Podcasts > Bear Brook > Introducing: The 13th Step

Introducing: The 13th Step

By NHPR

In this piercing episode of "Bear Brook," journalist Lauren Chooljian embarks on a daring exposé, uncovering allegations of sexual misconduct within the ranks of addiction treatment leadership. Delving deep into a world where vulnerable individuals seek help, Chooljian encounters stories of personal boundaries violated and unwanted advances from those entrusted to guide recovery. The episode paints a sobering picture of the systemic challenges that face movements aiming to address such misconduct, particularly within the specialized context of addiction recovery. With sources revealing their struggles and fears, Chooljian herself becomes a target, as retaliation strikes close to home, raising alarm over the protection of those brave enough to come forward.

The investigation further lays bare the troubling absence of proper regulation within the addiction treatment industry, as explored in Chooljian's podcast alongside co-speaker Jason Moon. "The 13th Step" delves into the allegations against a New Hampshire treatment network leader, highlighting the exploitation hidden behind the facade of support. The term "13th Step" itself suggests a betrayal of trust, serving as a grim metaphor for the predatory behavior witnessed. As the podcast unfolds, the necessity of systemic reform becomes increasingly apparent, urging a call to action against the misuse of power and advocating for the safety and dignity of those seeking a path to recovery.

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Introducing: The 13th Step

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Introducing: The 13th Step

1-Page Summary

Alleged sexual misconduct by addiction treatment leader

Lauren Chooljian, in her investigative reporting, reveals numerous allegations of sexual misconduct by a leader in the addiction treatment industry. These allegations revolve around the violation of personal boundaries and unwanted advances. Sources have openly discussed instances where they felt their discomfort and objections were ignored by the treatment leader. The reporting also addresses how such issues present a challenge to movements like Me Too within this specific sector, emphasizing the paradox of recovery professionals becoming perpetrators. During the course of her investigation, Chooljian faces dangers herself, including retaliation with a threatening act of vandalism on her home and legal action against her and her associate. Concerns extend to the safety of witnesses whose testimonies are crucial to the case.

Addiction treatment industry lacks accountability

Through "The 13th Step," Chooljian's podcast, the addiction treatment industry's darker underbelly is scrutinized for its patterns of abuse and the significant lack of regulation and accountability. The term "13th Step," while not directly defined in the report, alludes to the exploitation of those in recovery. The podcast details how a New Hampshire addiction treatment network leader allegedly used his authority to sexually harass and assault women. It presents the troubling dynamic of power being misused against the vulnerable—women who seek guidance and support in overcoming their addictions—and highlights the industry's dire need for structural changes to prevent such abuses from occurring.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The term "13th Step" in the context of addiction recovery groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) alludes to the inappropriate behavior of more experienced members towards newcomers, often involving sexual advances or exploitation. It signifies a breach of trust and misuse of power within the recovery community, where vulnerable individuals seeking support are taken advantage of by those in positions of authority. The term highlights the need for vigilance and accountability to prevent such misconduct from occurring in these settings. The "13th Step" concept underscores the importance of maintaining safe and respectful environments for all individuals seeking help with their addictions.
  • The dynamics of power misuse against vulnerable women in the addiction treatment industry highlight how individuals in positions of authority exploit their power to harass and assault women seeking help for their addictions. This abuse of power creates a harmful dynamic where vulnerable individuals are subjected to unwanted advances and violations of personal boundaries by those who are supposed to support and guide them through recovery. The imbalance of power between the treatment leaders and the women in recovery exacerbates the vulnerability of the latter, making them more susceptible to manipulation and abuse within the treatment setting. Structural changes are needed within the industry to address these power imbalances and prevent further exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking help for addiction.

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Introducing: The 13th Step

Alleged sexual misconduct by addiction treatment leader

Lauren Chooljian's investigative reporting uncovers multiple allegations of sexual misconduct within the addiction treatment industry, revealing a sobering picture of the system's darker side and the challenges that come with exposing the truth.

Multiple allegations received by Lauren Chooljian from sources

Lauren Chooljian reports on serious allegations against a prominent leader in the addiction treatment industry, after receiving tips about possible professional misconduct.

Details of allegations - boundaries crossed, did not want advances

Several sources came forward to Chooljian with allegations. One of the sources described an incident where her personal boundaries were violated by the treatment leader. Despite her discomfort and lack of desire for these advances, she found herself in a predicament, unsure of how to rebuff them effectively.

Chooljian explores the broader implications of these allegations, discussing the limits of the Me Too movement, particularly within the addiction treatment sphere. An unidentified voice adds to the discussion, highlighting the disturbing normalcy of sexual harassment in such facilities, and notes the irony of those tasked with guiding recovery themselves becoming the aggressors.

Reporting journey gets dangerous and personal

The investigation takes a dark turn as Chooljian finds herself a target of retaliation, believed to be linked to her work on the case.

Lauren's ...

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Alleged sexual misconduct by addiction treatment leader

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Lauren Chooljian faced challenges in her reporting journey, including being targeted for retaliation with her house being vandalized, receiving threats, and being sued due to her investigative work. Additionally, there were concerns about the safety of witnesses coming forward with information on the allegations, potentially jeopardizing the case's integrity and outcome.
  • The retaliation against Lauren Chooljian, such as the vandalism of her house and threats, is believed to be connected to her investigative reporting on the sexual misconduct allegations within the addiction treatment industry. This retaliation is seen as an attempt to intimidate or silence her from continuing her work on exposing the alleged misconduct. The threatening act towards Chooljian's property is perceived as a warning or message aimed at dissuading her from pursuing the investigation further. The connection between the retaliation and her work underscores the risks and challenges faced by journalists and whistleblowers when uncovering sensitive or controversial issues.
  • Witnesses coming forward with allegations of sexual misconduct in sensitive industries like addiction treatm ...

Counterarguments

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Introducing: The 13th Step

Addiction treatment industry lacks accountability

Chooljian's investigative podcast "The 13th Step" delves into allegations of sexual abuse within the addiction treatment industry, highlighting patterns of exploitative behavior and lack of oversight.

Concept of "13th Step" explains pattern of abuse

"The 13th Step" is a term used within the addiction recovery community, and while the podcast doesn’t state the meaning outright, it is implied to concern a form of exploitation.

Using recovery position to take advantage of vulnerable women

In the podcast, Chooljian explores a case where the leader of New Hampshire’s largest addiction treatment networ ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

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Addiction treatment industry lacks accountability

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The "13th Step" in the addiction recovery community is a term that alludes to a situation where individuals with more recovery experience take advantage of newcomers for personal gain or exploitation. It signifies a breach of trust and misuse of power within the context of addiction recovery support. This behavior can involve manipulation, coercion, or abuse towards vulnerable individuals seeking help in thei ...

Counterarguments

  • The podcast may not represent the entire addiction treatment industry, which includes many ethical and professional organizations and individuals.
  • While the "13th Step" might be a real issue, it could be that the podcast focuses on extreme cases and does not acknowledge the full spectrum of experiences within recovery programs.
  • The term "13th Step" is not officially recognized within the 12-step programs, and its use might be seen as sensationalizing or misrepresenting the principles of these programs.
  • The podcast could potentially stigmatize the addiction treatment industry, which might deter individuals from seeking necessary help.
  • It's possible that the podcast does not sufficiently highlight the mechanisms that are in place to prevent and address abuse within the industry.
  • The focus on leaders exploiting their power might overshadow the efforts of those in the industry who are working to create safe and ...

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