MusiCares And Facing Addiction With NCADD Announce Teens Make Music Contest Winners

Facing Addiction with NCADD has partnered with MusiCares® to support the ninth annual MusiCares Teens Make Music Contest. The contest challenged young people to create an original song and/or music video that celebrates life without alcohol or drugs, bringing attention to the real-life consequences of substance misuse.

The judges chose the following with a tie at 3rd place:

1. "Lost" by Andrew McMains and David Bond
2. "Addicted" by Elena Giddons
3. "Where Did You Go" by Julie Ratzloff & "Demons" by Caleb McDonald

The contest was open to 14 to 18-year-olds. Andrew McMains and David Bond received two tickets to the upcoming GRAMMY Awards® in Los Angeles, and are invited to attend the celebration gala afterward. The second and third place winners will get to see the Vans Warped Tour and enjoy other prizes.

Teenagers are considered the most susceptible demographic for developing substance use disorder. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), overdose rates for adolescents increased in 2015 by 3.7 percent. Death rates for drug overdoses among those aged 15-19 in 2015 were highest for opioids, specifically heroin.

Facing Addiction with NCADD is passionate about lifting up young voices in the fight against addiction. Substance use is often normalized in teen peer groups, with half of high school students using marijuana; two-thirds of students trying alcohol; and two in 10 students misusing prescription medicine.

"We are thrilled with the powerful and inspirational songs from the contest this year. Facing Addiction with NCADD knows that young people are the future. Their perspectives on substance use disorder are massively influential in the effort to turn the tide against addiction," said Jim Hood, CEO of Facing Addiction with NCADD. "As overdose rates continue to rise, these young people's messages of hope and strength are critical. The Teens Make Music Contest gives them a powerful platform to speak from."

"Each year, the submissions to the MusiCares Teens Make Music Contest are deeply moving," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy™ and MusiCares. "The contest provides an important vehicle for young people to document their experiences and share their stories about the critical issues around substance abuse. The winning entries this year are a testament to the pressures teens face, and how they choose to live their lives."

This is the first year of partnership between Facing Addiction with NCADD and MusiCares. For more information and to hear the contest winners' songs, please visit www.facingaddiction.org/teens-make-music-contest.

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