The Harris Project, a national organisation that raises awareness, advances prevention, and supports the implementation of integrated treatment for teens and young adults with or at … read morerisk of developing co-occurring disorders (COD), launched a powerful PSA film that addresses the dangers and threats of self-medication with drugs and alcohol for those with underlying mental health conditions. The three-minute film portrays a seemingly innocent drinking game that quickly escalates to unveil the dangerous intersect between substance use and mental health as told through the chaotic inner monologue of one young girl as she struggles. The Harris Project was founded by Stephanie Marquesano following the accidental overdose death of her 19-year-old son Harris, who had an anxiety disorder and ADHD. Harris turned first to marijuana and later to prescription medications in an attempt to cope and manage. Harris had been discharged from a program and sober living environment about 36 hours before his death on October 23rd, 2013 – the rehabilitation system failed to properly address his COD. Based on Harris's story, the organisation was created to improve outcomes around COD. The film, written by Havas New York, was shot by renowned director Daniel Wolfe, known for his bold, subversive work in commercials, films, and music videos. Daniel, along with the entire production crew and the lead actress in the film, have themselves struggled with mental health and substance misuse in real life.
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