NY mayor-elect's daughter reveals drug,
alcohol abuse
FAMILY UNITY: Mr Bill
de Blasio embracing his son Dante, daughter Chiara and wife
Chiriane after polls closed in the city's primary election in New
York in September.
The teenage daughter of
incoming New York mayor Bill de Biasio has made startling
revelations.
Mr Chiara de Blasio said on Tuesday that she underwent treatment
for depression and drug and alcohol abuse over the past year, the
New York Daily News reported.
"My mum was trying really hard to help me, any
little thing she could, and my dad was doing the same. But
obviously, he was really busy. But they were very emotionally
committed to some way to get me better," she said in a five-minute
video.
For months, her father's aides refused to comment
on reports that his daughter had been treated for substance
abuse.
By authorising the video, which was posted on
YouTube by his transition team, the family was able to tell the
sensitive story on its own terms as the mayor-elect prepares to
take office on Jan 1.
Two hours after the video's release, Mr de Blasio,
Democrat, wrapped his right arm around his college sophomore
daughter and expressed his support.
DEPRESSION
She said she had depression her entire adolescence and had
abused weed and alcohol to cope.
"I just want to say that we are incredibly proud of
Chiara," said the mayor-elect, who was his wife Chirlane and son
Dante, in a show of family unity outside their Park Slope,
Brooklyn, row house.
He praised his daughter for speaking "with
incredible courage and clarity, and with a voice, I think, of just
incredible wisdom for someone who's only 19 years old."
The daughter, who spoke briefly, said: "I hope that
everyone watches the video. I think it speaks for itself."
She wished the assembled media and a live
television audience a "happy holiday season" before the family
turned and walked back into their home.
News, The New Paper, Thursday 26 2013, Pg 29
There's a difference between abuse and take, just like there's a
difference between love and obsession
