Podcast | Practice of Medicine | April 24, 2020

Fireside Chat: Treatment of Addiction and Maintaining Sobriety During a Time of Pandemic and Isolation

In this latest episode of Fireside Chats with the Troops on the Frontline of COVID-19 Pandemic, SMA President Dr. Philip Hartman, a family physician who treats chemical dependency is joined by Mike Foster, a licensed chemical dependency counselor, to discuss the struggles of treating addiction and maintaining sobriety during a pandemic. Helpful tools and resources for healthcare providers are also outlined.

Born and raised in El Paso Texas, Mike Foster grew up in an exciting life of racing motorcycles and drumming in bands.  And though many positive adventures came out of his life style, addiction became a true reality in his early 20’s.  It wasn’t until the age of 32 that Mike’s world came crashing down and he had to face that drugs and alcohol were in complete control of his life.  After a successful stay at La Hacienda Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, Mike was ready to start a brand new life in sobriety.  Through dedication, change, self-forgiveness, honesty, focused on purpose, and a committed life to Christ and serving others, Mike remains living a life free from addiction.  Over the past 7 years he has obtained his credentials as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Internationally Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach, Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor, Recovery Coach Training Facilitator for ICAADA and a Certified Nurturing Parenting Facilitator.  Today Mike lives in Northern Kentucky happily married to his wife with 5 children and 5 English Bulldogs.

References and Resources

  • 7 ways to Focus Your Recovery During a Pandemic
  • Talkspace.com
    • Online service that provides the opportunity to have sessions with a professional therapist.
  • Betterhelp.com
    • Unlimited professional counseling via online chat, video, or phone.
  • Regain.us
    • Focuses on improving relationships
    • Individual and Couples Counseling
  • Teencounseling.com
    • Therapist are experienced in treating teens. Chat, message, over the phone, or video conferencing is available.
  • Pridecounseling.com
    • “Discreet, affordable, and accessible treatment for those in the LGBTQ communities.”
  • Amwell.com
    • Access to a verity of mental health professionals 24/7.
  • 7cups.com
    • A peer based community where one can access free support from peers with similar experiences. You also have the option to pay to speak to a professional