Conscious Recovery by CLARE gathered thought leaders and influencers from across the music, entertainment, and government industries today to have a serious discussion about the state of addiction in Hollywood. The 2015 State of Addiction is an annual event hosted by Conscious Recovery in celebration of the anniversary of the treatment center’s launch just one year ago. This year’s theme, addiction in Hollywood, is not only timely but will hopefully raise the awareness needed to move the industry to action in providing more support to those struggling with substance abuse.

This year’s State of Addiction: Hollywood panel discussion was moderated by Chris Gardner, journalist for The Hollywood Reporter. Gardner, who has 15 years of experience covering feature film, celebrities, culture and the business of the entertainment industry, was joined by panelists:

  • Stephen Moyer, actor (star of HBO’s television series True Blood) and CLARE Foundation board member
  • Brian Gersh, film producer and former agent with the William Morris Agency who has represented Hollywood A-listers
  • Harold Owens, Senior Director of MusiCares/MAP Fund, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (GRAMMY Organization) addiction recovery program
  • Dae Medman, Director of Employee Assistance Program, Actor’s Fund
  • Kevin McLaughlin, Sober Coach with over 15 years of working with people in the music and entertainment industry
  • Jennifer Musselman, Sr. Director of Strategy and Innovation for CLARE Foundation, who oversees the program treatment services at Conscious Recovery and formerly Sr. Director of Communications at MTV Networks’ Kids and Family Entertainment for Nickelodeon

“It was truly an honor to participate in today’s panel discussion,” said Dea Medman, director of the employee assistant program at the Actor’s Fund. “I understand first-hand how devastating addiction can be and I believe now is the time for Hollywood to have an honest conversation about the pervasiveness of this issue in the industry.”

Assembly member Richard Bloom (CA-50), who sits on the Arts and Entertainment committee in Sacramento, were among many state and county elected officials in attendance. Together they discussed and explored potential policy solutions to this problem. Currently, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) only provides medical insurance coverage that includes substance abuse treatment, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic medication to what they consider “Tier I” actors. Providing mental health coverage for all would be ideal. Also, there is no mandate in place that requires studios to have trained mental health professionals capable of conducting assessments and interventions present on-set. While this would be beneficial for all talent, it would be especially beneficial for those under the age of 18, who are most vulnerable to the stress of the industry and substance abuse.

“While Oscar winners can afford to pay the $60,000 – $90,000 a month for substance abuse treatment services, we’re advocating for the, extras, costume designers, grips and up-and-coming actors who are part of SAGs more than 100,000 members often underinsured or have no insurance at all,” said Jennifer Musselman, senior director of strategy and innovation for CLARE Foundation and former Nickelodeon executive. “The industry needs a strategy for prevention and intervention. It starts with today’s conversation around on-set access to mental health professionals and expanded affordable care coverage for all.”

Conscious Recovery by CLARE, is a non-profit intensive-outpatient substance abuse treatment facility located just seven blocks from the beach in Santa Monica, CA. Conscious Recovery was introduced by CLARE Foundation one year ago, as an innovative treatment program that offers highly effective drug and alcohol counseling services to mid-market clients. Treatment is focused on client’s strengths, needs and aspirations, and sessions are conducted primarily by doctorate and masters level clinicians who are trained to support most co-occurring disorders. Conscious Recovery is currently in-network with Anthem Blue Cross and accepts most PPO insurance plans. As one of the few providers on the Westside in-network with insurance companies, Conscious Recovery offers a uniquely affordable and effective treatment option that truly helps increase access to quality care for all.

For more event information please contact CLARE Foundation’s Director of Strategic Communications & Government Affairs Erika Braxton-White at 310-850-6552 or at ebraxtonwhite@clarefoundation.org.

About CLARE Foundation
CLARE Foundation was established in 1970 with the vision of: Saving Lives through Recovery. For the past 45 years, CLARE has been one of the most successful non-profit addiction treatment providers in Los Angeles County. As a leader in the field of substance abuse treatment and prevention, CLARE continues to provide compassionate and affordable residential, inpatient, outpatient and sober living treatment programs for people in need. CLARE also has a prevention program for youth that reaches out to local high school and middle school students throughout the county. Using a variety of methods including individualized treatment protocols grounded in evidence-based practices, CLARE continues to help those confronting addiction and produce positive and long-lasting results for those who seek treatment that works. For more information about the CLARE Foundation, please visit www.clarefoundation.org.