Social Model Recovery Systems was glad to be one of the sponsors of the Writers in Treatment 13th Annual Experience, Strength & Hope Awards Show, which took place on December 6, 2023 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
Writers in Treatment hosts the annual Experience, Strength & Hope Awards, publishes the biweekly Addiction/Recovery eBulletin®, and organizes the international REEL Recovery Film Festival & Symposium. The Experience, Strength & Hope Awards acknowledges sober celebrities who have authored memoirs detailing their recovery journey. Notable past honorees include Sports agent and philanthropist Leigh Steinberg, KTLA News Anchor Courtney Friel, and actor Danny Trejo. This award recognizes individuals for their memoirs that honestly depict the path from addiction to sobriety, emphasizing their dedication and enthusiasm for raising awareness and diminishing the stigma associated with addiction.
Previous Experience, Strength & Hope Awards recipient John Taylor, co-founder of Duran Duran, had the honor of presenting this year’s award to the beloved actor, Ed Begley Jr. for his memoir, “To the Temple of Tranquility…And Step On It!” Ed Begley Jr. is known for his versatile career in film and television, from roles on classic shows such as St. Elsewhere to recent performances in Better Call Saul and Young Sheldon. His book covers various aspects, including his relationship with his legendary father, encounters with Hollywood icons, the origins of his environmental activism, addiction, and recovery experiences, and his ongoing quest for wisdom and common ground.
The awards show was hosted by comedienne Paula Poundstone. It featured captivating performances including spoken word poetry by James Black, a musical showcase by Julian Velard from New York City, and a headline comedy performance by the talented Wendy Liebman. Gratitude was expressed to the sponsors by actress Joanna Cassidy. Tony Denison presented the “Annual Reel Film Festival’s Audience Favorite Award” to Meredith Johnston for the “Wherever You Are, There You Go” feature film. The film features the character Baby, an addict in recovery, who embarks on a cross-country journey to make amends to those she’s wronged.
Founded in 2008 by Leonard Lee Buschel and Robert Downey Sr., Writers in Treatment is a unique organization that aids individuals in the writing industry grappling with alcoholism and drug addiction to access treatment. Grounded in the arts and recovery, the organization strives to save lives by advocating for treatment as the primary solution for addiction and alcoholism, reducing stigmas through cultural events, and providing support for individuals on the path to recovery. They emphasize the importance of community, entertainment, and cultural stimulation in inspiring enthusiasm for clean and sober living while offering free referrals to treatment providers.
In a world where the stigma surrounding addiction persists, organizations such as Social Model Recovery Systems and Writers in Treatment continue to make strides toward change. The Experience, Strength & Hope Awards Show not only honors those who have triumphed over addiction but also serves as a beacon of hope for others beginning their journey toward a healthier, sober life. The event reinforces the message that recovery is possible, and with community support, individuals can find the strength to overcome addiction.
