The 13th Step

NHPR

An investigation into the widespread culture of sexual misconduct and abuse persistent in the addiction treatment industry. read less

Our Editor's Take

The 13th Step is an investigative podcast about unethical and unlawful behavior in rehab facilities. Lauren Chooljian, senior reporter and producer at NHPR, hosts the revelatory show.

Chooljian's study focuses on Eric Spofford, founder of Granite Recovery Centers (GRC). The podcast host first visited GRC's facilities to report on a COVID-19 outbreak. She then received an email from a GRC clinician who accused Spofford of inappropriate behavior. Spofford is a recovering addict. He got sober at age 21 and started building a recovery empire in New Hampshire at age 23. But the doctor's email was the first of several tips saying Spofford took "the 13th step."

The "Twelve Steps" program, created by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), helps addicts recover. The title for The 13th Step podcast comes from an informal expression that's not part of AA's program. It's the phrase for when an established member of AA pursues romance with a new member. It's often considered predatory, exploitative, and a hindrance to the new member's sobriety. That's what makes the accusations against Spofford so serious.

Spofford wasn't only a fellow recovering addict to his accusers. He also could change their lives. He offered one accuser free residential treatment. He gave another person a job despite her criminal record. But then, the employee says he assaulted her. The patient says she received nude photos and propositions soon after leaving treatment. The two women and other accusers felt indebted to him and feared retaliation. Chooljian helps them pursue truth and justice.

When she begins investigating Spofford, things start to get dangerous and personal. Chooljian's home, her former home, her parents' home, and her editor's home get vandalized. Chooljian has to leave New Hampshire. The vandals faced charges a year after their crimes. But Spofford has faced no convictions despite the employee talking to the FBI.

The case remains open with pending litigation. Spofford's social media indicates plans to open more rehab facilities. Listeners can hear the story's beginning through The 13th Step and watch how it concludes. Chooljian promises to report on any updates.

read less
NewsNews
Play Trailer
Trailer: The 13th Step
May 31 2023
Trailer: The 13th Step
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.

Episodes

Trailer: The 13th Step
May 31 2023
Trailer: The 13th Step
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.
1: The Shadow
Jun 6 2023
1: The Shadow
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.
2: The God of Recovery
Jun 6 2023
2: The God of Recovery
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.
3: Just the Beginning
Jun 6 2023
3: Just the Beginning
In March of 2022, Lauren publishes her first story detailing allegations against Eric Spofford. The events of the next several months illustrate the ways powerful, wealthy people can intimidate sources and try to stop journalism from happening. And then, there was the vandalism… The 13th Step is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team. More at 13thsteppodcast.org.
4: A Wild (Wild?) West
Jun 6 2023
4: A Wild (Wild?) West
How did 13th stepping become so common in the recovery world and who can hold people accountable? Lauren looks into the history of the addiction treatment industry; goes in search of the people, government agencies, and industry groups that are supposed to oversee it; and does a deep dive into its most pervasive cultural force: AA and the 12 steps. She finds a lot of good intentions, alongside a lot of problems.The 13th Step is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team. More at 13thsteppodcast.org.To support investigative journalism like The 13th Step at NHPR, click here.
5: The Litter Police
Jun 6 2023
5: The Litter Police
What does it take to catch a predator in the addiction treatment industry? We hear about a case in California where the CEO of a network of treatment facilities was convicted of sexual assault and massive insurance fraud. It required years of work – and two women who banded together and refused to give up.The 13th Step is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team. More at 13thsteppodcast.org.
6: The Glam Room
Jun 6 2023
6: The Glam Room
Since Lauren began reporting, Eric Spofford sold his New Hampshire company for millions of dollars and filed a defamation lawsuit in response to NHPR’s coverage. We catch you up on everything that’s happened. And we introduce you to a sober living community where addressing women’s sexual trauma is a priority.The 13th Step is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team. More at 13thsteppodcast.org.
Epilogue: Employee A
Jun 6 2023
Epilogue: Employee A
A conversation with one of the women whose story of sexual assault you heard earlier in this podcast. She talks with Lauren about what it was like to hear her story published, the legal threats she has faced from Eric Spofford and his lawyers, and why she decided to speak out in the first place.The 13th Step is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio’s Document team. More at 13thsteppodcast.org.
Update: Vandalism Arrests
Jun 20 2023
Update: Vandalism Arrests
Federal prosecutors have charged three men for their alleged roles in the vandalism incidents. According to the feds, the vandalism was "solicited" by a "close, personal associate" of Eric Spofford's. Reporter Jason Moon goes to the arraignment at a Boston courthouse and tells Lauren what happened.
Update: A Big Arrest
Sep 12 2023
Update: A Big Arrest
Federal prosecutors have charged a fourth person in the vandalism case, a man they describe as a “close, personal associate” of Eric Spofford.
A Special Announcement
Dec 20 2023
A Special Announcement
The 13th Step is going on tour with stops in New Hampshire, Boston, and Chicago. Host Lauren Chooljian will go behind-the-scenes of the podcast and take questions from the audience. For tickets and more information, visit 13thsteppodcast.org/events.
Update: A New Bill and a Final Ruling
Mar 5 2024
Update: A New Bill and a Final Ruling
Episode description not available.