Pubdate: Fri, 20 May 2011 Source: Wall Street Journal (US) Copyright: 2011 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Contact: http://www.wsj.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/487 Author: Jen Wieczner SPOTLIGHT ON ADDICTION Galas often feature inspiring testimonials from beneficiaries right before guests are asked to open their checkbooks. When a fund-raiser benefits a drug rehabilitation program, dinner sometimes resembles an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Speakers at Caron Treatment Centers' annual gala Wednesday introduced themselves thus: "Hi, I'm so-and-so, and I'm an alcoholic." Cue crowd: "Hi, so-and-so." The gala at Cipriani 42nd Street raised funds for scholarships to Caron with a special focus on supporting musicians with addiction. "A lot of musicians are alcoholics and addicts," said Dr. John, a musician who performed and was honored at the event. "I'm one," he said, showing off a 20-year sobriety medallion hanging from one of several chunky necklaces. Wearing a hat with colored feathers and sunglasses too dark to see his eyes, Dr. John said he has seen thousands of others struggle. "We don't mention names," he said. Attendees underscored the importance of making addiction treatment more acceptable, especially among musicians. "People know sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll," said Paul Hokemeyer, an addiction therapist, "But sex, drugs and recovery?" He quickly realized his error. "Wait, reverse that-not drugs. It's sex, recovery and rock 'n' roll we're not familiar with." - - Jen Wieczner - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D