Streaming to Recovery and Wellness: Chestnut's Michael Dennis Redefines mHealth for Emerging Adults

When most think of mobile health (mHealth) apps, they think of Calm, BetterHelp, Talkspace, etc. They don't typically think of the music streaming or exercise apps we have in our pockets and that we use every day. Dr. Michael Dennis, the Chief Research Officer for Chestnut Health Systems’ Lighthouse Institute (LI) and a Senior Research Psychologist, focuses the conversation on the challenges faced by emerging adults (ages 18-25) with substance use disorders (SUD): emerging adults have the highest rates of SUD, and only 3% of them receive treatment. Mike discusses the potential of mobile health (mHealth) solutions to address these issues. But rather than focus on the "usual" apps, Mike focuses on music and fitness apps that effectively "reroute" emerging adults from unhealthy cravings to positive activities. He discusses the role music and social support play in recovery, and the unique challenges faced by young adults in rural communities. It's an eye-opening examination of the SUD crisis among our nation's emerging adult population, and an enlightening "reframing" of mHealth and its immense potential in addressing the crisis.