Recovery and the Media: Addiction in Entertainment and the News

Popular media influences public attitudes and opinions concerning addiction, treatment and recovery issues. Addiction is depicted throughout the entertainment industry, in both news and magazine articles about celebrities’ drug and/or alcohol use and their time in rehab facilities and addiction; and in treatment, and recovery storylines in movies and television shows. This episode will examine how addiction, treatment and recovery have been portrayed historically and where we are today. This show will look at the importance of the media in portraying factual information and depiction of addiction, treatment and recovery issues and the negative effects of publishing/airing stories and shows which glamorize use, promote inaccurate and discriminatory public attitudes, and discourage individuals to seek help.

Premiered: Wednesday, July 07, 2010