The Partnership for a Drug-free America
Depression – Decoder - Breaking down teen culture, substance abuse, and parenting

Honoring Performances that Show the Real-Life Effects of Drugs, Alcohol

Sep 16, 2009 by Joe Keenan | Categories Addiction, Alcohol, Celebrities, Depression, Drugs, General, Health, Movies, Music, Pop Culture, Role Models, Television

Performance in a Feature Film, Anne Hathaway, "Rachel Getting Married"; Performance in a Drama Multi-Episode Storyline, Benjamin Bratt, "The Cleaner"; Performance in a Comedy Series, Dana Delany, "Desperate Housewives"; Performance in a TV Movie or Miniseries, Chandra Wilson, "Accidental Friendship"; Talk Show Episode, Dr. Phil, "The Bridge" Credits: Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. and Prism Awards

Performance in a Feature Film, Anne Hathaway, “Rachel Getting Married”; Performance in a Drama Multi-Episode Storyline, Benjamin Bratt, “The Cleaner”; Performance in a Comedy Series, Dana Delany, “Desperate Housewives”; Performance in a TV Movie or Miniseries, Chandra Wilson, “Accidental Friendship”; Talk Show Episode, Dr. Phil, “The Bridge” Credits: Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. and PRISM Awards

Last night the Partnership was proud to co-sponsor the Entertainment Industries Council’s 2009 PRISM Awards showcase on Capitol Hill. The PRISM Awards are presented each year to members of the entertainment industry to honor the accurate depiction of substance abuse, treatment, recovery and mental health issues. Given the power of the media to shape our attitudes and beliefs, it is so important for theses issues to be shown accurately so that the public is aware of both the negative consequences of substance abuse as well as the hope of recovery.

Those of us who are parents of teenagers know how upsetting it is to see the lessons we try to teach our kids about the dangers of drugs be undermined when a television show, movie or song glamorizes drug use and neglects to show any negative consequences. It was great to be part of an event that celebrates actors like Anne Hathaway for her performance in “Rachel Getting Married,” Benjamin Bratt for his work on “The Cleaner,” Dana Delaney for her performance on Desperate Housewives and Chandra Wilson for her role in the TV movie “Accidental Friendship.” Their work does not simply entertain – it also helps to educate the public about the diseases of addiction and mental illness.

Nine cable networks – including FX, E!, and Lifetime – will broadcast the PRISM Awards on September 26th.

Learn more information about the awards and and view a full list of the honorees.

  • Posted by: Joe Keenan | 1 Comment(s)
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Safety Net

Jul 7, 2008 by Sarit Catz | Categories Advice, Depression, Drugs, General, Health, High School, Internet, Middle School, Pop Culture, Teenagers

Finally, something good from the internet!  The New York City health department has launched a MySpace campaign to help teenagers deal with depression, drugs and violence.  It’s called NYC Teen Mindspace and it’s basically a page on MySpace with blogs, music, and interactive quizzes that teens and kids will like.  And, most importantly, resources they can turn to if they need emotional support.  There are profiles of 3 kids on the page that personify dealing with depression, dating violence, and stress and anxiety.  Kids who go on the site might relate to these profiles.

The NYC health department says 20% of NYC teens say they do not talk to anyone when they feel sad.  This is probably true around the country and of course, because it’s on the web, this resource is available to teens around the country.  Maybe this page will pique their interest enough to talk to someone and get the help they need. 

To me, it seems like someone in NY is using their head.  Kudos.

girl-on-computer.jpg(Getty Images)

The link is: http://www.myspace.com/nycteen_mindspace

  • Posted by: Sarit Catz | 2 Comment(s)
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