The Real Edition to Join the UNITE To Face Addiction Rally

WASHINGTON - Aug. 28, 2015 - PRLog -- TheRealEdition.com, a dynamic and inclusive new online community for addicts, is proud to join over 450 local, state and national organizationsat the “UNITE to Face Addiction” rally, a free event on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, October 4, 2015.

This coalition will launch a first-of-its-kind campaign to confront America’s denial about the most urgent health crisis facing our nation today – addiction to alcohol and other drugs.

The rally is being planned by Facing Addiction, a new organization dedicated to changing the conversation around, and bring new solutions to the addiction crisis in America.

“UNITE to Face Addiction will mark the first time our nation will collectively stand up to addiction,” said Greg Williams, co-founder of Facing Addiction and a person in long-term recovery. “Twenty-two million Americans are currently suffering from a substance use disorder, far too many of those affected have been incarcerated, and more than 23 million others are living in recovery. When you include the families of the afflicted, addiction impacts over 85 million people – we all know somebody.  It’s not ‘those’ people, it’s all of us.”

The rally will mark “The Day the Silence Ends” for addicts and their loved ones, a motto that describes the very purpose of TheRealEdition.com, a platform built specifically for sharing real addiction stories. The website was founded by two recovering addicts: Jason Smith, author of prescription drug abuse memoir, The Bitter Taste of Dying; and Matt Mendoza, a business graduate and entrepreneur. From their own personal recovery experiences, both Smith and Mendoza believe that by embracing the brokenness that results from addiction, the addict is set free.

“History shows us a pattern that great transformations arise from ugly beginnings, and recovery is the process of turning something destructive into something beautiful,” says Mendoza. “The Real Edition’s mission from day one has been to shine a light on addiction stories–the good, the bad and the ugly. We are thrilled to be partners with an event of this magnitude, and we are looking forward to helping change the way people look at addiction.”

“We’re starting to see a generational shift,” says Smith, “where many who’ve been caught up in addiction and alcoholism are more willing to show their faces and discuss their struggles. That’s what The Real Edition is about. This willingness humanizes addiction in a way that was rare until very recently.”

There are many ways to get involved with this groundbreaking event – The Real Edition is organizing a delegation to attend, and there are various volunteer opportunities available.  Supporters can also get involved by donating to end the silence around the addiction crisis by texting FACING to 41444.

Additional performers and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information about Facing Addiction, including how to donate and updates about the UNITE to Face Addiction rally, please visit FacingAddiction.org and follow @FacingAddiction and #UNITEtoFaceAddiction on Twitter.

Follow TheRealEdition.com on Twitter at @therealedition and on Facebook a facebook.com/therealedition to keep updated on events prior to and during the UNITE to Face Addiction rally.


About Facing Addiction

The UNITE to Face Addiction rally is being organized by Facing Addiction Inc., a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to finding solutions to the addiction crisis, as well as an independent coalition of national, state, and local non-profit organizations.For more information, visit FacingAddiction.org.

About TheRealEdition.com

The Real Edition is devoted to destroying the stigma surrounding addiction, allowing anyone who’s been affected by addiction to share their experiences and connect to others who may have gone through similar struggles. The Real Edition is online “community” in the true sense of the word; where news, opinions, and personal narratives are facilitated on a site that encourages dialogue, discussion, and ultimately, connection. Create a profile and submit your story at TheRealEdition.com.