(light music) - [Stephfond] Tonight on "WPBS Weekly: Inside the Stories".

We kick off our show with part one of a special four-part series surrounding the disease of addiction.

Tonight, we get real with what it's about and how it can affect anyone anywhere.

- [Timothy] The habit that addiction is it actually rewires our brain.

- [Stephfond] And, they say we don't know what tomorrow holds, but Psychic Nikki of Canada says she does.

Find out what she's predicting for the rest of the year.

Your stories, your region, coming up right now on "WPBS Weekly: Inside the Stories".

(cinematic music) - [Announcer] "WPBS Weekly: Inside the Stories" is brought to you by the Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation, the Watertown Oswego Small Business Development Center, Carthage Savings, CSX, the Oswego County Community Foundation at the Central New York Community Foundation, and by the Richard S. Shineman Foundation.

- Good evening everyone, and welcome to this edition of "WPBS Weekly: Inside the Stories".

I'm Stephfond Brunson.

WPBS is proud to present a four-part series this month addressing addiction prevention and treatment.

In our first segment tonight, we look at what it takes to reduce the stigma associated with addiction.

A dependency that knows no race, age, or religion.

In a word, addiction does not discriminate.

Produced by WPBS Director of Production, Tracy DuFlo, this first segment shares three factors that you can lead to addiction.

(light music) (light upbeat music) - [Timothy] Alcohol or drug addiction, it's also known as substance use disorder and it's really when a person develops a habit of using a specific substance.

It becomes severe, or a severe substance use disorder, when that habit negatively impacts day-to-day living, things like relationships, school, work.

And one way to think about it is when a person has a happy and healthy life, everything is balanced out, all of the pieces of their life.

With addiction or substance use disorder, the drug use becomes the center of their life and everything else is secondary and suffers as a result.

The habit that addiction is it actually rewires our brain.

It changes the way that our cells communicate with each other and how they process information.

That rewiring causes us to make different types of decisions, often not as good of decisions.

- Parts of our brains make up what we call the reward system.

We get rewarded with good feelings when we do something we like, such as eating cookies or hanging out with friends.

When we experience something enjoyable, our brain releases a reward, a chemical called dopamine.

- [Timothy] And that tells us that this is positive and it creates that positive feeling.

When we do that with drugs however, our bodies or our brains produce a much larger amount of dopamine and it overwhelms our systems.

Our brains then squash down the amount of dopamine that they're providing, so it is always trying to keep it at a normal level.

And eventually, our bodies stop creating dopamine in the appropriate levels and that's what causes us or causes a person to use more drugs, because they're always trying to get back to that positive feeling.

- Drug and alcohol addiction doesn't discriminate.

It can be a professional.

It can be somebody who's homeless.

It can be somebody with mental illness, somebody without mental illness.

So it's really something that can impact anyone.

So I think oftentimes there is a stigma around drug use and abuse, and I think that's part of the problem.

- We do know that there are some factors that can maybe give us some better information about whether a person is prone to addiction.

Part of that is genetic.

So a person who comes from parents who have addiction problems are found to be about 60% more apt to become addicted later on in their life.

Our environment is also a big factor.

Just like if we grow up in a home where high fat foods and junk food is the norm, then we're probably gonna live that way when we grow older.

It's the same with addiction.

If there are drugs in the home growing up, there's a better chance that there will be drugs in the home when we're adults.

And then the third factor has to do with the development of the brain.

Our brains are really not fully developed until we're in our mid twenties and drug use prior to that time can cause the rewiring of the brain to happen in a much bigger way.

And it can impact people lifelong.

- There's a lot of denial in addiction and substance abuse, so oftentimes, it's when it's been suggested to them oftentimes their family, their friends, their co-workers notice there's a problem before they do.

But when you see it's affecting things like that, your family relationships, your work, your use increases that's when we say it's time to discuss it with a healthcare professional.

- [Timothy] The only part about addiction that it's a choice is the first time that a person uses the alcohol or drugs.

Once that happens and an addiction is starting to form, the person loses the ability to make that choice.

And that's because their brains are literally change.

The communication between the cells, it's all rewired into a way that makes it so that our willpower is lessened.

It's not as effective.

We lose the ability to make that choice.

Our brains tell us to use the substance, because our brains are trying to protect us from the harm or hurt of withdrawal.

- [Tina] Some of the signs that you might be addicted are an increase tolerance to the substance.

Often thinking about the substance the next time you're able to use.

It becomes everything that they are thinking of.

Every move they make there's drugs involved, there's alcohol involved, and they can't have any of their other daily living normal as they know it.

- [Timothy] Addiction, or substance use disorder, is a chronic disease.

It's no different than diabetes is a disease of the pancreas, or high blood pressure is a disease of the heart.

Those are lifelong diseases that have to be treated appropriately throughout our lives.

- [Stephfond] If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, help is available.

No judgments, no guilt trips, just help and happy to provide it.

Contact one of the numbers or website on your screen.

(light string music) Let's talk Economics.

Soaring consumer prices continue to escalate and is not painting a pretty picture.

And it's prompting experts to wonder whether or not inflation can be managed sooner than later.

(light music) - [Reporter] Milk, bread, meat, and other basic goods looking thin on many grocery store shelves across Canada.

Stores struggling to quickly restock while shoppers grow increasingly frustrated.

Now, severe weather is making itself felt across Ontario and other parts of the country, threatening to make problems even worse.

- All that does is kind of feed through, yet another wave of supply chain disruptions.

- [Reporter] Add in the litany of other pandemic induced woes, including now a truck driving shortage and experts say the sharp climb in consumer prices is hammering household.

The latest evidence in the December inflation data.

- We're gonna continue to deal with these outsize price increases.

- [Reporter] Eating in or getting takeout, no matter the option most Canadians are feeling the pinch with groceries and restaurant prices at their highest they've been in years.

In many cases, decades.

- [Rana] These are what most people spend most of their money on.

So when there's even a few dollars of a price increase it makes a big difference in the average person's pocketbook.

- [Reporter] According to a recent Dalhousie University study, restaurant prices are spiking as much as 8% compared to 2020, leading to some of the largest increases in menu items in years.

In fact, that's the largest increase ever in the 12 years the report's been published.

- What that means is that people are not gonna be eating as well.

They're certainly not gonna be eating out as much.

- [Reporter] Overall, inflation remained hot in December according to Statistics Canada, accelerating for the ninth month in a row rising to 4.8%, a 30-year high.

That rate was in line with what many big bank economists were expecting and heaps even more pressure on the Bank of Canada to lift interest rates.

Market forecasters like the Bank of Montreal now expect the central bank to tighten interest rates and monetary policy with as many as four increases to its key lending rate to 1.25% by the end of the year.

Still, if you thought you could save more by cooking at home, think again.

Many grocery prices are also at or near record highs.

The cost of groceries up 5.7% last month, the largest 12 month increase since November 2011.

Beef had the most dramatic price spike at more than 15%.

- You're seeing prices in grocery stores go up.

Most people spend the majority of their money on rent, food, and fuel, and so when those things go up, it really hurts.

- [Reporter] The hikes in the cost of food are of course, part of the bigger trend happening, well, everywhere.

In the US for example, consumer prices rose by a towering 7% in the 12 month period ending in December.

Hitting their highest level in 40 years.

- It's the worst inflation that we've seen in three decades.

So it's bad, and it's really unusual.

- [Reporter] Experts at the Bank of Canada and elsewhere say inflation will remain high through at least the first half of 2022.

As pricing pressure shifts to wages amid a tightening labor market and households spend more on services.

And there's still COVID-related supply chain disruptions to contend with.

- The pandemic itself has and continues to disrupt the supply chain.

And so when you have an elevated level of demand, but the supply can't keep up, that is a recipe for price increase.

And it's sure enough that's what we're seeing.

- [Reporter] Still, many experts suggest we may be at or near so-called peak inflation.

And that the big jumps in prices are poised to slow.

Though that doesn't mean a return to pre-pandemic levels.

- People often conflate that that sort of peak inflation or inflation receding with prices falling.

No, that just means they're not going to increase as fast.

- [Reporter] Bank rate analyst Greg McBride says even if tamer price gains prevail, he believes they will continue to outpace rising wages, effectively handing workers a pay cut.

- But make no mistake.

They're still going to increase, and they're gonna increase at a faster rate than what we've become accustomed to.

So, you know, peak inflation to households that are trying to struggle to stretch their dollars, that is a meaningless term because the reality of it is we are still going to see prices going up and for millions of households prices going up faster than their wages can keep up.

(serious music) (machinery whirring) - We've seen a lot thrown at us so far this year.

COVID evolving, more shutdowns, even the loss of popular celebrities.

If only we had a crystal ball to look further into 2022 to see what else is in store.

Or even better, a renowned psychic's take on what we can expect moving forward.

Oh, wait!

We do!

Canadian Psychic Nikki has the scoop.

(light music) - [Niki] A horse is gonna run loose through the streets of Toronto, - Yeah.

I keep on seeing that.

- causing havoc.

- I keep on seeing that.

- [Niki] Really?

- Yes.

- [Niki] Where is it coming from?

- [Psychic Nikki] It could come from a farm.

It could come from a stable.

Somebody might have a horse in their backyard.

(laughs) - [Niki] Psychic Nikki, a fame Toronto astrologer and clairvoyant has made global headlines for correctly predicting tragedies, like the World Trade Center attack on 9/11, - [Woman On Radio] That was on fire, - [Niki] as well as many, many other off the wall, yet oddly accurate ones, such as the clothed monkey that entered Ikea in 2012.

She's now taking aim at 2022.

With an eye toward what we can expect this year and says things are looking up, but not after a little bit, or perhaps, a lot of chaos.

- [Psychic Nikki] I don't wanna say this, but I see a market crash, like 1929 all over the world, but then we'll recover.

We'll recoup.

Sometimes this happens because of inflation, but I see it psychically, too.

Now there may be wars in the world.

I said there would be a third World War.

And protest.

(protesters cheering) Really feel that the pandemic will go by the end of 2022.

- Whew!

You do see people going back to the busy, busy go, go lifestyle?

- Yes.

You know, I do.

I do.

It's gonna be like the roaring 20s.

Now, remember, this is kind of like, this has never been anything like this since the Second World War, okay?

So after the Second World War, everybody was running around, going to bars, having fun, and it's gonna be like that.

I think people will become more spiritual and they wanna help people more.

- And is that gonna happen after all the riots where people become a little more spiritual?

- Yes.

You know, there's always gonna be protestors no matter what year you're in.

But honestly, I think people will be so happy to get back to some sort of normality.

- You've predicted that the largest sea turtles will be discovered.

- Yes.

- Where and when?

- Well, I mean, I do see them being discovered in several parts of the world.

We might be overrun by sea turtles.

(laughs) - [Niki] Wow!

- [Psychic Nikki] Coming out of the ocean.

- Okay.

Okay.

(penguin squeals) A penguin is gonna save a human being's life?

- [Psychic Nikki] A penguin is gonna save somebody's life.

Now isn't that wild?

(Niki laughs) And how I get these things is just a penguin's gonna save somebody's life.

(penguin squeals) Climate change, like I see very big earthquakes happening in 2022.

Like big ones.

And it could be like 9.8, 9.6.

This is a future of earthquakes.

And I see a meteorite hitting Earth.

It's not gonna be changing anytime soon.

Okay.

I'm sorry to say that.

- And then you also see that the Prime Minister could divorce?

- [Psychic Nikki] I see a divorce around him and I also see him properly stepping down.

- [Niki] Oh, wow.

Talk about celebrities.

What's in store for Adele who's back in the eyes of fans?

- Oh, you know what?

I see her getting engaged.

(laughs) - What do we see for the Royals?

- Okay, for the Royal, (laughs) this is what's happening with Prince Andrew, I predicted.

I love the Queen and I hate to say this, but she could pass and I see Prince Charles becoming king.

I see Megan and Harry more controversy around him and her, and I think sometimes there could be a divorce there in the future.

And she's gonna actually put on social media that she wants to run for president in 2024.

I also see her going to Buddhism or Scientology.

She may have a reunion with her father.

I hope it happens before he has a heart attack or something.

- [Niki] Psychic Nikki says when she makes predictions, they don't necessarily have to come true in the same year.

They could in fact come true in years to come.

Psychic Nikki, I wanna ask you, how do you foresee the future?

Can I learn this ability?

- [Psychic Nikki] You know, you really can't learn to do that.

You're born with that.

And the thing is like I see visions and I hear vibes.

So I'm clairaudient, the ability to come up with specifics.

- How about for me?

- For you?

- What do you see for my future?

- Money.

(laughs) - Money?

- You're an Aquarian.

- Yep.

- You've got money coming this year.

Especially after May the 10th onward right to October.

I see you maybe doing something in the US at one point.

I see you also in London, England for some broadcast or something.

- [Niki] Ooh!

- I don't know what's that for.

- Is "Inside The Story" sending me there?

- Maybe "Inside Story" is sending you to London.

- Danny, pack your bags.

- I'll come in your suitcase.

(both laugh) - Thank you, Psychic Nikki.

- Happy New Year to you and everybody out there.

And I hope everybody should have a safe new year.

- Happy New Year.

For "Inside the Story", I'm Niki Anastasakis.

(indistinct chatter) - We don't need to predict the fact that old man winter is on his way out.

Spring is in the wings and most winter sports have been put to bed.

Having said that, let us take you on one last winter adventure.

We're headed to Old Forge where snow is welcome over and over again.

(light music) (upbeat music) - Hello, everyone.

I'm Devon Gillan and welcome to "Xpedition Outdoors".

I am here in Old Forge, New York with my friend, Erin Keegan.

Erin, how are are you today?

- I'm fantastic.

- [Devon] All right, we're gonna do a little bit of snowmobiling and a little bit of snowboarding today on our program.

Are you excited?

- I am.

I'm very excited.

- [Devi] All right.

I'm very excited.

It seems to be the perfect day for it.

Sun is nice and bright and I'm just ready to get out there.

How about you?

- I am absolutely ready.

- [Devon] Excellent.

- Gentlemen, start your engines.

Almost 500 at square miles of snowmobiling on a trail system here.

And McCauley Mountain produced three Olympic skiers, unbelievable good times.

Mount up, be right here at the information center, and the trail system begins here.

Have a ball.

- Thank you, sir.

- Thank you.

(all speaking at once) - All these handles are heated.

In case my little pieces get cold I can warm up my hands.

Break, high beams, low beams, reverse, gas is over here.

That's pretty much what you need to know to ride a snowmobile.

That and have some common sense.

- Oh, I'm thrilled.

I'm so excited to get out there.

(light upbeat music) (snowmobile revving) (upbeat music) (funk music) - [Erin] I'm having a fantastic time.

(laughs) It's so much fun.

- [Mike] What do you think, you guys?

You having any fun?

- I think there's gonna be one extra car seat on the ride back 'cause I might just take this on home with me.

I can get to Watertown somehow.

- Welcome to Old Forge, welcome to the Fun Factory, and we're not done.

We're gonna take the snowmobiles directly to McCauley Mountain and enjoy McCauley Mountain Ski Center.

- [Erin] All right.

- [Devon] Looking forward to it.

(light upbeat music) Big mountain skiing with a snow, yeah.

Big mountain skiing with a, no.

What is it again?

- [Erin] Yes, you have it.

- Yeah?

- It's mountain skiing with small mountain attitude.

- Big mountain skiing with a big mountain attitude, small mountain attitude.

(all laugh) Three, two, one.

Big mountain skiing, small mountain attitude, snowmobiling, they got everything out here in Old Forge area.

- These were the best conditions I have had in a very long time.

Absolutely fantastic.

- Hey, my name is John Cameron and I'd like to welcome everybody to McCauley Mountain.

I would like to also have them remember that we have the most incredible cross country ski trail system in the Adirondacks.

Thank you.

(upbeat music) - That does it for us this Tuesday evening.

Join us next week for a fresh look inside the stories.

Part two of our four-part addiction series continues.

Experts addressed when it's time to seek help and what different treatment options might look like.

And small houses fix a big problem in the City of Kingston.

We'll tell you how one group stepped up to eradicate the growing issue.

Also, WPBS and the entire North Country Community has lost an icon.

Wilson Bickford is a world renowned painter and teacher.

We pay homage to this talented man.

Meantime, if you have a story or idea you'd like to see us explore, or you're a poet or a musician and would like to be featured, email us at wpbsweeklywpbstv.org.

Until then, goodnight my friends.

(theatrical music) - [Announcer] "WPBS Weekly: Inside the Stories" is brought to you by the Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation.

Dedicated to improving the well-being of communities by helping disadvantage children and families.

Online at dmjf.org.

The Watertown Oswego Small Business Development Center.

A free resource offering confidential business advice for those interested in starting or expanding their small business.

Serving Jefferson, Lewis, and Oswego Counties since 1986.

Online at watertown.nysbdc.org.

Carthage Savings has been here for generations donating time and resources to this community.

They're proud to support WPBS TV.

Online at carthagesavings.com.

Carthage Savings, mortgage solutions since 1888.

Additional funding provided by CSX, the Oswego County Community Foundation at the Central New York Community Foundation, and by the Richard S. Shineman Foundation.

- You're an Aquarian?

- Yep.

- You've got money coming this year, especially after may the 10th onward right to October.

- Ooh!

- I see you maybe doing something in the US at one point.

(Niki laughs) I see you also in London, England for some broadcast or something.

- [Niki] Ooh!

- I don't know what that's for.

- Is "Inside the Story" sending me there?

- Maybe "Inside Story" - Danny, - is sending you to London.

- pack your bags.

- I'll come in your suitcase.

(both laugh) (gentle music)