Webcast Series: The Power of Language and Portrayals: What We Hear, What We See

This series of four webcasts will guide members of the news and entertainment media in writing about or portraying people with substance use disorders and the reality of hope in recovery.

April 11–May 9, 2017

Webcasts

Access webcasts designed to help journalists and entertainment creators use the best possible language in portrayals of people with substance use disorders.

The following webcasts guide members of the news and entertainment media in writing about or portraying people with substance use disorders and the reality of hope in recovery. These educational tools were produced by SAMHSA in partnership with the Entertainment Industries Council(link is external). Learn more about The Power of Language and Portrayals: What We Hear, What We See initiative.

The webcasts will air live beginning in February 2017. They will be made available afterward on SAMHSA’s YouTube Channel(link is external). Information on program login will be provided closer to webcast air dates.

Trauma and Peer Engagement

Air Date: February 9, 2017

Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET/11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m PT

This webcast will explore the impact of trauma on individuals and those who witness traumatic experiences in various environments—such as home, school, and community—as it relates to substance use disorders. Trauma and violence in the U.S. is widespread, harmful, and costly public health concerns. Just like substance use disorders, trauma can affect anyone with no regard to age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. The webcast will address the positive effect that various groups such as the faith community and peer-to-peer engagement plays in helping individuals get the treatment and recovery services needed.

View the invitation to participate and register for the Trauma and Peer Engagement webcast.(link is external)

Treatment and Recovery: Research to Practice

Air Date: March 23, 2017

What are the best practices for treatment and recovery best meet the specific needs of various age groups? This webcast aims to inspire the creative community to write stories with authentic characters in situations that address an individual or family’s search for effective and appropriate treatment and recovery services. The webcast will center on the common denominators and age specific factors that are critical when looking for treatment and recovery services to achieve the best outcome. Using SAMHSA’s best practice findings, the panel will address key elements the writers should consider when staging a treatment-related program or in script about an individual or family members seeking help. Panelists will discuss specific populations—such as older Americans, school age youth, and veterans—and the specific needs for each of the populations.

Inside Treatment and Recovery: A Look at the Transition

Air Date: April 27, 2017

This webcast will explore the personal and social challenges of recovery within various age groups. There can be challenges in transitioning to a life in recovery in aspects such as socializing, school settings, housing and employment. The webcast will look at the personal and social challenges and how individuals rebuild personal confidence and trust among family and friends. The discussion will highlight the benefits and challenges of living one day at a time, remaining hopeful and experiencing the joy of recovery. Panelists will discuss personal stories of individuals who, because of treatment and recovery services are now living in long-term recovery and giving back to their community. It is important for members of the entertainment media to use accurate and hopeful stories to motivate others to seek needed services and help to dismiss the negative and prejudicial beliefs surrounding treatment and recovery.

Substance Use Disorders and Other Health-related Issues in Primary Care

Air Date: June 8, 2017

This webcast will discuss the challenges faced by primary care providers and their staff and the unique needs of their patients and families regarding substance use disorders. What training do primary care physicians and their staff receive to effectively identify and treat patients with substance use disorders, and other health-related conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, HIV, Hepatitis C? What is available to insure health care professionals have adequate information to refer patients to appropriate local resources for treatment and recovery services? With the dramatic rise of opioid abuse and overdose, and other related health issues, it is imperative that primary care physicians and their staff are prepared to serve their patients and all of their needs.

Resources for the Media

National Recovery Month in September increases awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and promotes recovery.
Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health reviews findings about substance misuse and how you can use that knowledge to address it.
The SAMHSA Voice Awards program honors television and film professionals and consumers who educate the public about behavioral health.
The Carter Center Journalism Resource Guide on Behavioral Health (PDF | 1.0 MB)(link is external) helps with accurate, fair, and sensitive reporting and portrayals.
Reportingonsuicide.org(link is external) provides recommendations for media coverage of suicide and at-risk populations.
Media Guidelines for Bullying Prevention is a federal resource for journalists covering this social issue.