In this episode of the Fear Less podcast, Zack interviews Patrick Babcock, the founder and CEO of Foundation House, a behavioral health and substance abuse treatment program for young men in Portland, Maine. They explore the deep connections between fear, anxiety, and substance use, discussing how these factors intertwine in the lives of individuals struggling with addiction. Patrick shares his personal journey through fear, anxiety, and substance abuse, detailing how his experiences have shaped the innovative approaches employed at Foundation House.

The conversation delves into the broader definitions of substance use, emphasizing that addictions can extend beyond drugs and alcohol to include behaviors like excessive gaming and constant technological distraction. Patrick highlights the importance of experiential therapy, explaining how Foundation House incorporates global travel and challenging activities—such as night diving with sharks—to help clients confront their fears and anxieties directly. By fostering connection, mindfulness, and exposure to new experiences, the program empowers young men to develop healthier coping mechanisms and break the cycle of anxiety and addiction.

Zack's Hack: In this weeks anxiety hack Zack discusses how travelling to an unknown place can help you fear less to do more!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.