October 21-27, 2019 Is National Addiction Treatment Week

October 21, 2019

Earlier this month, the popular television show Sesame Street revealed that a character named Karli has been in foster care because her mother was seeking treatment due to her struggles with addiction. Karli's character is meant to help both children and caregivers understand addiction and why parents may have to be absent for a period of time as they recover, and the online resources featuring Karli also include a 10-year-old girl who has parents in recovery. The creators of Sesame Street hope that including characters such as Karli will help other children feel that they are not alone in their experiences. Their other goal is to reduce the stigma and judgment that can come with having parents who struggle with addiction or are in treatment, or being a parent in these situations. Increasing awareness, especially beginning at such a young age, can help lead to a stigma-free environment, paving the way to accessing appropriate, evidence-based treatment. Karli's revelation comes at a very appropriate time, as October 21 to 27 is National Addiction Treatment Week.

"Highlighting the fact that there are many children out there with parents who are struggling with addiction and receiving treatment is so important and I commend Sesame Street's producers for including this character in the program and making resources available for both children and caregivers to help explain the situation in an age-appropriate manner. Seeking treatment and going through the process of recovery is one of the most positive actions that a person can take, and it is a shame that stigma makes individuals feel ashamed to seek help. There are numerous evidence-based treatments out there, and most of them have good success rates. It cannot be emphasized strongly enough that treatment is available and it works," said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies.

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