‘Addiction’ Topic Dear To Moyers

Addiction is more than just a word to PBS’ Bill Moyers. It’s a family matter.

“Moyers on Addiction: Close to Home,” a five-part series to debut in March, was prompted, in part, by the drug and alcohol addiction of Moyers’ eldest child. William Cope Moyers, a promising journalist hit bottom 10 years ago at age 30.

“He just crashed, disappeared for a few days,” Moyers, 62, says in an interview during the TV critics press tour. “As a parent, it’s like trying to deal with the sun, the moon and the stars falling on your head.

“You’re unaware of what’s going on, you’re surprised by it, and you have no skills to cope with it.”

Neither Moyers nor his wife, Judith Davidson Moyers, his executive producer on the series, saw any warning signs with William.

Fortunately, William “turned himself in” for treatment and has been clean for 10 years. He’s now director of public policy for Minnesota’s Hazelden Foundation.