Dr. Reid Hester: Pioneering Digital Solutions in Addiction Recovery
But there is reason to be hopeful, and it lies in finding what is going to be helpful for you, using it and persisting, changing a long-term habit, which is what an addiction is applied to a drug or alcohol.
Imagine tapping into the wisdom of a seasoned psychologist and researcher who’s been at the forefront of addiction recovery for decades. That’s what you get with Dr. Reid Hester on this episode of the SMART Recovery® Podcast. Dr. Hester, the founder and director of the science division of Checkup & Choices, has dedicated his career to understanding and combating alcohol abuse. He’s not just about theories; he’s about practical, science-based solutions that can change lives. Dr.
Hester’s journey began with an educational path that led him to earn a doctorate in psychology. Along the way, he crossed paths with influential figures like William Miller and Tom Horvath, a founding member of SMART Recovery. These connections enriched his research and practice, allowing him to collaborate on groundbreaking projects. One such project was publishing findings on drug and alcohol abstinence protocols in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. In this episode, Dr.
Hester opens up about the impact of the pandemic on recovery and how digital tools are becoming essential in these challenging times. He talks about Checkup & Choices, an innovative app designed to support those on their recovery journey, and shares his optimism about future technologies like Chess Health and Vorvida. But it’s not all tech talk. Dr. Hester emphasizes the importance of diverse recovery pathways, including medication, psychotherapy, counseling, and social support networks.
His message is clear: there’s hope in recovery, and it’s about finding what works best for you and sticking with it. Tune in to hear Dr. Hester’s inspiring insights and learn how digital interventions can offer new avenues for overcoming addiction. Whether you’re in recovery or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with valuable information and encouragement.