Since 1988, Phoenix Academy San Diego has helped thousands of troubled teens reclaim their lives, establishing itself as a vital county resource for at-risk youth and their families. The Academy, a residential high school for youth with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders is now suffering further declines in the state funding it relies upon to operate, it was announced today by Winnie Wechsler, Executive Director for Phoenix Houses of California. As the program – which offers its services regardless of a family’s ability to pay – seeks out new sources of funding, it has become increasingly dependent upon private donations to meet its operational costs and is issuing an appeal to the community for help.

“Phoenix Academy is one of the few places in our community where troubled teens and their families can turn when all other options have failed. It is a place that has offered hope – and led to remarkable recovery – for countless kids,” says John Davies, a San Diego attorney and founding board member of Phoenix Houses of California. “We are asking the community to join us in our commitment to keep our program healthy during these tough economic times.”

Located in the hills of Descanso, just east of San Diego, the Academy has provided thousands of adolescents struggling with substance abuse, along with their families, a comprehensive, holistic array of services that address medical, mental health, education, and other family needs. Since its founding, the program has been a critical link in the continuum of care that is available to at-risk youth in San Diego County, especially those who could otherwise not afford treatment.

“For more than two decades, Phoenix Academy San Diego has been changing lives by helping young people confront and manage their addictions so they can go on to lead happy, healthy, productive lives,” says Elizabeth Urquhart, Director of Adolescent Services for Phoenix House in San Diego. “Every day youth arrive at the Academy in need of our mental health and treatment services – services that our reach and experience show they need to successfully overcome their problems.”

Says Naveed, a graduate of Phoenix Academy San Diego who is currently studying to become a certified substance abuse counselor, “I have all the tools I’ve learned in the program and I’m using them in the real world.”

To find out how you can help support Phoenix Academy San Diego, please contact Elizabeth Urquhart at 619-445-0405 x4654 or via email at eurquhart@phoenixhouse.org.

For more information, or for any media inquiries about Phoenix House, please contact Karen Sodomick, Director of Marketing and Communications for Phoenix House, at 646-505-2093 or ksodomick@phoenixhouse.org. You may also contact Davia Temin or Allison Bennett of Temin and Company at 212-588-8788 or news@teminandco.com.

About Phoenix House and Phoenix Academy San Diego

Phoenix Academy San Diego is one of several adolescent treatment programs run by Phoenix House nationwide which has been recognized as a model, evidence-based program by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Phoenix House has been touching the lives of California residents for 30 years, helping adolescents, adults, and their families overcome the problems associated with substance abuse and empowering them with the skills to lead healthy, productive, and rewarding lives. With 18 programs located throughout Southern and Central California, Phoenix House currently provides treatment to more than 1,200 men, women, and teens each day.

Phoenix House is committed to protecting and supporting individuals, families, and communities affected by substance abuse (www.phoenixhouse.org).

NEW YORK – September 10, 2009 – A delegation 1,500 strong from Phoenix House, the nation’s leading non-profit alcohol and drug abuse treatment and prevention agency, will lead the march at the Second Annual A&E Recovery Rally – a key event component of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month – this Saturday, September 12 in New York City.

The largest single contingent at the event, the Phoenix House delegation – consisting of current clients, program alumni, family members, counselors, and other staff from the metro area – will join the more than 10,000 expected to take part in a symbolic walk across the historic Brooklyn Bridge. The rally will follow in Brooklyn’s Cadman Plaza Park with a special musical performance by Smokey Robinson.

“The A&E Recovery Rally is a true testament to the growing solidarity among the recovery community – a solidarity which is absolutely vital in our efforts to remove the stigma of addiction and educate the public about the effectiveness of treatment,” says Phoenix House President and CEO Howard Meitiner. “Only in its second year, this rally has already grown exponentially and Phoenix House is deeply honored to be a part of such an inspirational and important event.”

Phoenix House participants will wear t-shirts that will give the world a sneak preview of its new logo – the organization’s first major branding revitalization since its inception in 1967. The official debut of the logo will coincide with an announcement in the coming weeks of several substantive changes underway at Phoenix House.

Howard Meitiner will be in attendance at the rally and available for media interviews.

About Phoenix House

Phoenix House is one of the nation’s leading non-profit substance abuse prevention and treatment service organizations, serving close to 7,500 men, women (including women with children), and teens each day at more than 152 drug and alcohol treatment and prevention programs in 10 states – California, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, and Vermont. For information, visit www.phoenixhouse.org.

For more information about Phoenix House or to schedule an interview with CEO Howard Meitiner, please contact Karen Sodomick, Vice President & Director, Marketing and Communications at 646-505-2093. 

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Over 2,000 celebrities and spectators are expected at this well-loved Hamptons rite of summer. This year’s teams will include: Alec Baldwin, Christie Brinkley, Carl Bernstein, Mort Zuckerman, Lori Singer, B. Smith, Dan Gasby, Greg Bello, Ken Auletta, James Lipton, Jeffrey Lyons, Juliet Papa, Edward Nahem, Kim Stolz, Bonnie Bernstein, Mark Ciardi, Rod Gilbert, Mike Lupica, Bert Sugar, Richard Reeves, and many more to come. Bill Clinton, who has served as an umpire at past events, has written a note of welcome for this year’s attendees.

Phoenix House is one of the nation’s leading non-profit drug and alcohol addiction, prevention, and treatment organizations, serving close to 7,500 men, women (including women with children), and teens each day at more than 152 drug and alcohol treatment and prevention programs in 10 states.

In East Hampton, Phoenix House operates an outpatient center that offers group, individual, and family therapy; and in Wainscott, the organization runs the Phoenix Academy of Long Island, providing residential treatment to teens along with educational and vocational services. Students from the Phoenix Academy of Long Island will be selling hot dogs and other concession items at the game. For information, visit www.phoenixhouse.org.

The event is sponsored by HBO, Mort Zuckerman, CNBC, Ultra Motor, Grumbacher Paints, Spanierman Gallery, Lafayette 148, Alfred Dunner, Snapple, Kaufman Allied Patio Furniture, Stu Sleppin, Kimco, 1010 WINS, Walter Bernard Design, Ronnette Riley Architect, Hollander Design, Madison Copy, Shana Alexander Foundation, B. Smith & Dan Gasby, LIRR, Hollander Design, Thinkscan.com, Fred & Lora Drasner, Edward Nahem Fine Art, Robert Kandall, William Salloway, Ocean Vista Resort, Kendall Veenema, Dr. Wayne Winnick, Eric Ernst & David Gamble – for the Artists Secret Society, Javer Family, The Lodge Restaurant, Janice & Alfred Kelman, Alec Baldwin Foundation, Regan Santry, Shevack Family, U.S. Sports Film Festival, John & Jackie Leo, J & M Emporium, Lane Brettschneider & Caroline DesJardins, and Boulevard Magazine.
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“Addiction is on the upswing, fueled by pressures from our economic downturn,” says Howard Meitiner, President and CEO of Phoenix House, the nation’s largest non-profit alcohol and drug abuse treatment and prevention facility.  “Eighty-eight percent of the population feels that drug abuse is at either serious or crisis levels today, reflecting the devastating impact that addiction is having on individuals, families, and communities.”  

Says Mr. Meitiner: “When people lose their jobs, lose their homes, lose their savings, lose their pensions, they can often lose their self-respect, as well.  And they can often escape into substance abuse and addiction.  At Phoenix House, we have been seeing strong signs of an increase in addiction among those who have been hurt in the financial crisis.  This is fueling a secondary crisis in many American homes – the crisis of addiction.“ 

To gauge public perception and awareness of addiction levels since the economy’s sharp turn last fall, Phoenix House commissioned market research firm Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates to conduct a study that analyzed public attitudes toward various aspects of substance abuse. The study, which gathered data from more than 400 respondents, reveals the vast number of people affected by addiction:

• 34% have friends or family members who are currently struggling with a substance abuse problem.
• 40% stated that drugs have been the cause of troubles in their family at some point during their lifetime.

“These numbers demonstrate that addiction is indeed at a crisis level,” says Mr. Meitiner, “but the majority of people surveyed admitted that they know only a little or nothing at all about substance abuse treatment. We know that truly only 1 in 10 individuals with addiction receive the treatment they need.”

The economic downturn is having serious repercussions in the rising use of drugs and alcohol, the study found:

• 29% feel that younger people are abusing illegal drugs more than usual, and 26% think younger people are drinking more in this economy.
• 18% feel their friends and neighbors are drinking more than usual, and 17% say that is true of their co-workers.
• 8% admit they are abusing drugs more than usual, and 7% admit they are drinking more.

“What these rising numbers underscore is a dangerous, and growing, gap between the need for treatment and the community resources that are available. States, local governments, and non-profits are all facing tremendous budget shortfalls – and they are cutting the resources to help this growing group of addicts in trouble, just when they need it the most,” warns Mr. Meitiner.

“We must recognize and address the debilitating effects of addiction on all of us – whether the addict is a family member, neighbor, or co-worker. Re-allocating resources to treatment is vital not only to the well-being of our communities but to our very ability to weather the severity of this downturn.”

Phoenix House has launched a blog on its website (http://www.phoenixhouse.org/) entitled “Rising above Addiction” at http://phoenixhouse.wordpress.com/  The blog will address a wide variety of issues related to addiction and treatment, including news and trends affecting or affected by addiction.

If you would like to speak with Mr. Meitiner, or other experts at Phoenix House, please contact Davia Temin or Suzanne Oaks of Temin and Company at 212-588-8788.

Phoenix House is one of the nation’s leading non-profit substance abuse prevention and treatment service organizations, serving close to 7,500 men, women (including women with children), and teens each day at more than 152 drug and alcohol treatment and prevention programs in 10 states – California, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, and Vermont. For information, visit http://www.phoenixhouse.org/.

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“Back for a second season is A&E’s hit series The Cleaner, with Benjamin Bratt starring as an ‘extreme interventionist,’ a character based on the life of the show’s co-executive producer Warren Boyd. What’s encouraging about The Cleaner is the exposure the series gives to drug misuse and the nature of addictive behavior. With more than 23 million Americans misusing drugs these days, there’s a vital public safety purpose served by bringing to light the dangers to health and safety when drug misuse leads to addictive behavior,” says David Deitch, Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of Phoenix House, the nation’s largest non-profit alcohol and drug abuse treatment and prevention facility.

“The great strength of The Cleaner is the show’s ability to dramatize the downward spiral of addiction, showing how drug misusers ‘get stuck,’ and the difficulty they have of getting ‘unstuck.’ In life, as on TV, an ‘intervention’ is often the means of ‘unsticking’ someone deep in drug misuse. Interventions may indeed be as dramatic as kidnapping or substituting sugar for the user’s drug of choice. But, while bringing together a team of ‘significant others’ to ‘confront’ the user makes for good viewing, it actually occurs rarely. There is an extraordinarily broad range of intervention strategies and they are employed every day in any number of different venues – family dining rooms and kitchens; therapist’s offices; business offices; factory floors; lecture halls and hospital emergency rooms. 

“The process of getting the drug misuser ‘unstuck’ can begin in any one of these settings – but it only begins there. An intervention just starts the process, because getting unstuck requires serious engagement of the individual in a program of treatment responsive to his or her unique needs – a process pursued in an appropriate setting and involving others. These others may be trained professionals. They may be men and women with similar histories of drug involvement. A community of faith may be a critical part of this recovery process, as well as friends and family. Medications may be involved, cognitive behavioral therapies, prayer, hope, encouragement and opportunities to learn about oneself and master the skills needed to offset the long-lasting craving that comes with addictive behavior. 

“In short, while ‘intervention’ may be as dramatic as those of The Cleaner or – as is more often the case – slow and guided, what counts is what follows! 

“We at Phoenix House have learned that what follows is a process of learning how best to achieve lifestyle change and continuing recovery. It is a process that varies from person to person. Each day, Phoenix House cares for more than 7,000 people in various settings and stages of recovery. We pledge that each receives the help he or she needs and each is treated with professionalism and respect. We recognize differences in need and our service delivery continuum is designed to respond to these differences.

“And, while The Cleaner deserves our applause, viewers also deserve to know that, no matter how getting unstuck begins, the greater need is for the rest of the process, which is what most of our field is there to provide.”

David Deitch is the Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of Phoenix House. He has more than 45 years of national and international experience in the development of drug abuse treatment systems for adolescents and adults.

Phoenix House is one of the nation’s leading non-profit substance abuse prevention and treatment service organizations, serving close to 7,500 men, women (including women with children), and teens each day at more than 152 drug and alcohol treatment and prevention programs in 10 states – California, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, and Vermont. For information, visit www.phoenixhouse.org.

This piece is the third entry in Phoenix House’s new blog, “Rising Above Addiction”(http://phoenixhouse.wordpress.com). For more information, or to speak with Dr. Deitch, CEO Howard Meitiner, or other experts at Phoenix House, please contact Davia Temin or Christine Summerson at Temin and Company at 212-588-8788 or news@teminandco.com.

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NEW YORK , NY , June 16, 2009 –“Addiction runs its devastating course through every community – including the Hamptons,” says Howard Meitiner, President and CEO of Phoenix House, one of the nation’s largest non-profit alcohol and drug abuse treatment and prevention programs. “But in all the discussion of East Hampton and its environs, people rarely see the other side of the story.”

“Ninety percent of the people we treat out here are the working poor – those who cannot afford to pay for long-term treatment but who earn just too much to qualify for Medicaid. It is these individuals and families who are stuck in the middle, and who desperately need our programs. So it is critical that we reach out to local philanthropists and members of the community who can help fund these programs, especially given the stark reality of this economic downturn.”

As a key part of this outreach, on June 27th Phoenix House will host a benefit in East Hampton, a community with surprisingly high statistics of alcohol and drug abuse, especially among young people. In Suffolk County, nearly 12% of the population that is 12 years old and older is chemically dependent, and the addiction rate for adolescents 12-17 is very close to that of adults (10% for teens vs. 12% for adults). Only 25% of addicted teens in the community are receiving treatment.

The Phoenix House event will honor Haley and Jason Binn, leaders in public service and philanthropy in New York City and the Hamptons. Mr. Binn is the Founder and CEO of Niche Media, publisher of such titles as Gotham, Hamptons, Los Angeles Confidential, and Ocean Drive.

The benefit will raise money for two key Phoenix House programs serving the Hamptons community: an outpatient center that offers group, individual, and family therapy; and the Phoenix Academy of Long Island in Wainscott, which provides residential treatment to teens along with educational and vocational services.

“Alcohol and drug abuse is on the rise during this economic crisis, and we can’t afford as a society or as individuals to let people who need help get lost in the spiral of addiction,” says Mr. Meitiner. “We are hoping that people will recognize the deep need for sustaining treatment programs such as Phoenix House, and that this is an investment that will pay off in countless lives and families saved.”

Phoenix House founder, Dr. Mitchell S. Rosenthal, and numerous Phoenix House board members including George Kellner, Rose Marie Bravo and Richard Plepler will be supporting this event. 

Event chairpersons are Linda & Jeffrey Chodorow, Cristina Cuomo, Chris DeWolfe, Peter Ezersky, Liz Lange, Diane & Alan Lieberman, Tatiana & Campion Platt, and Lauran & Charlie Walk.

Members of the Benefit Committee include Chris Burch, Rocco DiSpirito, Simon Doonan & Jonathan Adler, Peter Duchin, Anne Hearst & Jay McInerney, Dylan Lauren, Allison & Howard Lutnick, Patrick McMullan, Sage & Tony Robbins, and Brooke Shields & Chris Henchy. 
For more information, to speak with Howard Meitiner, or for any media inquiries about Phoenix House, please call Davia Temin, Suzanne Oaks, or Trang Mar of Temin and Company at 212-588-8788 or news@teminandco.com. To purchase tickets or make a contribution, please contact Linda B. Shapiro at 631-329-5480 or lbspro@optonline.net.

About Phoenix House
Phoenix House is one of the nation’s leading non-profit substance abuse prevention and treatment service organizations, serving close to 7,500 men, women (including women with children), and teens each day at more than 152 drug and alcohol treatment and prevention programs in 10 states – California, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, and Vermont. For information, visit http://www.phoenixhouse.org
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For many of these teens, a high school graduation ceremony was never even a dream. More than 95% of students entering the Phoenix Academy of Westchester are either high school drop-outs or performing well below their grade level. At the Academy, a fully accredited residential high school, troubled students get back on track – socially, emotionally, and academically.

“This is one of the few places within New York State where teenagers can triumph over substance abuse and improve their education,” said Jack Klimp, Senior Vice President and Regional Director of Phoenix Houses of New York and a former Lt. General in the United State Marine Corps. “While the performance of our students would be impressive even in a traditional high school, we believe that it represents an especially significant achievement because many of our students have large gaps in their educational background.”

One of this year’s graduates, Danny, says he is looking forward to college. “From the ages of 16 to 18, I was smoking marijuana every day. I was rarely going to school,” said Danny. After nine months at Phoenix House, I will receive my high school diploma, graduating with a 96.3 average and scoring a perfect 100 on my Math A regents exam. Just being here, I have gained insight and acceptance of who I am.”

Another graduate, Jessica, plans to pursue a career as a pediatrician. “The night I realized I had to do something with my life was the night that my mother kicked me out of the house,” said Jessica. “I was 16 and had been drinking and getting high since I was 12. Phoenix House has made a big difference in my life, changed the way I feel about myself and helped me set goals for the future.”

Founded in 1981, The Phoenix Academy of Westchester is a fully accredited residential high school offering comprehensive substance abuse treatment. An accelerated curriculum is taught in a structured environment by experienced, licensed teachers. Phoenix House operates 11 Academies across the country.

The RAND Corporation, one of the nation’s most trusted research organizations, has confirmed the effectiveness of Phoenix House’s treatment for teens. A recent study by RAND, published in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, found that teens in treatment at a Phoenix Academy demonstrated substantial reductions in drug use and improvement in psychological well-being – and that the Phoenix Academy outperformed other adolescent programs in these areas.

Phoenix House is the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of substance abuse treatment and prevention services, operating more than 100 programs in nine states. Founded in 1967, Phoenix House currently cares for a population of more than 6,000 at residential centers for adults, residential Phoenix Academies combining long-term treatment and schooling for adolescents, as well as outpatient, after school, and day programs.

Tours of Phoenix Academy of Westchester can be arranged. If you would like to visit the facility, sit in on classes and meet some of the students, please contact the Academy at (914) 962-2491.

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Media Contact:
Justin Bernbach
(646) 505-2094
jbernbach@phoenixhouse.org

LOS ANGELES, CA, April 18, 2005—Phoenix House, California’s leading non-profit substance abuse services organization, raised $250,000 during its second annual “Triumph For Teens” Awards Gala. Held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on April 18, more than 200 people gathered to honor this year’s recipients, the cast and creators of “Joan of Arcadia” and Lynn Pike, President of Bank of America California and the bank’s national Business Banking group.

The cast and creators of “Joan of Arcadia” were honored for their sensitive and accurate portrayal of the difficult issues that teens face today. Executive Producer Stephen Nathan accepted the award on behalf of all those connected to this People’s Choice Award-winning and Emmy â-nominated drama.

Lynn Pike, President of Bank of America California and the bank’s national Business Banking group, received the 2005 Public Service Award for her professional accomplishments, philanthropic endeavors, and service in the community.

“We are honored to present awards each year to those entertainment and business leaders who inspire young people to make positive life decisions as well as support treatment programs to fight teen substance abuse,” says Winnie Wechsler, Executive Director of Phoenix Houses of California.

Mark Steines of “Entertainment Tonight” was master of ceremonies of the event. In addition to the cast of CBS’s “Joan of Arcadia,” including Joe Mantegna, Mary Steenburgen, Jason Ritter, Michael Welch, Becky Wahlstrom, and Chris Marquette, other celebrity friends who attended the event were Rachel Boesing, Rikki Kleiman, Mathew St. Patrick, Lauren Mayhew, Ed Begley, Jr., Bonnie Sommerville, Lindsey Sloane, and Llewellyn Wells.

Some of Los Angeles’ most prominent entertainment and business executives who attended the event include Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment; Steve Mosko, President, Sony Pictures Television; Peter Schindler, Executive Producer, “Joan of Arcadia;” Police Chief Bill Bratton; Bruce Karatz, Chairman and CEO, KB Home; and Christopher Frank, Market President and Private Bank Executive, Bank of America.

Serving as co-chairs for the evening were Christopher Frank, Market President, Westside-South Bay, Bank of America; Tom Freston, Co-President and Co-Chief Operating Officer, Viacom; Steve Mosko, President, Sony Pictures Television; and Nancy Tellem, President, CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group. Bank of America, the Handtmann Family Foundation, Viacom and CBS were “Benefactor” sponsors.

“Triumph for Teens” celebrates the victories of young people over substance abuse. It is an evening of recognition for adolescents who have learned the lessons of honesty, responsibility, and concern for others on their road to recovery. Previous honorees include directors Catherine Hardwicke (“Thirteen”) and Betty Thomas (“28 Days”) and two outstanding television shows, the WB series “7 th Heaven” and Lifetime Television”s “The Division.”

Proceeds from the event will help support Phoenix House programs, which help Southern California”s most troubled teenagers stop using drugs and helps them regain the confidence and drive to complete their schooling.

Renowned for its effective long-term residential treatment programs, Phoenix House has touched the lives of California adolescents, adults, and their families for 25 years, helping them overcome the problems associated with substance abuse and empowering them with the skills to lead healthy, productive and rewarding lives. More than 2,500 individuals each day receive treatment at 29 Phoenix House programs throughout Southern and Central California. Phoenix House serves Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties with facilities located in Lake View Terrace, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Santa Fe Springs, Encinitas, Monrovia, and Venice.

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Media contact:
Linda O’Hanlon
818-386-1916

SAN DIEGO, CA, October 10, 2007— The White House National Drug Control Policy Director, John Walters, made a special visit to San Diego’s primary residential substance abuse treatment program for teens on October 4. At the Phoenix Academy of San Diego in Descanso, he met with teen residents, staff and supporters to observe firsthand the vital role that residential treatment plays in addressing the problem of drug abuse in Southern California. Recognizing the important work of the Academy and the role it serves as a valuable community resource, Walters presented a “Director’s Award for Distinguished Service” to the Academy staff and leadership of Phoenix Houses of California.

“We were honored Mr. Walters took time to travel to Descanso to witness first-hand how youth in treatment can turn their lives around,” said Phoenix House San Diego Director Elizabeth Urquhart. “For more than 20 years, Phoenix House has helped thousands of kids overcome the ravages of chronic drug use in San Diego, and we’re committed to continuing to serve families in need,” added Urquhart, who noted the short supply of adolescent residential facilities in Southern California and stressed the need to increase funding for treatment programs.

The Phoenix Academy of San Diego was established in 1987 as the area’s first residential school and substance abuse treatment academy for teens. Originally located in Encinitas, the academy moved to a former ranch in Descanso and is now situated on a 90-acre campus.

Walters visited classrooms, toured the teens’ living quarters, and met each resident in the program before participating in a discussion with some of the residents and their families who shared with him their experiences. Parents talked about the personal toll that a child’s drug use can have on a family, the value of residential treatment specifically designed for youth, and the importance of providing continuing care once their teens leave the residential program.

Representatives from the San Diego County Alcohol and Drug Services, Child Welfare Services, and Probation Department were among the community partners who joined Walters for the visit, including Wendy Maramba, Assistant Director, Alcohol and Drug Services; Scott Countryman, Supervising Probation Officer for Drug Court, San Diego County Probation; and Thomas Alexander, Substance Abuse Manager, San Diego County Juvenile Probation Department. In addition, Henry Coker, Chief Public Defender; Yvette Davis, Principal at Rancho Del Campo; and Katherine Crow, Program Officer for the Alliance Healthcare Foundation also attended.

The Phoenix Academy of San Diego is one of 11 Phoenix House residential schools and treatment programs throughout the nation, which are recognized nationally for their treatment effectiveness. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention selected Phoenix Academy as a model program for adolescents, and the RAND Corporation, in a study published in Psychology of Addictive Behavior, cited Phoenix Academy’s program for having brought about marked reductions in drug use and unlawful behavior, while improving psychological status for youth in treatment, as compared to youth being cared for in similar residential programs.

Renowned for its effective long-term residential treatment programs, Phoenix Houses of California has touched the lives of adolescents, adults, and their families for more than 25 years, helping them overcome the problems associated with substance abuse and empowering them with the skills to lead healthy, productive and rewarding lives. More than 1,750 individuals each day receive treatment through 25 Phoenix House programs throughout Southern and Central California. Phoenix House serves Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties with facilities located in Lake View Terrace, Los Angeles, Venice, Monrovia, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Ana, Descanso, Point Loma, and Carlsbad.

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Media Contact:
Linda O’Hanlon
Attn editors: High resolution images are available
818-386-1916

“I am honored to be recognized by an organization that has such a long history of success in helping people struggling with drug addiction,” said Simmons. “Incarceration doesn’t solve the problem of addiction and doesn’t get at the root of the issue. A program like Phoenix House repairs and saves lives.”

“Russell brings extraordinary authenticity to the debate over drug abuse policy,” said Mitchell S. Rosenthal M.D., Phoenix House president. “He is an invaluable champion of treatment for drug users, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to recognize his commitment.”

Chairman and CEO of MTV Networks, Tom Freston also expressed his admiration of Simmons. “Russell is a brilliant businessman and a tremendous friend, but it is his compassion for others and his unwavering commitment to his principles that make him a truly exceptional person. It’s great to see him recognized for his hard work in this way.”

The Phoenix Rising Award was created in 1997 to honor leaders in the music and entertainment industry who have made a substantial difference in promoting healthy lifestyles among America’s youth. Previous recipients of the award include Judy McGrath, Eric Clapton and Martin Sheen.

The award dinner at New York’s fashionable W Hotel will be chaired by Tom Freston (Chairman and CEO, MTV Networks) and Richard Plepler (Executive Vice President, HBO). Co-chairs include Andre Harrell (President and CEO, Nu America Music), Robert L. Johnson (Chairman and CEO, Bet Holdings, Inc.), Jeffrey S. Ross (Executive Producer, NBC’s “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”), and Simmons’ wife Kimora Lee Simmons.

Phoenix House is the nation’s leading provider of substance abuse treatment and prevention services operating more than 100 programs in nine states. Since 1967, Phoenix House has treated more than 100,000 substance abusers – currently caring for a population of more than 6,000 at residential centers for adults, residential Phoenix Academies combining long-term treatment and schooling for adolescents, outpatient, after school, and day programs.

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Media Contact:
Karen Sodomick
(646) 505-2093