True ‘Blue’ portrayals of recovery

Proudly sporting jackets emblazoned with an image of the mythical phoenix, several former teen addicts celebrated their rise from the ashes at a benefit honoring ABC’s “NYPD Blue.” Months before, they’d been drug or alcohol dependent. Now, clean and sober after treatment at Phoenix House, they moved with humility and gratitude among the guests who came to encourage them.

If not for the treatment he received, one former meth user believed he’d be on the streets. “Or dead,” the 15-year-old whispered during the “Achievement Award” dinner at Hotel Bel-Air, where Emmy Award-winning actor Dennis Franz -- who plays the recovering alcoholic Andy Sipowicz on “NYPD Blue” -- schmoozed with Phoenix House boosters such as L.A. Police Chief William J. Bratton. Another teen, who began to drink at age 9 after the loss of her father, believed that she too may have ended up dead. “I started with alcohol, turned to weed and then began using meth,” she said. “Phoenix House has taught me responsibility -- to myself and society.”

The national nonprofit organization relies on a “therapeutic community” methodology in which peers receive treatment in a residence over an extended period of time, explained Winnie Wechsler, regional director. It chose to honor “NYPD Blue” because the show has addressed “the question of substance abuse and the challenge of recovery,” Phoenix House President Mitchell Rosenthal told the crowd Jan. 22. “A memorable moment for us was when a detective told an addict to get help from Phoenix House.

“Phoenix House is not about drugs, it’s about change,” he added. “We know that no matter how far people have strayed or how deep they have fallen, they can recover, change, grow and start again.”

Presenting the award to Franz and other members of the cast, Bratton said that “more than any other show, ‘NYPD Blue’ portrays the reality of the world that I’ve chosen to make my world.” Then he made Franz an honorary officer of the LAPD, pinning him with a badge. “Show that to any cop in L.A. and you’ll get a ticket,” he quipped.