In this compelling episode of the Spero Health Clinical Insights Podcast, host David Hayden welcomes back Dr. Mark Gold, a globally recognized expert in addiction medicine, neuroscience, and behavioral health. Known as the “Father of Addiction Medicine,” Dr. Gold is a Distinguished Life Fellow of both the American Psychiatric Association and the American College of Clinical Pharmacology, with over 900 published articles, decades of research, and a deep commitment to advancing treatment and access.

Together, they unpack the evolving role of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in recovery and challenge outdated ideas around abstinence and what “real” recovery looks like. From partial agonists to long-term medication use, Dr. Gold explains how these tools improve retention, reduce overdose risk, and offer stability—especially in today’s fentanyl-driven landscape.

This episode explores:

• The shift from abstinence-only thinking to long-term treatment planning
• How to support patient goals while using medications as a bridge toward recovery
• The need for early identification and pre-addiction intervention
• Why stigma, shame, and waiting for someone to “hit bottom” are doing more harm than good
• The rising trends in stimulant use and challenges in treating co-use with fentanyl
• How behavioral supports like contingency management work

Dr. Gold also draws parallels to chronic disease management, reminding us that addiction should be treated like any other chronic condition—with compassion, tools, structure, and long-term support. He advocates for increased education, physician training, and more research into how early drug exposure affects long-term recovery.

🎧 Listen now to hear Dr. Gold’s insights on where the field is headed—and how we can better serve those on the path to recovery.
🔗 Learn more about his work at www.drmarkgold.com

🎙️ Don’t forget to also check out his own podcast, The Gold Standard Podcast wherever you stream podcasts.

Welcome to Episode 27 of the Spero Health Clinical Insights Podcast! In this episode, co-hosts David Hayden and Dave Hoerman come together for a calming, practical conversation on a powerful but often misunderstood tool in recovery: Meditation.

With years of experience practicing and teaching meditation and mindfulness, David and Dave walk us through how to simplify meditation, both for ourselves and the patients we serve. This episode breaks through the misconception that meditation has to be complicated or “done perfectly,” and instead introduces it as a flexible, approachable practice anyone can begin.

They explore what meditation truly is—a judgment-free space to build awareness, reduce distraction, and be present. You’ll hear how just a few minutes of mindful focus each day can help with emotional regulation, anxiety, self-awareness, and even managing cravings or triggers.

This is a perfect introduction for anyone curious about meditation, especially those in recovery or supporting others through it. Whether it’s focusing on the breath, observing thoughts without judgment, or simply learning to be still—meditation is a practice, not a performance—and it might just be the next step in your recovery journey.

Welcome to Episode 26 of the Spero Health Clinical Insights Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, we’re joined by co-hosts David Hayden, LCADC and VP of Clinical Services at Spero Health, and Dave Hoerman, Dean of Spero University. Together, they unpack a phrase commonly heard in the field of addiction treatment: “Meeting the patient where they are.”

While this expression is widely used, it’s often misunderstood or oversimplified—leading to missed opportunities for deeper connection and growth. David and Dave challenge us to go beyond surface-level behaviors and consider what might be driving them. As they point out, what may appear as resistance or lack of motivation is often rooted in deeper, unspoken struggles. True engagement requires clinicians to look beneath the surface and understand the full context of a patient's experience.

This episode explores the importance of compassionate, ongoing assessment—not just at intake, but throughout the treatment process. David shares how clinicians can better support patients by revisiting goals, evaluating readiness, and recognizing when behaviors don’t align with a patient’s values or desired outcomes. The goal isn’t just to do what’s easiest—it’s to do what’s most effective in helping each patient move forward in recovery.

You’ll hear practical strategies for fostering deeper therapeutic relationships, identifying barriers to progress, and adjusting your clinical approach based on real-time needs. It’s a meaningful reminder that meeting patients where they are doesn’t mean staying there—it means helping them move toward who they want to become.