The 13th Step
5.0/5
Critic Rating
An investigation into the widespread culture of sexual misconduct and abuse persistent in the addiction treatment industry.
Critic Reviews
Score: 5
Alex Jhamb Burns • Vogue • Dec 7, 2023
"...thoughtful and compelling personal storytelling..."
Score: 5
Sarah Larson • New Yorker • Sep 29, 2023
"...a public-radio exposé to turn into a true-crime thriller...As her reporting expands, this meta-plot darkly, perversely illustrates her themes, just as much as the story itself does."
Score: 5
Devin • Podstack • Jul 20, 2023
"The 13th Step had me so mad at the arrogant and manipulative ways the CEO of a recovery center was taking advantage of patients and employees. The bravery of the women interviewed, the reporting of Lauren Chooljian, and exceptional narrative structure make for such a compelling and disturbing series."
Score: 5
PR Staff • PodcastReview.org • Jul 6, 2023
"...understanding the power dynamics that allows for sexual abuse within addiction treatment culture."
Score: 5
Nicholas Quah • Vulture • Jul 5, 2023
"it offers a sober, sweeping look at issues of systemic abuse — not just in the one rehab network, but in the addiction treatment industry writ large. …"
Score: 5
Lauren Passell • Podcast The Newsletter • Jun 12, 2023
"Lauren Chooljian is reporting on why that misconduct remains unpoliceable and why America can’t truly address the addiction crisis until it takes “the 13th step” seriously. (She was sued for her reporting.) This is a new chapter for #MeToo storytelling and also about the importance and danger or journalism."
