Spero Health Clinical Insights

In this episode we explore the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue and how it can manifest within the intricate dynamics of addiction treatment. We navigate through its subtle beginnings and explore its cumulative impact on providers, treatment teams and individuals seeking recovery – emphasizing the importance of being vigilant and proactive in recognizing its onset.  Join us for robust discussion on combating compassion fatigue, bringing to light practical strategies, preventative measures, and coping mechanisms to foster resilience and maintain emotional equilibrium. The discussion aims to bring heightened awareness and education on how self-care strategies can shield us from repercussions of compassion fatigue so we can work together to Save Lives, Instill Hope and Restore Relationships. 

 Welcome to the latest episode of the Spero Clinical Insights Podcast series! Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of mental health and substance use disorder, bringing you the most up-to-date and thought-provoking topics. Episode 16, "Treatment Challenges in the Age of Fentanyl," is now available!In this episode we explore challenges that Fentanyl has created for treatment providers.  Dr Brian Fuehrlein,  Associate Professor of Psychiatry; Director, Psychiatric Emergency Room, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, is the special guest.  The discussion focuses on how increased use of Fentanyl has forced treatment providers to adjust approaches to better meet patient needs.  We explore how connections and creating patient safety produce better treatment outcomes and reduces patient risk.   We take a look at strategies around medication induction, the dangers of mixing fentanyl with psychostimulants and the importance of an integrated approach for better patient outcomes.  The discussion goes in depth on benefits of an integrated approach and a well-rounded treatment team can work together to to Save Lives, Instill Hope and Restore Relationships.  

Welcome to the latest episode of the Spero Clinical Insights Podcast series! Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of mental health and substance use disorder, bringing you the most up-to-date and thought-provoking topics. Episode 15, "Dealing with Stress in Recovery," is now available. In this episode, we have the privilege of welcoming back Dr. Michelle Welling, anesteemed Addictionologist working with Spero Health. Dr. Welling brings awealth of knowledge and expertise, having recently completed a prestigious2-year Fellowship in Integrative Health and Medicine. She specializes inemotional brain training and understands how our brains can rewire themselvesfor resilience.The focus of our discussion is on the vital role of support systems and stressresponses in the recovery process. We explore the profound impact that stresscan have on our overall well-being, particularly in relation to addiction. Byexamining triggers and equipping patients with effective coping mechanisms, weuncover the potential for significant improvements in recovery outcomes.Join us as we go deep into the strategies employed by an integrated care team toimplement these principles, ultimately working towards the ultimate goals ofSaving Lives, Instilling Hope, and Restoring Relationships. 

Welcome to the Spero Clinical Insights Podcast series, where we cover the latest topics in the world of mental health and substance use disorder.  In this new  episode, Amanda Lay, Director of Clinical Services for Spero Health, is the guest host.  Becky Ratliff, Recovery Support Services Supervisor at Spero Health  discusses the benefits of Recovery Support Services.  They define recovery support services, the benefits of these services for the patient and the integrated treatment team.  The discussion explores how to engage patients and how working together helps improve outcomes, patient stability and the ripple effect that this has on families and communities.  

Welcome to the Spero Clinical Insights Podcast series, where we cover the latest topics in the world of mental health and substance use disorder, we are excited to share with you Episode 13 available now: “What Harm Reductions Means to Us”. In this episode we take a deep dive into Harm reduction practices.  John Biery, Spero Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in the treatment of substance use disorders,  is the special guest.  The discussion focuses on what harm reduction is and what it is not.  We explore how harm reduction improves patient engagement in care, has better outcomes and reduces patient risk.   We take a look at barriers that exist when implementing harm reduction strategies and ways to overcome these.  The discussion goes in depth how an integrated care team can work together to utilize these principles to Save Lives, Instill Hope and Restore Relationships.  

 Welcome to  the Spero Clinical Insights Podcast series, where we cover the latest topics in the world of mental health and substance use disorder, we are excited to share with you Episode 12 available now: “Enhancing Motivation for Recovery”. As a reminder, these podcast are available on your mobile devices or computers, downloadable and super easy to listen to – whenever or wherever you want. You can also find them on Spero Connect under the main news page or in the library section.In this new episode, Dr Michele Welling, Addiction Medicine Physician for Spero Health, speaks with host, SVP of Clinical Services David Hayden on how medical providers can use Motivational Interviewing techniques for patients seeking treatment for a substance use disorder. Dr Welling reviews the theory behind Motivational Interviewing, provides examples of some techniques and the benefit this provides the patient and the provider.      This episode takes a deeper dive in the understanding Motivational Interviewing and some “how to” examples.  Dr Welling provides details on how this helps build connections with patients  and ultimately produce better treatment outcomes.  This episode provides some great techniques and is delivered by a great story teller .  

Continuing on with our Spero Clinical Insights Podcast series, where we cover the latest topics in the world of mental health and substance use disorder, we are excited to share with you Episode 11 available now: “Buprenorphine and Trust”.  As a reminder, these podcast are available on your mobile devices or computers, downloadable and super easy to listen to – whenever or wherever you want. You can also find them on Spero Connect under the main news page or in the library section. In this new episode, Carli Held,  Physician Assistant for Spero Health, speaks with host, SVP of Clinical Services David Hayden on how important trust is for patients taking buprenorphine. Carli describes how having patients trust the medicine as a medicine allows for better outcomes. She goes in-depth on how providers can facilitate trust and use lab results and assessment skills to change patient behavior.  

Continuing on with our Spero Clinical Insights Podcast series, where we cover the latest topics in the world of mental health and substance use disorder, we are excited to share with you Episode 10 available now: “Assessing Assessments”.  As a reminder, these podcast are available on your mobile devices or computers, downloadable and super easy to listen to – whenever or wherever you want. You can also find them on Spero Connect under the main news page or in the library section. In this new episode, Dr Byron Crider, who serves as Regional Medical Director for Spero Health and treats individuals suffering from substance use disorders, speaks with host, SVP of Clinical Services David Hayden on how to approach an initial assessment for a new patient seeking treatment for a substance use disorder. Dr Crider discusses the importance of connecting with the patient, getting a detailed history and the use of an integrated team can help the patient get off to the right start. He goes in-depth on how providers can do approach the assessment, what questions to ask, and how to better connect with the patient so they stay engaged in the care process.    This episode takes a deeper dive in the assessment process and how a good assessment can set the stage for a successful care plan.  Dr. Crider gives recommendations on ways to connect with the patient and gather information that is useful to the entire integrated team.  

Continuing on with our Spero Clinical Insights Podcast series, where we cover the latest topics in the world of mental health and substance use disorder, we are excited to share with you Episode 9 available now: “Trauma, Stigma and Discrimination in Substance Use Disorder”.  In this new episode, Essence Hairston, who specializes in behavioral health in the pregnant and parenting women population at Horizons Program at the University of North Carolina, speaks with host, SVP of Clinical Services David Hayden on how stigma and trauma can negatively impact the ability to seek treatment and to be successful in recovery. Essence discusses the importance of creating positive patient experiences so that it offers the best chance to achieve good outcomes. She gives suggestions on what providers can do to create a safe, respectful and welcoming environment, and the difference that makes in helping  a patient feel a sense of belonging to create better engagement and connectivity to services.    This episode takes a deeper dive into ways trauma, stigma and discrimination can manifest in physical and mental health and the resulting effect on patient care. Essence gives recommendations on ways we can empower patients to advocate for themselves so providers can develop a more tailored approach to medical care.  

On this new episode, returning guest  Dr.  Mark Gold, known as one of the fathers of medication assisted recovery,  speaks with host, SVP of Clinical Services David Hayden on  how the psycho-stimulant crises with the abuse of methamphetamine and cocaine  followed the opioid epidemic.   Hear Dr. Gold's insights on the difference in physical side effects of stimulant use verses opioids, and the role medical professionals play when treating these patients including adjustments that need to take place when factoring in psycho-stimulant use.  This is an  informative discussion with a proven, distinguished and awarded physician in the field of addiction medicine, public health, neurology, and psychiatry.  

This new episode focuses on how substance use disorder in America has developed into a one of the deadliest epidemics in history. Your host, VP of Clinical Services David Hayden becomes the guest on this episode as he dives into the cycle of addiction. With over 25 years of experience in the addiction treatment field, David discusses why people use substances, the way continued use over time contributes to the reinforcing cycle of addiction. and how modern advances offer solutions to this. 

Continuing on with our Spero Clinical Insights Podcast series, where we cover the latest topics in the world of mental health and substance use disorder, we are excited to share with you Episode 6 available now: “Treating Pregnant Women with Substance Use Disorders”.  This new episode focuses on the challenges of treating pregnant women with substance use disorders. You'll hear from your host, VP of Clinical Services David Hayden, along with his guest, Dr. Elisabeth Johnson,  the primary provider for prenatal and well-woman gynecologic care (including family planning and treatment for STDs) in the Horizons' OB-GYN clinic.   Dr. Johnson will discuss the challenges pregnant women bring to treatment and effective ways to treat this population. 

On this new episode Dr. Mark Gold, known as one of the fathers of medication assisted recovery,  speaks with host, SVP of Clinical Services David Hayden on  MAT's past, present and future.   Hear Dr. Gold's insights on the development of medications for treating substance use disorders, how it has evolved to what is available today, and what he sees coming in the future.  This is an entertaining and informative discussion with a proven, distinguished and awarded physician in the field of addiction medicine, public health, neurology, and psychiatry.  To learn more about Dr. Mark Gold, visit it website: https://www.drmarkgold.com/

This new episode is part 2 of a 2 part series that coincides with our current wellness campaign focusing on depression screening and treatment. You'll hear from your host, VP of Clinical Services David Hayden, along with his guest, Spero Health's Kate Nesbitt, N.P., who have review medication options Providers for patients who are dealing with BOTH depression and substance use disorders. 

“The Sad Truth About Depression'.  You'll hear from your host, Spero Health's Senior VP of Clinical Services David Hayden, along with his guest, Spero Health's Regional Clinical Manager Amanda Lay who will discuss the challenges facing patients and care givers when dealing with BOTH depression and substance use disorders. 

In the United States over 20 million Americans ages 12 and older have substance use disorder, and since the year 2000 over 700,000 Americans have died from drug overdose. In this Spero Health Clinical Insights series, we take a deeper dive in some of the most common and complex clinical issues facing providers on the front lines working to fight the drug epidemic. To learn more about clinically effective ways of assisting this patient population tune in now.