Ira Mothner, 2014 August 19 and August 27

Containers:

Box 2

Scope and content:

In the first session, Mothner describes his career in magazine journalism, and, subsequently, in speechwriting for the Mayor of New York. He explains his prior connection to therapeutic communities, which led to his involvement with Phoenix House. He describes the process of writing the book Drugs, Parents and Children (1972) with Mitchell Rosenthal. He details the early therapeutic community methods, including tactics of humiliation. He speaks to his personal connection to addiction. Mothner describes his role in fundraising and crafting the Phoenix House narrative. He discusses the "academy model of treatment." Finally, Mothner comments on methadone versus therapeutic treatment for addiction, and recent marijuana legalization battles. In the second session, Mothner speaks on substance abuse among adolescents today. He discusses Phoenix House's changing treatment model, especially the role of adolescents in its evolution. He comments on the social aspects of working at Phoenix House, particularly his working relationship with Mitchell Rosenthal. He also comments on the Abraham Beame investigation and the plans for the Nancy Reagan Center in California. Finally, Mothner describes some of the major fundraising galas at Phoenix House.

Interview by Caitlin Bertin-Mahieux.

Biographical / historical:

Ira Mothner is an author, journalist and public relations consultant, with extensive experience in magazine journalism. In the 1970s, he collaborated with Mitchell Rosenthal on a book entitled Drugs, Parents and Children (1972). He is also the author of How to Get Off Drugs (1984).

Access and use