According to the 2011 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 23.5 million Americans needed treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction, but only 11.2 percent received it. While not the sole reason, the social stigma surrounding addiction to alcohol and other drugs contributes to the gap in treatment of substance use disorders.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, created to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding alcoholism. To help educate and raise awareness in Fairfield County, Silver Hill Hospital, the Human Services Council's Mid-Fairfield Substance Abuse Coalition, Wilton Public Schools, Wilton Social Services, Wilton Youth Services and the Wilton Youth Council are sponsoring a screening of The Anonymous People at Wilton High School's Little Theater, on April 23, 2014 (395 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT).
"This is not your tired old addiction rehab story splashed across reality TV or tabloid magazines," said the film's producer, Greg Williams. "There are no needles hanging out of people's arms, pictures of the brain, or fried eggs in a pan." As a person in long-term recovery himself since age 17, Williams (now 29) adds, "We set out to find the answer to one very fundamental question: Why do we treat addiction and people with addiction in this country so dramatically differently than people with any other health issue?"
As part of the evening, a number of organizations will participate in a prevention, treatment and recovery services fair beginning at 6:00 p.m. The film screening will begin at 7:00 p.m., followed by a Q&A session with Williams and Dr. Collins beginning at 8:30. Hors d'oeuvres will be provided by students in the Wilton High School culinary arts program.
Due to the graphic nature of the film, it is recommended for high school students and adults only.