Personal Stories

What started with childhood games led to serious issues like gambling addiction, substance use and financial problems for our two podcast guests. Luis Laboy shared that gambling became more important to him than basic needs. Now in recovery and dedicated to helping others, both guests emphasize the importance of support networks and understanding addiction as a brain disorder rather than a moral failing. They also highlight resources like self-screening tools, financial counseling and support from OASAS and Acacia Network, including the 24/7 HOPEline. 

Podcast Guests

  • Luis Laboy, Acacia Network
  • Albert Aponte, Samaritan Daytop Village

How to Tune In

Tune in wherever you get your podcasts, including Buzzsprout, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

You can also follow the show "Addiction: The Next Step" to receive notifications when new podcast episodes become available. Simply log in to your favorite podcast app, search by the show name to find it and follow us.    

To share feedback or be a guest on the show, email [email protected].

Feature Quote

It took me a few years to understand addiction, to understand that gambling and drug use was only a symptom of my problem, that the problem of addiction is up here in the head, in the brain, right the production of neurotransmitters abnormally being created for instant gratification. So I had to learn to explore new things to do. I tried ice skating. I fell on the ice in Wollman Rink. I didn't like it, so I stopped doing it. I went running. I ran the marathon, the New York City Marathon. It was exhilarating. I loved it. I thought I would never do it again, but two years later I ran it the second time. 

—Luis Laboy, Acacia Network 

Resources