HBO Redefines Addiction

The HBO network is about to drop a bomb on the modern zeitgeist when it comes to addiction, it’s causes and it’s treatment. It’s call THE ADDICTION PROJECT. They’re looking into this sector of the human condition with a serious intent to change the way all of us think about and seek to help people with addiction problems.

The scope of the project is impressive. There is a 14 part documentary with a 90 minute centerpiece episode that will air on HBO beginning March 15th. There will also be a companion book published by Rodale Press, pod casts, four independent addiction-themed films, web streams, a DVD, a comprehensive interactive web site of information and resources, and a national community grassroots outreach campaign in more than 30 cities throughout the country.
They’re offering the entire series free to cable-subscribers during a four-day HBO preview that will occur March 15th-18th.

Full Press Release after the jump!

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.

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