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Spero Health Clinical Insights
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.
Spero Health Clinical Insights
Rethinking SUD Medications - Trends in Substance Use Disorder with Dr. Mark Gold
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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Together, they unpack the evolving role of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in recovery and challenge outdated ideas around abstinence and what “real” recovery looks like.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.