Addiction: The Next Step
It's time to talk openly about addiction.
Drug use. Alcohol consumption. Gambling. Each has become more prevalent in recent years. Our podcast provides information and inspiration for those ready to take "the next step" in addressing the sources of addiction in their lives.
Expert interviews.
Survivor and hero stories.
Details on services and supports available now for you or your loved one.
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports is here for you.
Every Step of the Way.
Episodes
61 episodes
Music as a Lifeline: Road Recovery's Journey to Healing
Imagine a world where the rhythm of music serves as a lifeline for those battling addiction. Join us as we sit down with Jack Bookbinder and Gene Bowen, the minds behind Road Recovery, a transformative program using the power of music to guide ...
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19:03
Finding Strength in Every Step: The Summer Smith 5K
A mother's profound experience unfolds as Kristin Smith shares the heart-wrenching journey of her daughter, Summer Smith. This episode offers a deeply personal account of how a bright young girl's life was drastically changed by trauma, leading...
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25:21
Problem Gambling: A Look Inside Treatment
Explore the complex world of problem gambling with us, where we promise to uncover the hidden nature of this addiction in the age of mobile sports wagering. Join me, Jerry Gretzinger, as I sit down with Stephen McLaughlin from McPike Addiction ...
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14:28
Hope Amidst Crisis: Chautauqua County’s Overdose Turnaround
Discover how Chautauqua County is turning the tide on the overdose crisis with remarkable success. Join me, Jerry Gretzinger, as I sit down with Steve Kilburn, the dedicated Substance Use and Addiction Services Coordinator for the Chautauqua Co...
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16:58
Second Chances: Building a Future Beyond Addiction
What happens when a life marked by incarceration and addiction finds hope through the power of peer support? Rudy Fernandez's story is a testament to resilience and transformation, as he reveals his journey from early exposure to marijuana to h...
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19:55
From Hitting Big to Hitting Bottom: A Cautionary Gambling Tale
Could a single win at a casino change the course of your life? Scott Meyer joins us to recount his emotional journey from casual gambling with friends and family to an all-consuming addiction that started with a jackpot win at age 32. Scott pai...
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22:08
From Trials into Triumph: Two Different Journeys to Recovery
When faced with the trials of addiction and the journey to recovery, the stories of Danial Jordan and Charles Lloyd offer a beacon of hope. Imagine confronting your struggles head-on and transforming them into stepping stones for a brighter fut...
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22:30
Addressing Substance Use in Domestic Abuse
Explore the intricate web between substance use and domestic violence with Jerry Gretzinger on "Addiction: The Next Step." Joined by April Maas, the Director of Policy, Innovation, and Professional Education at the Office for Prevention of Dome...
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11:46
Heartbreak and Hope: A Mother's Story of Loss and Advocacy in the Face of Addiction
Nanette Matthews joins us with a story that breaks hearts but also opens eyes. Imagine losing not just one, but two loved ones to the same relentless foe: addiction. Nanette bravely shares the emotional journey of her son, Antoine Brewster, a t...
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16:37
Launching a Spanish Podcast: Expanding Addiction Resources for the Latino Community
How do we ensure that vital information about substance use and addiction reaches every corner of our diverse communities? Tune in to discover how Addiction the Next Step is breaking new ground by launching a Spanish-speaking podcast! Join host...
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11:12
Recovery Month: A Guide to Supportive Services
As we wrap up Recovery Month, we take a closer look at the supportive services available across New York State. We explore the power of peer support in the journey to recovery from substance use disorder, and look at the exciting future of cert...
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20:08
Degree for Free: Millions Available through NYS Addiction Care Scholarship
What if you could be part of the solution to the addiction and overdose epidemic, and help save lives through workforce development? On this episode of "Addiction: The Next Step," we sit down with Sophia Favelus, the project manager for OASAS i...
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11:35
Learning to Prevent Overdose
This episode promises to equip you with the knowledge and tools that are saving lives every day. Join us as we sit down with Jessica Sorbello, Project Director of Project COPE, to uncover the groundbreaking work being done to support New York S...
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10:26
Clearing Up Confusion: Fentanyl Facts & Fiction
Can simply touching fentanyl really lead to an overdose? Join us in the latest episode of Addiction: The Next Step, as we debunk this and other pervasive myths.
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22:56
Expert Tips for Navigating Insurance Coverage for Behavioral Health
Struggling with the maze of insurance while trying to get mental health or substance use disorder care? You're not alone. Join us this episode as we promise to arm you with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate this complex terrain. We s...
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14:42
Words Matter: How Language Shapes Addiction Recovery
Can a simple change in language truly impact someone's path to recovery? In this episode, we explore this compelling question with Mary Brewster, from the Division of Harm Reduction. We introduce the newly released stigma glossary, a r...
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12:21
Running Towards Recovery: One Woman's Marathon Journey After Addiction
In this episode, we speak with Amy Menard, a marathon runner. Seven years ago, she was given six months to live. Diagnosed with acute alcoholic cirrhosis, her body was failing. But today, Amy is a multi-marathon finisher. This is a story of inc...
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24:44
Bright Spots amidst Dark Trends in New York's Overdose Crisis
Ever wondered how a small shift in data could signal a turning point in a crisis? Join me, Jerry Gretzinger, on "Addiction the Next Step" as I sit down with OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham to unpack some promising news in the battle a...
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9:24
Miss New York: My Substance Use & Recovery Story
Can anyone truly understand the struggles of substance use disorder without hearing the stories of those affected? Meet Victoria Treadwell, the 2023 Miss New York for America Strong, whose incredible journey from growing up on a dairy farm to...
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14:31
Alert: 7 Overdose Deaths, 6 Hours, 1 County
How do we tackle an unprecedented wave of overdose deaths in such a short span? We invite you to explore the urgent and distressing situation in Erie County, where seven lives were lost to overdoses within just six hours. Our guests, Stephen Wh...
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14:12
Sheriff says Naloxone was Key in Reducing County’s Overdose Deaths
Discover the powerful impact of naloxone in combating overdose rates in Cayuga County as Sheriff Brian Schenck joins us for an eye-opening discussion. What if a simple tool could drastically reduce overdose incidents and save countless lives? S...
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13:32
Creating Inclusive Recovery: Support for LGBTQ+
Can small changes make a big difference in someone's recovery journey? Laura Combs, the Executive Director at New Choices Recovery Center, believes so. Join us for a candid conversation about creating inclusive addiction services during Pride M...
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10:02