Addiction kills—plain and simple. According to a new study from the Department of Heath and Human Services, only 8 percent of women who suffer seek help. Why? According to Debbie Carroll, executive director of MusiCares, it's because of shame. "Women continue to be stigmatized (for being addicts), mainly because of their role in their families and community," Carroll says. "They want to hide their problem." Women are trying to "treat" themselves, an impossible task for an addict, for fear of losing their children, their jobs or possibly even having to serve jail time. The Department of Transportation released a study indicating that the number of women abusing alcohol, according to related traffic arrests, has risen 28 percent in the past 10 years.

The issue is tragic. This year, MusiCares, which was established by the Recording Academy, and its MAP (Musicians' Assistance Program) fund are focusing on helping women find help via a kick-off concert/fundraiser in Los Angeles on May 7 and a yearlong, nationwide PSA campaign targeting women.

Former first lady Betty Ford and the Betty Ford Center will be saluted during the concert at Club Nokia. Her daughter, Susan Ford Bales, will be on hand to accept the award. An all-star lineup will perform to raise funds, including Charlotte Caffey and Kathy Valentine of the Go Go's, Bow Wow Wow's Annabella Lwin, Beth Hart and Slash, former Hole drummer Patty Schemel, Lemmy from Motorhead, Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum, Paul Ill and Linda Perry. Samantha Ronson will DJ live in memory of the late DJ AM, who struggled and died of addiction and DJed the event last year.

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