1. Provide the title of your story or series and the names of the journalists involved.
"Everybody Knows Somebody" by Lane DeGregory. Sidebars by Theresa Gonzales, Barbara Turvett and Ilisa Cohen. Edited by Suzanne Riss.
2. List date(s) this work was published or aired.
November 2010 issue of Working Mother magazine.
3. Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
When the Rolling Stones sang about "mother's little helper" in 1967, the anti-anxiety drug Valium had just hit the market: "And it helps her on her way, gets her through her busy day." Today, Xanax and cabernet are the new Valium, and working moms increasingly depend on them to cope with mounting stresses. The rise is unmistakable: Alcohol abuse among women 30 to 44 has doubled over the past decade, while prescription drug abuse has quadrupled. More and more we hear about working moms with dangerous addictions — from Long Island mom Diane Schuler to pop singer Britney Spears. In a much-needed examination of this unsettling trend, Working Mother reveals the secret lives of women juggling work and family while hiding dangerous addictions. At risk: kids' safety. A staggering one in four children lives with a parent who abuses alcohol. "Everybody Knows Somebody" presents rarely heard voices of women who speak about addictions they once hid from those closest to them. By talking about their recovery, these women offer hope to millions. Rounding out the story: a reader survey, as well as sidebars that include the impact on kids, what to do if a colleague is in trouble, and treatment options.
4. Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS), 1998 — 2008: National Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment Services, US Department of Health and Human Services SAMHSA report FamilyDoctor.org, the health information site of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
5. Explain types of human sources used.
Experts in substance abuse, addiction, child psychology Working Mother Smart Mom Council survey "Real women" sources.
6. Results (if any).
"Everybody Knows Somebody" attracted the interest of more than 150 news organizations, including The Early Show, CNN, CBS Radio, NPR and AOL ParentDish. The story garnered 153,563 audience impressions in print; more than 20 million impressions online. Its impact can perhaps be summed up by this reader's email: "Sometimes the stress is too much. I'll do anything to feel numb. I've lost jobs, been on a financial rollercoaster and all but wrecked my family. It's time to get help."
7. Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No.
8. Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
It took many months to find women who would go on the record about this subject. Cast a wide net.