More than 46 million people ages 12 and older identify as having a substance use disorder. Addiction alters the lives of anyone who is connected to that individual, having a ripple effect across families, friends and communities. Media plays a critical role in how the public perceives addiction through the images and language used to portray these experiences, including providing accurate, humane and scientifically grounded information in an ever-changing landscape. Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization focused on guiding communities, removing systemic barriers to recovery, mobilizing the country to advocate for change, and ending addiction stigma in the U.S., is hosting a National Recovery Month press event for science and health writers as well as national reporters to discuss substance use disorders and the science behind recovery. The event aims to foster conversations between stakeholders and experts in the addiction space through a panel discussion to increase understanding of substance use disorders and improve reporting around this important public health issue.

The discussion, “Changing the Narrative: How the Media Can Help America Recover,” will be held on Thursday, September 7 at the National Press Club located at 529 14th St NW, Washington D.C. from 12:00 p.m. – 2 p.m. A virtual attendance option is also available.

Panelists include:

• Kirsten Suto Seckler, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Shatterproof, will guide the discussion
• Nora Volkow, M.D., Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health
• Christian Heidbreder, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Indivior
• Alexandra Skouzes, Shatterproof Patient Ambassador who is 5 years in recovery from an opioid use disorder and is a Certified Nursing Assistant and local D.C. resident

                            Nora Volkow, Christian Heidbreder, Kirsten Suto Seckler, Alexandra Skouzes

The event will:

• Inform the media on addiction and recovery
• Discuss substance use disorder and the science behind recovery options
• Educate to help eliminate the stigma around addiction
• Highlight the resources available for media to share with their audiences
• Provide an understanding of evidence-based treatment options

Key takeaways will include comprehensive education on recovery options, recognizing how recovery treatments work, and understanding the patient population.

This event is open to press only. To participate in this event via person, please email press@shatterproof.org by Friday, September 1. To participate virtually, please register online.

CONTACT: 
Lauren Lawson-Zilai 
Shatterproof PR

press@shatterproof.org

About Shatterproof  

Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the U.S. Shatterproof is focused on guiding communities, removing systemic barriers to recovery, mobilizing the country to advocate for change, and ending addiction stigma in the U.S. Find Shatterproof on Facebook, X, and YouTube @ShatterproofHQ or follow us on Instagram at @weareshatterproof. To learn more, visit www.Shatterproof.org. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or a substance use disorder, text SHATTERPROOF to 741741 for help.