Michael DeLeon, who shot fentanyl for years and spent time in prison, now speaks to over 1 million students annually (16M+ total) with his Steered Straight program.
In this raw Poisoning Podcast interview, he reveals shocking realities: vapes collected from 6th–7th graders, THC vapes easier to buy than nicotine, and fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction.”
DeLeon explains his “Trifecta Gateway”—alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana—as the start of 96% of addiction paths.
He also exposes vaping’s hidden toxins, the hemp loophole, and gas-station drugs like Tianeptine.
Free prevention tools for parents & schools: https://michaeldeleon.com
#DrugPrevention #TeenVaping #FentanylAwareness #MichaelDeLeon #TrifectaGateway #PoisoningPodcast
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Keywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan
Copyright © 2025, Civitella Strategies
Texas needs more accredited sober beds — meet Nick Long, founder of Sharpen Recovery, the LARGEST accredited Christ-centered sober living network in Texas (17 homes, 1,800+ men & women served since 2019).
In this raw interview on The Poisoning Podcast, Nick reveals:
✅ How Sharpen keeps rent at $650/mo (half the Houston average) with 57% on scholarships
✅ Why public-transit homes have waitlists & how they’re solving it
✅ The 8-week “Recovery House Launch Cohort” training NEW operators (35 applicants YTD)
✅ Zero-tolerance vs. second-chance relapse policy debate
✅ 85% long-term success rate—faith, 12-steps, and peer accountability explained
✅ What families MUST ask before choosing a sober home (NAR accreditation red flags).
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Keywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan
Copyright © 2025, Civitella Strategies
Katie Herzog is a journalist living in the Pacific Northwest. She is the host of the podcast Blocked and Reported. After 20 years of fighting and failing to get sober using abstinence-based methods, journalist Katie Herzog found a simple, inexpensive, and effective way to take control over alcohol.
During this conversation with Erin DeLullo, Katie talks about her new book, "Drink Your Way Sober."
https://www.drinkyourwaysober.com/
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Copyright © 2025, Civitella Strategies
Join host Erin DeLullo as she sits down with NPR’s Brian Mann to discuss the opioid crisis, addiction stigma, and personal loss.
Brian is an award-winning journalist who currently serves as NPR's first national addiction correspondent.
Brian shares how losing his father and stepbrother to addiction-related health issues shaped his compassionate approach to reporting on drug policy.
From rural Alaska to upstate New York, explore the challenges of accessing addiction treatment, the failures of the medical and pharmaceutical industries, and the controversial push for civil commitment.
Learn why better data, less stigma, and comprehensive care are crucial to saving lives.
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Email us at ThePoisoningPod@Gmail.com
Keywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan
Copyright © 2025, Civitella Strategies
Join Erin DeLullo on the Poisoning Podcast as she talks with Lenette Serlo, founder of Generation O, about the challenges faced by babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) due to opioid exposure in the womb.
Learn about the heart-wrenching symptoms, long-term effects like vision problems and anxiety, and how Generation O is advocating for these children and their families.
Discover practical solutions, from the "Eat, Sleep, Console" method to innovative programs like Thrive Points, and how opioid settlement funds can support these vulnerable kids.
Visit GenerationO.org for resources and to join the movement to support the half-million children affected by the opioid crisis. https://generationo.org/
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Keywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan
Copyright © 2025, Civitella Strategies
In this powerful episode of the Poisoning Podcast, host Erin DeLullo sits down with Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman to dive deep into the opioid crisis devastating communities across America.
From his early days as an FBI agent confronting the pill epidemic in Indiana to his current role leading Kentucky’s fight against fentanyl and emerging threats like designer Xanax (bromazolam), Coleman shares gripping stories and actionable insights.
Discover how Kentucky is using opioid settlement funds for the innovative "Better Without It" campaign, leveraging social media and influencers to prevent youth drug use.
Coleman also discusses closing the fentanyl loophole in de minimis shipping and the urgent need for zealous collaboration to address both the supply and demand sides of the crisis. Don’t miss this compelling conversation on public health, law enforcement, and saving lives.
*Disclosure: Erin DeLullo is a paid advisor for Russell Coleman's political campaign.
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Keywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan
Copyright © 2025, Civitella Strategies
Join investigative journalist Shoshana Walter on the Poisoning Podcast as she dives deep into her book, Rehab: An American Scandal, exposing the shocking realities of America’s addiction treatment system.
From unpaid labor in for-profit rehab facilities to barriers faced by mothers and people of color, Walter uncovers how the system often fails those it’s meant to help. Discover the complexities of medically assisted treatment (MAT), the impact of recovery capital, and what needs to change to address the ongoing drug epidemic effectively. A must-listen for anyone seeking insight into addiction, recovery, and systemic reform.
Get Shoshana's book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Rehab/Shoshana-Walter/9781982149826
Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/EMDeLulloEmail us at ThePoisoningPod@Gmail.comKeywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan
Copyright © 2025, Civitella Strategies
Join Alexis Pleus, founder of Truth Pharm, as she shares her powerful journey from losing her son to becoming a leading advocate for addiction recovery and policy change.
In this emotional episode of the Poisoning Podcast, Alexis discusses the challenges of navigating the opioid crisis, the stigma of addiction, and the urgent need for immediate treatment access, medical parity, and responsible use of opioid settlement funds.
Learn about her Trail of Truth event, a national memorial for those lost to overdose, and how she’s building unity across political divides to combat the epidemic.
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Email us at ThePoisoningPod@Gmail.com
Keywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan
Copyright © 2025, Civitella Strategies
Uncover the dark truth behind addiction recovery scams in The Shuffle, a South by Southwest award-winning documentary.
Director Benjamin Flaherty exposes a coordinated system of abuse targeting vulnerable addicts, exploiting insurance loopholes for profit through excessive drug testing and predatory sober homes.
Follow heartbreaking stories of young people trapped in a cycle of relapse and financial exploitation, fueled by the opioid crisis and policies like the Affordable Care Act. Learn how "liquid gold" (urine testing) and Suboxone prescriptions generate billions while recovery rates stagnate.
Visit www.StopTheShuffle.com for screening dates, including a theatrical run in Dallas on September 23, 2025, and a nationwide release in November. Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/EMDeLulloEmail us at ThePoisoningPod@Gmail.com
Keywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan
Copyright © 2025, Civitella Strategies
In this eye-opening episode of the Poisoning Podcast, host Erin DeLullo sits down with Texas Tribune reporter Stephen Simpson to uncover the truth about Kratom – the controversial Southeast Asian plant hailed as an opioid alternative but plagued by rising poisonings and addiction.
Discover the battle between natural Kratom and synthetic 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine), which the FDA cracked down on in July 2025 by recommending it as a controlled substance due to its opioid-like effects up to 13 times stronger than morphine.
Learn about mislabeling in gas stations, ties to THC debates in Texas, self-medication risks, and real stories of rapid addiction and overdose reversals with Narcan.
Key topics include:
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Keywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan
Copyright © 2025, Civitella Strategies
Dr. Travis Harker, MD, MPH, joins Erin DeLullo on the Poisoning Podcast to unpack the escalating opioid crisis, spotlighting deadly emerging drugs like nitazines and xylazine.
Learn about the alarming rise of these potent substances, the critical role of naloxone, and why Medicaid cuts could worsen overdose deaths.
From ER challenges to prevention strategies, Dr. Harker shares vital insights for communities battling addiction. Discover how data, treatment, and empathy can save lives.
Subscribe for more expert discussions on addiction and recovery! #OpioidCrisis #Nitazines #Xylazine #Naloxone #AddictionRecovery#CampusSurgeTour #MobilizeRecovery #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #FentanylCrisis #MedicaidSavesLives
Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/EMDeLulloEmail us at ThePoisoningPod@Gmail.comKeywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan
Copyright © 2025, Civitella Strategies
Join Ryan Hampton on The Poisoning Podcast as he discusses the Campus Surge Tour, a bold initiative by Mobilize Recovery to tackle the rising overdose and mental health crises on college campuses.
Learn how this tour brings training, peer support, wellness events, and surprise musical guests like Noah Thompson to engage students and build recovery communities. Ryan also shares his powerful story of how Medicaid saved his life and why he’s running for Nevada State Assembly in 2026 to advocate for addiction recovery and affordable healthcare.
Check out Mobile Recovery's Campus Surge:
https://www.mobilizerecovery.org/campus_surge_2025
Follow Ryan: @RyanForRecovery on X@RyanJHampton on InstagramRyanHampton.org
Subscribe for more discussions on addiction, recovery, and mental health advocacy!
#CampusSurgeTour #MobilizeRecovery #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #FentanylCrisis #MedicaidSavesLives
Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/EMDeLulloEmail us at ThePoisoningPod@Gmail.comKeywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan
Copyright © 2025, Civitella Strategies
In this heartfelt episode of the Poisoning Podcast, Erin sits down with Gregory Tatro to discuss the inspiring story of Jenna’s Promise, a community-driven initiative born from the tragic loss of Gregory’s sister, Jenna, to an overdose at age 26.
Learn how Jenna’s family transformed their grief into action, creating a recovery village in rural Vermont that addresses the gaps in traditional addiction treatment.
From breaking stigma to providing wraparound services like workforce training, trauma-informed therapy, and health and wellness programs, Jenna’s Promise is redefining recovery.
Discover their innovative approach, the challenges of rural recovery, and the hope they’re bringing to families and communities.
Join us to hear about their mission, the power of connection, and how they’re working to make addiction recovery accessible and sustainable.
Visit Jenna’s Promise on Facebook, Instagram, or their website to learn more and support their work!
#addictionrecovery #JennasPromise #MentalHealth #VermontRecovery #breakingstigmas
Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/EMDeLulloEmail us at ThePoisoningPod@Gmail.comKeywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan Copyright © 2025, Civitella Strategies
In this episode, Erin DeLullo and Kassidy Arena of Nebraska Public Media dive into the controversial veto by Nebraska’s governor of a bill that would have allowed individuals with drug convictions to access SNAP benefits (food stamps).
Despite the legislature’s vote to pass the bill, the governor’s veto upheld Nebraska’s strict policy — one of only two states with such lifetime bans for drug-related felonies.
Why does this matter? Experts argue this restriction could increase recidivism by limiting access to food, hindering rehabilitation for those re-entering society.
Join us as we unpack the implications of this decision and why drug convictions face unique penalties compared to other felonies like domestic violence or rape. Don’t miss the full discussion! Subscribe and follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram for more.
Check out our Substack newsletter: https://thepoisoning.substack.com/Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/EMDeLulloEmail us at ThePoisoningPod@Gmail.comCopyright © 2025, Civitella Strategies
Join Jaime Puerta and Erin DeLullo on the Poisoning Podcast as Jaime shares his heartbreaking story of losing his son to a counterfeit fentanyl-laced pill.
Discover how Jaime, through his nonprofit Victims of Illicit Drugs (VOID), is advocating for stronger policies, drug-induced homicide laws, and increased naloxone access to combat the fentanyl crisis.
Learn about the dangers of social media platforms like Snapchat in facilitating drug sales, the importance of education to prevent overdoses, and the upcoming National Fentanyl Prevention Awareness Day on August 21st.
Visit www.StopTheVoid.org for free resources, including their documentary Dead on Arrival.
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Keywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan
Copyright © 2025, Civitella Strategies
Join Erin DeLullo as she sits down with Dave Aronberg, author of 'Fighting the Florida Shuffle, 'to uncover the shocking truth behind the corruption in the drug treatment industry.
Learn about the "Florida Shuffle," a scandal where well-intended federal laws, like the Affordable Care Act, incentivize relapse over recovery, trapping vulnerable individuals in a cycle of addiction for profit.
Dave shares critical insights on distinguishing reputable sober homes from rogue operations, the importance of medication-assisted treatment, and actionable advice for families seeking recovery options.
Discover real stories, like Sasha’s harrowing experience, and find out how local efforts in Palm Beach County are fighting back.
Get "The Florida Shuffle" today: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Fighting-the-Florida-Shuffle/Dave-Aronberg/9781964686424
#FloridaShuffle #AddictionRecovery #OpioidCrisisCheck out our Substack newsletter: https://thepoisoning.substack.com/
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Keywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan
Copyright © 2025, Civitella Strategies
Join Erin DeLullo and Christine Minhee, founder of OpioidSettlementTracker.com, as they dive deep into the opioid crisis, focusing on how opioid settlement funds are being used to address this public health emergency.
In this episode of the Poisoning Podcast, they discuss the importance of transparency in tracking these funds, the challenges of preventing supplantation, and the need for equitable distribution to support harm reduction and community-based solutions.
Christine shares her journey from law school to becoming a leading advocate for opioid settlement accountability, offering insights into state-level spending, the role of advocacy, and the fight against stigma in drug policy.
Key Topics:
-- Opioid settlement transparency and accountability-- The impact of federal funding cuts on public health-- Harm reduction strategies and community grant opportunities-- Lessons from tobacco settlements to avoid misuse of funds-- The role of state governments and AGs in shaping drug policy
Resources:-- Visit OpioidSettlementTracker.com for expenditure reports and grant opportunities-- Follow Christine on Instagram: @opioidsettlements-- Contact Christine: christine@opioidsettlementtracker.com-- Check out the Legal Action Center’s community grant tracker
Call to Action:Subscribe for more discussions on the opioid crisis, public health policy, and addiction recovery. Share this video to raise awareness about how opioid settlement funds can save lives. Comment below with your thoughts on transparency in public health funding!#OpioidCrisis #OpioidSettlements #PublicHealth #HarmReduction #DrugPolicy #Transparency #addictionrecovery
Copyright © 2024, Civitella Strategies
In this compelling episode of The Poisoning Podcast, Moe Egan, a former addict with 19 years of sobriety, shares his journey from homelessness to leading 'The Other Side Academy' and 'The Other Side Village.'
Discover how these innovative programs tackle addiction, mental health, and homelessness with a unique, self-sustaining model that boasts a 70-80% success rate.
Learn about their social enterprise businesses, long-term therapeutic approach, and commitment to empowering individuals to become drug-free, crime-free, and employed.
A must-listen for anyone interested in effective recovery solutions.
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Keywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan
Copyright © 2024, Civitella Strategies
In this powerful episode of The Poisoning Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan Holth, a North Dakota restaurateur and Cabinet Secretary for Recovery and Reentry, to explore his innovative workplace policies that support employees in addiction recovery.
As the owner of two restaurants and a coffee shop, Jonathan is transforming lives by offering paid leave for treatment, maintaining health insurance, and fostering open conversations about addiction.
Learn how his approach not only saves lives but boosts employee loyalty and productivity. A must-watch for business owners and advocates of recovery-friendly workplaces!
Key Topics:
-- How Jonathan Holth’s restaurants support employees in recovery
-- Paid leave for addiction treatment and maintaining health insurance
-- Creating a stigma-free workplace for addiction recovery
-- The business case for recovery-friendly policies
-- Jonathan’s personal journey in recovery and its impact on his leadership
-- How businesses can lead the way in supporting addiction recovery while building stronger, more loyal teams.
Jonathan Holth’s story is a blueprint for employers everywhere. Subscribe for more inspiring stories!
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Keywords: #opioid #epidemic #fentanyl crisis #Narcan
Copyright © 2024, Civitella Strategies
Erin DeLullo sits down with Glen Muse of Texas Pictures Documentaries to uncover the devastating impact of the fentanyl and opioid crisis.
Through raw, personal stories shared at storytelling summits nationwide, these documentaries shine a light on fentanyl poisoning, addiction recovery, human trafficking, and domestic violence. With millions of views, their work is breaking stigmas and inspiring change.
Subscribe, like, and share to spread awareness!
#fentanylawareness #TexasPictures #addictionstories
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Copyright © 2024, Civitella Strategies