Addiction: The Next Step

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 future. Danial takes you on his extraordinary path, where early ADHD diagnosis and substance exposure set the stage for a challenging life. Yet, through resili...

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 Domestic Violence, this episode uncovers the often-overlooked dynamics of coercive control. This form of manipulation, where abusers might leverage su...

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 talented chef and devoted father, whose life was cut short by an overdose in 2020. She also speaks of Antoine's aunt, who succumbed to similar struggles...

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 Jerry Gretzinger and special guest Edison Alban from our communications team as they unveil this exciting expansion aimed at better serving the Latino popu...

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 certified Recovery Residences in New York.

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 initiatives, to uncover how the Addiction Professional Scholarship Program is revolutionizing the field of addiction services. With $18 million in...

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 State's most vulnerable populations, including those in domestic violence shelters. From distributing naloxone kits and test strips to providing essenti...

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.

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 sit down with Ryan Gallagher to explore CHAMP, the Community Health Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Project, and discuss how it’s making a ta...

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 resource designed to guide us toward more compassionate, person-first terminology. https://oasas.ny.gov/stigma-glossary

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 incredible resilience, hope and recovery. Join us as Amy shares her journey. Hear how she found recovery, discovered the joy of running.

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 against overdose deaths. For the first time in five years, national figures are showing a decline—a beacon of hope in an ongoing struggle. Learn wh...

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 surviving a near-fatal overdose is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Victoria candidly shares how her introduction to heroin by a teenager on her family&apos...

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 White, Director of the Erie County Department of Health Office of Harm Reduction, and Jennifer Garrigan, Project Coordinator for the Office of Harm Reduction,...

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? Sheriff Schenck shares real-world success stories and compelling statistics showing a drop in overdose incidents from 14 to 11 per month. With fatalities dec...

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 Month. Laura shares the essential steps her team is taking to ensure LGBTQ+ clients feel recognized and respected, from using preferred names and pronou...

The Paige Gibbons Story.

https://oasas.ny.gov/