Founded in 2008 by author and addiction expert, Leonard Lee Buschel and famed director Robert Downey, Sr., Writers in Treatment® produces and presents events dedicated to the concept that ‘treatment works and recovery is possible’.

The Addiction/Recovery eBulletin® is the only weekly industry newsletter committed to sending out the most up-to-date and relevent news from around the world about addiction, sobriety, mental health, scandals and sober celebrities.

The 13-year old Reel Recovery Film Festival & Symposium  presented in both New York, Los Angeles and Denver is the longest recovery event in the country. It is dedicated to showing recent films that highlight issues of alcoholism, drug addiction, process addictions-including screen addiction and mental illness. The festival has grown to be the premier outlet of addiction/recovery films from around the world, and has an extensive library of over 450 films.

Thank you to everyone who came together in laughter, song, and celebration for this year’s Experience, Strength and Hope Awards. Collectively, we honored Super-Sports Agent, Leigh Steinberg and KTLA News Anchor, Courtney Friel.  They epitomize fearless, unabashed sober people eager to share their stories of recovery with the world.  Whether in their popular memoirs or through social media, Courtney and Leigh have never wavered in their desire to help erase stigma and promote sobriety as a better way of living.

The Experience, Strength and Hope Awards® honors a sober celebrity who has written a memoir including his/her journey from addiction to sobriety. Past honorees and presenters have included Buzz Aldrin, Oscar-winner Lou Gossett, Jr., Jodie Sweetin, John Stamos, Pat O’Brien, Joey Pantoliano, Leigh Steinberg, Courtney Friel, Robert Downey, Jr., Danny Trejo, Mackenzie Phillips, Bobcat Goldthwait, Alonzo Bodden, Bob Forrest and Tony Denison to name a few.

All Writers In Treatment entities depend on its sponsors and advertisers, for more information on how to support this unique organization Contact: Leonard Buschel at 818.762.0461 or email info@writersintreatment.org

The Experience, Strength and Hope Award® is given in recognition of an individuals memoir that includes their honest journey from addiction to recovery, and their dedication and enthusiasm for creating awareness and reducing the stigma of addiction. The Experience, Strength and Hope Awards event was held on December 15, 2021 at the Skirball Cultural Center. In light of the current situation, we decided to scale down from the usual indoor attendance of 300 to a more intimate sit-down dinner for 50-100. The Experience, Strength and Hope Award was presented to Leigh Steinberg (last year’s recipient, postponed due to Covid) and to Courtney Friel, this year’s recipient.

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Honoring Super Agent Leigh Steinberg

author of “The Agent: My 40-Year Career Making Deals and Changing the Game”

AND

KTLA news anchor. Courtney Friel

author of “TONIGHT at 10: Kicking Booze and Breaking News.”

Host: Shadoe Stevens

Headliners Alonzo Bodden with Comedian; Stevie Mack

Musical performance by 8-time Grammy Award Winner Philip Lawrence

More special guests TBA