• Summary

  • An investigation into the widespread culture of sexual misconduct and abuse persistent in the addiction treatment industry.
    New Hampshire Public Radio
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Episodes
  • Trailer: The 13th Step
    May 31 2023

    Reporter Lauren Chooljian starts getting tips about the founder of New Hampshire’s largest addiction treatment network. He is allegedly sexually harassing or assaulting women — employees and former clients at his facilities. The tips send Lauren on a journey deep into the addiction treatment industry, which, as one source says, “needs a #MeToo movement.”

    The 13th Step is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team, coming June 6th. More at 13thsteppodcast.org.

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    5 mins
  • 1: The Shadow
    Jun 6 2023

    What is “the 13th step,” and why does it matter? It all starts with understanding what it’s like to be in the earliest days of recovery. We meet two women who say they were harassed during early recovery. And we meet the man who allegedly harassed them – the founder of New Hampshire’s largest addiction treatment network.

    The 13th Step is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team. More at 13thsteppodcast.org.

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    35 mins
  • 2: The God of Recovery
    Jun 6 2023

    As Eric Spofford tells it, he spent his teen years in the throes of addiction and crime. When he got sober, he became a crusader for recovery. We hear how he built his company – and his power. And we hear allegations that he abused that power by sexually assaulting members of his own staff.

    The 13th Step is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team. More at 13thsteppodcast.org.

    Nearly all the music in this podcast was written by Jason Moon. At the top of this episode, we used an excerpt of a track by “grapes” featuring J. Lang and Morusque. It’s called “I dunno.”

    To support investigative journalism like The 13th Step at NHPR, click here.

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    50 mins

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Recovered 11 years

Your investigation is appreciated. After 11 years in recovery there is a difference between long term recovery (12 steps) and rehab, profit motive. Rehab lastes 30 days and then the rehab says, "Go to AA!" The AA movement is altruistic and ANONYMOUS.
Maybe read the BB, without your prejudice from bad players in rehab community. We try and deal with predators in our fellowship.
Please do not paint the recovery community with the same brush as the rehab programs. They are very different.
Thanks

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Excellent long form investigative reporting

Hats off to NHPR. They continue to do great work, even when it’s hard.
My heart goes out to all of the women who came forward, and even more to the women who couldn’t. They all have their reasons.

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