The Partnership at Drugfree.org Collaborates With Award-Winning TV Personality and Celebrity Chef Andrew Zimmern

The Partnership at Drugfree.org Collaborates With Award-Winning TV Personality and Celebrity Chef Andrew Zimmern

~Zimmern to Host Live FACEBOOK Chat on Substance Abuse Recovery ~

NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Partnership at Drugfree.org, a national nonprofit helping parents solve the problem of teen substance abuse, is partnering with award-winning TV personality, chef, father and food writer Andrew Zimmern. He will be the featured guest on the next "Meet The Parents Hour," a popular, live Facebook chat and Q&A session taking place on Thursday, February 2 at 12 p.m. EST/ 9 a.m. PST.

Zimmern is a chef, teacher and renowned personality in the food world. As the co-creator, host and consulting producer of Travel Channel's hit series "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern" and "Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre World," he travels the world, exploring food and international cuisine. In May 2010, Zimmern won the James Beard Award for Outstanding TV Food Personality.

Early in his life, Zimmern struggled with alcoholism and addiction and this year celebrates 20 years in recovery. During "Meet The Parents Hour," he will share his personal story and path to recovery, while offering encouragement to others who may be struggling with a loved one's addiction.

"Addiction/alcoholism is a devastating family disease that is responsible for corroding communities as easily as it takes the lives of those individuals suffering from the direct effects of drinking and drugging," said Zimmern. "But there is also the grace of recovery. The power of that transformation is available to any and all seeking the hand of help offered by those who have solved the problem in their own lives. As a recovering addict and alcoholic, and also as a father, a husband and a son, nothing is more important to me than carrying the message of hope to those that need it most. The Partnership at Drugfree.org believes that also and I am honored to join them to help anyone touched by this devastating illness."

Visitors to The Partnership at Drugfree.org's Facebook wall will have the unique opportunity to chat live with Andrew and hear from others touched by substance abuse. Andrew will be taking questions and answering them in real time during the virtual event.

"We are honored that Andrew has chosen to help us reach parents and families directly with his inspirational, personal story of recovery and triumph," said Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of The Partnership at Drugfree.org. "Andrew is not only an incredible chef with a huge following among 'foodies' all over the world, but he is also a loving father whose encouraging story lets others know that help is available and recovery is possible."

Zimmern also created a poignant video about his recovery as a part of The Partnership at Drugfree.org's You Are Not Alone campaign. For more information on Zimmern, please visit AndrewZimmern.com. To learn more about The Partnership at Drugfree.org, please visit drugfree.org.

About The Partnership at Drugfree.org

Ninety percent of addictions get their start in the teenage years. The Partnership at Drugfree.org is dedicated to helping families solve the problem of teen substance abuse. Bringing together renowned scientists, parent experts and communications professionals, this public health nonprofit translates research on teen behavior, parenting, addiction and treatment into useful and effective resources at drugfree.org. Its You Are Not Alone campaign is dedicated to supporting families of the 11 million teens and young adults who need addiction treatment, while the organization's community education programs reach families at the grassroots level. The Partnership at Drugfree.org mission to help parents prevent, intervene in and find treatment for drug and alcohol use by their children depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and the public sector. We are thankful to SAG/AFTRA and the advertising and media industries for their ongoing generosity.

SOURCE The Partnership at Drugfree.org

The Partnership at Drugfree.org

Web Site: http://www.drugfree.org

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