The popular Showtime comedy/drama “Nurse Jackie” gives us the chance to explore the fact that people with one or more addiction issues are not just derelicts on skidrow, or gang members in the hood, but your neighbors, co-workers, friends and family. As the program shows, people with addiction issues can be professionals, actors, athletes, politicians, teachers, and appear to be normal and responsible citizens. This understanding is important to finding ways of addressing this large public health issue. We also look at how the publicity of addiction may be making the “Anonymous” in Alcoholics Anonymous, and similar group, less relevant today.