Are We Living in a Nation of Junkies?

Online, April 19, 2011 (Newswire.com) - TV journalist and author, Jane Velez-Mitchell, has announced the release of her new book, "Addict Nation," with co-author, Sandra Mohr. Velez-Mitchell examines the growing levels of addiction in America, from illicit drugs and fast food to the Internet. She spares no aspect of modern society and reveals her own battle with addiction to food and alcohol.

"There's a growing trend in America to try and solve all manner of discomfort, real or imagined, physical or emotional, with a pill," said Velez-Mitchell. "That tendency has morphed into a cultural addiction. Nationwide, deaths from prescription drug overdoses are the second leading cause of accidental death behind car accidents. In some states, prescription O.D.s are the leading cause of accidental fatalities."

"Addict Nation" is the intervention and wake up call for which many have been waiting and others will deny. In the pursuit of happiness as laid down by the founding fathers, Americans are sinking ever deeper into addictions of all types. Some are obvious, such as smoking and drinking, illegal drugs and prescription pharmaceuticals. Many are much more insidious and aren't being addressed as addictions. They take the form of over eating, excessive cleaning and an obsession with gadgets.

Overconsumption is one of the largest problems facing Americans, driving them into self-destructive behavior in all facets of their lives. Velez-Mitchell explores the obesity epidemic and its correlation with the rise in fast food, teens' addiction to texting and the need to check social media websites multiple times throughout the day. Technology in all its many forms has made it possible to extend life, create more flavorful food and communicate at lightning fast speeds. It's also created a population that lives from one moment to the next, awaiting its next fix.

As part of America's addiction, individuals regularly purchase more food than they can eat, clothing they'll never wear and vehicles they don't drive. Porn and gambling are freely available on the Internet. There are more TVs than people in the average American household. They're all signs of addiction, but for those who don't realize they're addicts, the self-destructive behavior continues.

"Addict Nation" exposes addictive behavior in the U.S. and points out in stark detail why people can't consume their way to happiness. Velez-Mitchell writes with wit and wisdom, providing anecdotes throughout the book. She also provides shocking statistics that will make anyone stop and rethink their behaviors. The book also offers some interesting and controversial insights into environmental solutions based on the reduction of consumerism. Velez-Mitchell has provided the intervention that Americans desperately need to understand a growing lack of happiness and disillusionment in today's society.

An award winning television journalist and New York Times bestselling author, Velez-Mitchell is the host of her own show on HLN, "Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell." She often provides commentary on high profile issues for CNN, TruTV and E! She's a guest host for the headline news show, "Nancy Grace," and reports for "Celebrity Justice." She's the author of "Secrets Can Be Murder: The Killer Next Door," and "iWant: My Journey from Addiction and Overconsumption to a Simpler, Honest Life."

The book's co-author, Sandra Mohr, is a director and editor in Los Angeles, CA and assisted Velez-Mitchell in her previous books. Mohr produces programming and commercials for TV, film and the Internet at her company, Mohr Productions, Inc. She co-founded the media site, FreeAnimalVideo.org. She recently released the documentary, "Stock Shock-The Short Selling of the American Dream." Mohr edited the documentary, "Behind the Mask," about people imprisoned for helping animals. She's received numerous awards, including Best Documentary Feature at the Independent Features Film Festival and The Other Venice Film Festival.

For more information, visit the website at http://addictnation.org.

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