Addiction, Treatment and Recovery

We are delighted to share the news that on September 10, 2011, the Television Academy gave a nod to a very important video program. “Nick News With Linda Ellerbee: Under the Influence: Kids of Alcoholics” received the award for Best Children’s Nonfiction Reality or Reality-Competition Program in the Creative Arts portion of the 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

This is not the first award received by the special that features Jerry Moe, National Director, Betty Ford Children’s Program, as the subject matter expert. Earlier this year, the 15th Annual PRISM Awards recognized the program, with the award for Children or Teen Television Program. The PRISM Awards honor actors, movies, music, media and television’s top shows that accurately depict and bring attention to substance abuse and mental health issues.

More than a year in the making, the program premiered in November 2010 in a prime-time slot, and was aired again last February to recognize Children of Alcoholics Week. “Under the Influence: Kids of Alcoholics” tells the story of 5 kids who live with alcoholic parents and the challenges they face because of it. This program features five youth from across the US, including an alum from the Colorado children’s program, who openly and honestly share their experience, strength and hope.

Although the program shows how sad and scary it can be for children living with alcoholism, it also delivers a message of hope. It lets kids know that they are not alone and that there are things they can do to stay safe and cope with the problem.

“This is a great resource for introducing a very sensitive topic to a diverse group of kids,” states Jerry Moe, “particularly in a school setting.” With Linda Ellerbee’s blessing, Jerry Moe has developed a lesson plan to coincide with the program. The objectives of the lesson plan include teaching students about the common problems and feelings of kids living in families hurt by alcoholism, as well as important messages and strategies to empower these children to positively cope with the many challenges they face. Additionally, students will learn how a friend can help.

The video program remains available at no charge in DVD format through the Betty Ford Institute to professionals who work with kids. It may also be downloaded as a free podcast on iTunes. The lesson plan is available now in the Publications at www.bettyfordinstitute.org and will be available soon on Nick’s online resource for teachers.

Get the lesson plan

Download the video program

of the program

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2. ‘Under the Influence’ Program on Nick News Wins Emmy
3. Who’s There? Alcoholics Are Missing “Face Values”
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