(Los Angeles, CA – February 21, 2013) – Dr. Phil takes a sobering look at the heroin problem plaguing a town that was once named the safest city in America this Friday, February 22nd (check local listings). It’s a situation that many would associate with big cities, but the residents of Simi Valley are now faced with beating back the infiltration of a drug threatening to destroy the lives of many of its young people.  As recently as 2000 the town ranked first for safety in an FBI survey.  

“This show isn’t about a California town with a drug problem,” said Dr. Phil.  “Simi Valley can really be Anytown, USA, because this is a problem that is running through towns across the country.”

Dr. Phil visited with Simi Valley teens who admit they have tried heroin and revealed how easy it is for them to obtain.  The drug has taken its toll on many in the community including 20-year-old Nik, who is homeless and admits that if he does not get help soon, he will end up in jail or dead.  Also featured on the show is 25-year-old Steven, who has been on drugs for 10 years.  During that time he has gone so far as to steal irreplaceable family heirlooms from his parents to support his heroin habit.  The parents of these young men are forced to look at what could be their future when Dr. Phil hears from mothers and fathers of those who have lost children to heroin and the pain they deal with on a daily basis.    

In addition, Mayor Bob Huber talks to Dr. Phil about his Simi Valley Heroin Task Force and what the group is doing “to stop this problem from hurting our children.”      

Dr. Phil also welcomes Monet back to the show to give viewers an update on her progress.  She was a promising young talent who came to him nearly a year ago to get help for her serious drug problem.   

A clip of the show is available at the following link: http://mediadb.tv/dp_guest1/DR_PHIL_A_TOWN_INTERVENTION.mov

Username:  dp_guest1, Password: dpparamount

Credit footage to CBS Television Distribution / Peteski Productions. 

The syndicated series, DR. PHIL, was created by Harpo Productions, and is produced by Peteski Productions in association with CBS Television Distribution.  DR. PHIL, in its 11th season, is the #1 ranked syndicated daytime talk show, a position held since the conclusion of The Oprah Winfrey Show in May, 2011.