can always pass it on this way to others who may not have the means to do either.
I've ordered the DVD (for about $25) from Amazon.com. I believe you can also get it from Barnes and Noble. The DVD came out concurrently w/the show .. which, in my opinion, was pretty big of HBO (since it necessarily cut into profits to release the DVD at the same time). How about instead of swimming around in the problem of affordability (or the boring subject of being a victim of 'elitism'!) you choose to come up w/a solution? Either save up the $25; ask friends &/or relatives (or a church/community group) to go in on it with you (and then have some sober evenings and watch it together); ask your library or video store to purchase it and then borrow or rent it .. and while you're at it, how about spring for the 39 cent stamp and the time and write HBO a nice thank you note for this incredible public service they're performing? Just my thinking at work.
great news thanks for all the info HBO Rock
i always watch there channel for the best movies
This is a comprehensive addiction portal focusing on topics of alcohol and drug abuse. http://www.alcoholaddiction.org
Addiction treatment and recovery resources for the addict and their families.
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jenoret
Addiction treatment and recovery resources for the addict and their families. http://www.addictiontreatment.net
This translates to considerable savings, especially for those who 1) don’t subscribe to HBO; 2) are interested in the series but are not sure if they want to spend the money on the boxed sets; 3) would buy the boxed sets if they were a little cheaper.
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deena
alcoholism treatment
I would clear my schedule in order to view such a program, for alas, we can't all afford premium cable.
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peter
Addiction Treatment
Peter, I can't afford HBO either. The series can be purchased through HBO, or maybe even on eBay at this point. Try googling it to find it, and good luck!
keith
Shows like that should be shown nowadays.
adolescent addiction treatment-jerry
i consider my self as one of HBO addicts also i love hollywood movies by the way, I found a great way to find all AA meetings US at sober.com through this link: http://sober.com/aa-alcoholic-anonymous-meetings.html , just in case any of you, tech savvy guys need it.
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