Rock icon turned addiction counselor

For immediate release - Washington, D.C.

February 27, 2009 

Jimmy Destri of Blondie – the iconic ‘70s/’80s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted group – and now recovering drug addict turned addiction counselor, will be guest speaker at the NAADAC (the Association for Addiction Professionals) Advocacy in Action 2009 Conference on Sunday, March 8^th in Arlington, Virginia. As a special guest, Destri will speak about his struggle with addiction and road to recovery during the conference’s PAC Reception on Sunday, March 8^th at 6pm. Destri currently works as an addiction counselor at Carnegie Hill Institute treatment facility in New York City.   

“Jimmy Destri’s evolution from pop celebrity into a passionate addiction counselor is an amazing story of evolution and recovery,” said Cynthia Moreno Tuohy, NCAC II, CCDC III, SAP, and Executive Director of NAADAC. “Jimmy’s dedication demonstrates how addiction can impact on any life and how, with help, resources and dedication, people can bring about positive change in their lives. No one knows how many lives Blondie has touched through their music, but Jimmy's recovery, and his contribution to the community in his role as an addiction counselor, changes lives every day.” 

The Advocacy in Action Conference, which brings together NAADAC and NAATP members from across the country who are passionate about advocating for addiction professionals and treatment providers and their clients, will take place at the Doubletree Crystal City hotel from Sunday, March 8^th through Tuesday, March 10^th.  

About NAADAC

NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals, is the largest organization for addiction-focused health care professionals. Founded in 1974, NAADAC is committed to the professional development of individuals who treat and prevent addiction. NAADAC also works to improve the provision of treatment services through education and advocacy programs. “We help people recover their lives.” 

About Jimmy Destri

In his early 50’s, Jimmy Destri decided to give back to others who suffered from the same horror of drug addiction. For the past several years, he has focused exclusively on getting his Credential Alcohol and Drug Counselor certificate (C.A.S.A.C.) and in Fall 2008, began working full time at New York City’s Carnegie Hill Institute – a renowned drug and alcohol treatment facility run by psychiatrist Harvey Karkus and in business for over 30 years – all while remaining an active member of Blondie. At Carnegie Hill Institute Jimmy spends 5 days a week helping some of the city’s acute and chronically addicted find new life and hope. He declares that he’s been incredibly lucky not once in life but twice, having found a new calling that he’s equally passionate about. 

NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals, is the largest organization for addiction-focused health care professionals. Founded in 1974, NAADAC is committed to the professional development of individuals who treat and prevent addiction. NAADAC also works to improve the provision of treatment services through education and advocacy programs.“We help people recover their lives.”