Pubdate: Fri, 25 Apr 2014
Source: Daily Mail (UK)
Copyright: 2014 Associated Newspapers Ltd
Contact:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/108
Author: Bobbie Whiteman

HELPING OTHERS! RECOVERING ADDICT MELANIE GRIFFITH FLIES INTO LA
AFTER INSPIRATIONAL SPEECH AT DRUG ABUSE SUMMIT IN ATLANTA

She's well known for her own addiction battles with alcohol, drugs and
prescription painkillers.

On Thursday Melanie Griffith flew into Los Angeles after speaking at
the National RX Drug Abuse Summit, a three-day event at the Atlanta
Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, Georgia.

The 56-year-old looked in the pink - literally - in an unusual
blush-coloured leather jacket and matching bag, paired with ripped
blue skinny jeans and black ankle booties.

The Working Girl star pulled her blonde tresses back into a bun while
her fringe framed her face.

The star appeared to be wearing very little make-up beyond some
blusher and dark pink lipstick and she hid her eyes behind her
favourite pair of cat-eye sunglasses.

On Wednesday, Melanie was the keynote speaker at the three-day Drug
Abuse Summit, which kicked off on Tuesday.

The star is an ardent campaigner on behalf of addicts of all stripes,
having been in rehab herself several times.

Before her speech, she spoke to local CBS affiliate WYMT.TV, saying:
'I think it's really important that people know - everyone from every
walk of life - that there are many addicts and alcoholics in our
country and we all need help.'

Melanie bravely admitted that her biggest issue was admitting she was
addicted.

'You don't want to be an alcoholic,' she added. 'You don't want to be
a drug addict. But if you're afraid to ask for help because of the
stigma and the shame of it, then it just stays the way that it is.'

After battling addiction for three decades the actress described
recovery as 'getting out of prison.'

And she shared her Atlanta experience with her 92,000 followers on
Twitter, saying: 'Speaking at the  yesterday  and  in attendance was
wonderful!#soberpals'

Earl Hightower is the founder of Hightower Intervention Services that
helps recovering addicts coming out of residential treatment survive
the first 60 days without relapsing while Republican Hal Rogers, who
is chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, leads the
fight to stop prescription drug abuse.

When it comes to her onscreen career, Melanie is staying loyal to her
husband of 17 years, Spanish actor-director Antonio Banderas, 53.

The couple recently finished working on the sci-fi thriller Automata
and next will work together in the drama Akil that Antonio is
directing and Melanie is starring in.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D