The Addicted Mind Podcast

In this episode, Duane sits down with Dr. Frank Putnam, a pioneer in the study of childhood trauma with nearly 50 years of clinical and research experience. Dr. Putnam discusses his landmark 35-year longitudinal study—the Female Growth and Development Study—which tracked the biological and psychological impacts of sexual abuse on girls from childhood into adulthood. They explore the concept of "accelerated aging," the intergenerational transfer of trauma, and why early intervention is critical for breaking the cycle of violence.Key Discussion PointsThe Evolution of Trauma Diagnosis: Dr. Putnam recounts the early days of his career (the 1970s) when PTSD didn't exist in the DSM. Veterans and trauma survivors were often misdiagnosed with schizophrenia or borderline personality disorder before a language for trauma was developed.The "Old Before Their Time" Phenomenon: A core finding of Dr. Putnam’s research is that extreme childhood adversity accelerates biological aging.Puberty: Abused girls in the study reached puberty approximately one year earlier than the control group.Epigenetics: DNA methylation studies show that traumatized individuals have a biological age that exceeds their chronological age.Immune System: Some young girls exhibited immune systems that appeared "older" than those of healthy adults.The Role of Cortisol: The stress hormone cortisol plays a dual role. While levels are high during the period of active trauma, they often crash later in life, leading to a "blunted" stress response that mediates many negative health outcomes.Intergenerational Trauma: * Dr. Putnam’s research suggests a roughly 30% transfer rate of abuse across generations.This is not just behavioral; animal studies suggest that trauma-induced epigenetic changes can be passed down biologically.Resilience and Recovery: What differentiates survivors who thrive?Positive Relationships: High-quality relationships with older, supportive female role models were the strongest predictors of resilience for the girls in the study.IQ and Social Skills: Higher cognitive ability and personalities that attract social support also serve as protective factors.Treatment Success: Modern Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) has roughly a 70% success rate.Resources Book: Old Before Their Time: A Scientific Life Investigating How Maltreatment Harms Children and the Adults They Become by Frank W. Putnam.Organizations:NCTSN: National Child Traumatic Stress NetworkTF-CBT: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.PCIT: Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (effective for younger children).Guest Website: frankputnam.comIf you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery CenterNovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Explore the intriguing distinction between extrinsic and intrinsic goals, revealing how the former offers only fleeting happiness. Delve into the concept of the hedonic treadmill and discover why achieving status and wealth may leave you wanting. Learn how intrinsic goals, such as personal growth and meaningful relationships, provide deeper fulfillment. Duane and Eric share practical tips to cultivate intrinsic happiness through gratitude, mindfulness, and connection. Unlock the secrets to stepping off the hedonic treadmill and embracing lasting joy.

Loneliness and shame often define the struggles of addiction, overshadowing the substances themselves. Connection is highlighted as the antidote to isolation, with community being crucial for long-term recovery. Research supports the effectiveness of mutual-aid groups and therapy in this journey. The hosts discuss how co-regulation in supportive environments can ease stress and foster hope. They also offer actionable steps, like identifying one new connection and practicing active listening, to help listeners build their recovery tribe.

In this engaging discussion, Burton Fischler, a trauma recovery counselor and author of The Gift: Trauma to Triumph, shares his incredible journey after the tragic murder of his wife, Barbara. He delves into how he transformed grief and PTSD into a path of healing through writing and nature. Burton discusses the powerful link between trauma and addiction, the importance of practicing gratitude, and how neuroplasticity can aid recovery. His heartfelt message encourages anyone struggling with darkness to find hope and embrace the healing process.

Duane Osterlind sits down with Doug Leech, founder of Ascension Recovery Services, to discuss the monumental challenge of expanding high-quality addiction treatment to "treatment deserts"—specifically rural areas and tribal lands. Doug shares his vulnerable personal journey from a high-achieving accountant struggling with opioid addiction and homelessness to becoming a visionary leader in behavioral health.The conversation dives deep into the collaboration with the Pawnee Nation to build a sustainable, native-owned recovery center. Doug explains how he combined his expertise in accounting and neuroplasticity with ancient spiritual traditions and cultural healing to overcome the unique financial, political, and logistical hurdles of building on sovereign land.Key Discussion PointsDoug’s Personal Story: From working at a top accounting firm to living in a car due to opioid addiction, Doug discusses the powerful role of shame and the life-changing experience of finding recovery in Minnesota when his home state of West Virginia had no options.The Problem of Treatment Deserts: Why many communities (veterans, Medicaid recipients, and Native American tribes) are often left without any local access to life-saving care.The Pawnee Nation Project: The complexities of building on sovereign land, including financing without the ability to repossess property and navigating tribal government cycles.Workforce Development: The "10-year plan" to train tribal members—from peer recovery coaches to Master’s-level clinicians—to ensure the program is self-sustaining and native-operated.The Business of Recovery: How Doug uses his accounting background (and lessons from Sarbanes-Oxley) to build clinical programs that are not only effective but financially viable.The Power of Service: Why giving back through the 12th step is essential to maintaining long-term recovery.Quotes from the Episode"Addiction is the best-kept secret that everybody knows." — Doug Leech"I'll die with this disease, not from it." — Doug LeechResources MentionedAscension Recovery Services: ascensionrs.comWhite Bison: A resource for Wellbriety and culturally based healing for indigenous peoples.The Addicted Mind Podcast: theaddictedmind.comDoug Leech is in recovery and the founder of Ascension Recovery Services. Motivated by his own struggle to find care, he has dedicated his career to developing full-continuum recovery models for underserved populations, helping open dozens of centers across the United States.Connect with Doug:LinkedIn: Doug LeechWebsite: ascensionrs.comIf you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery CenterNovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discover the vital skill of setting boundaries in recovery. The hosts explain how a lack of boundaries can leave you feeling exposed and anxious. When you say yes too often, resentment builds, risking relapse. They tackle the fears behind saying no, including rejection and abandonment. Learn the difference between rigid walls and healthy boundaries that allow for safe connections. With a simple two-step practice and the power of I-statements, you'll be equipped to protect your sobriety while maintaining personal peace.

In this episode, Duane Osterlind sits down with Swami Revati, a Hindu monk with over 15 years of monastic experience. Together, they explore the intersection of Eastern spirituality, modern psychology, and the human search for lasting fulfillment. Swami Revati shares his journey from a multicultural upbringing to finding his spiritual mentor, offering a refreshing perspective on how Hinduism serves as a "science of the self." The conversation delves into the importance of proactive living, the role of divine grace, and how to cultivate an internal source of happiness that remains stable regardless of external circumstances.Swami Revati clarifies that Hinduism is not just a cultural identity or a polytheistic religion of competing gods. Instead, it is a diverse representation of one divine source. It functions as a marriage between philosophy and theology, focusing on two main steps:Self-Knowledge: Understanding who you are in full depth.Divine Connection: Understanding your source and building a relationship with it.The Power of Proactive LivingMost people live by "reciprocal love"—waiting for others to be kind or respectful before responding in kind. Swami Revati argues for proactive living:Decide who you want to be based on characteristics (humility, respect, love) rather than roles (job title, family status).Maintain those characteristics even when the environment doesn't reward them.Stability comes from mastering your inner world irrespective of external chaos.The Mind as Friend or FoeThe Goal: To make the mind your "best of friends" through discipline.The Method: Sadhana (spiritual practice). This involves "negation"—the practice of saying no to impulses in small ways to build the "muscle" for larger life challenges.Redefining Happiness vs. PleasureSensory Pleasure: Temporary, circumstantial, and often tied to addictive cycles (e.g., food, social media).True Happiness: An internal, stable state discovered by tapping into the "spark of divinity" within the soul.5. The Anatomy of "Evil"Swami Revati breaks down negative behaviors not as an entity, but as a byproduct of three factors:Anger: Uncontrolled emotional lashing.Desire: Selfish, short-term pleasure-seeking.Ego: Selfishness and lack of service to something greater.Memorable Quotes"For one who has the mind under control, it is the best of friends; for one who doesn't, it is the worst of enemies." — Swami Revati (referencing the Bhagavad Gita)"If happiness is reduced to just eating some fries and drinking a milkshake... that is momentary sensory pleasure. It has a lot to do with addictive cycles.""Nobody can help someone that doesn't want to help themselves... you must have the belief that it can change."Resources Thinking Bhakti Podcast: Hosted by Swami Revati.YouTube Channel The Bhagavad Gita: A foundational textIf you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery CenterNovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of the Addicted Minds podcast features a critical discussion on the escalating crisis of teen addiction and mental health, highlighting the vital work of the Free Mind Campaign. Host Duane Osterlind speaks with Jasmine Kenney from the CDC's Division of Overdose Prevention and Dr. Meena Mirhom from Athletes for Hope, who detail the necessity of addressing substance misuse among young people aged 12 to 17. The guests explain that mental health struggles—fueled by social pressures, bullying, and social media—often lead teens to self-medicate with increasingly potent and accessible substances, including highly concentrated cannabis, illegal vapes, and fentanyl-laced drugs. The conversation stresses the need for non-judgmental support from trusted adults and peers to break the cycle of shame and isolation.The guests showcase the innovative approaches used by the Free Mind Campaign and Athletes for Hope to reach youth. Jasmine Kenney outlines the CDC's mobile-friendly resources for parents, like conversation cards and an interactive graphic novel for teens, designed to facilitate dialogue and education. Dr. Mirhom explains how partnering with celebrity athletes provides powerful role models who use their platforms to talk openly about mental health and healthy coping strategies, demonstrating to young people that "it's okay to not be okay" and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes that hope and effective mental health treatment are available to help youth navigate these challenges and build a supportive ecosystem across their communities.Key Discussion PointsThe Problem: Addiction and overdose deaths are at an epidemic level among young people.Real-World Impact: Dr. Mirhom shares firsthand accounts of seeing individuals struggling with substance use in communities near where they were holding discussions with middle schoolers, highlighting that this is not an abstract issue for teens.Accessibility: Substances, some similar in compound to heroin, are readily accessible—sometimes even at local delis—to young people, with some as young as 11 being asked to carry drugs.🧠 The Free Mind Campaign (CDC)Objective: The campaign addresses substance use and mental health issues among teens aged 12 to 17.Strategy: Provide non-judgmental resources to facilitate conversations:Teens talking to parents/caregivers.Parents/caregivers talking to teens.Teens talking to friends/peers.Core Issue: Research found that mental health is a major underlying issue, with teens often turning to drugs to cope with pressures from social media, bullying, and mental health struggles.Resources for Parents/Caregivers:Conversation starters for parents.A mobile-friendly card game to guide discussions (starting with mental health, moving to substance use, and ending with open-ended questions).Fact sheets to ensure parents are knowledgeable.🤝 Partnering with Athletes for HopeThe Power of Role Models: Dr. Mirhom emphasizes the profound impact of having star athletes and Olympians share their stories. Hearing from an admired figure about the importance of "keeping my mind free" resonates more strongly with teens than simply being told drugs are bad.Modeling Coping Skills: Athletes demonstrate healthy coping mechanisms, encouraging youth to adopt those strategies rather than self-medication.Support Ecosystem: The campaign aims to create a supportive environment involving peers, parents, and coaches. Athletes for Hope is developing resources for coaches on how to talk about these issues, recognizing that coaches are often the first trusted adult a young person turns to.🧪 Substance Use Trends and ConcernsHighly Potent Substances: Fentanyl, even in micro-amounts, can be deadly and is often laced in other substances.Cannabis Use: Cannabis Use Disorder is increasingly the number one misused substance over alcohol among young people.Concerns include the high potency and risks of psychosis, increased anxiety, and depression.Studies suggest chronic use may lower IQ in developing brains.Vaping and New Trends: The market is flooded with illegal vapes specifically marketed toward teens (looking like video games, flavored like bubble gum). There's also a rise of addictive substances that appear to be harmless, referred to as "gas station heroin."💡 The Messaging and HopeNon-Judgmental Approach: The conversation starts by acknowledging the pain that leads to substance use ("there's a wound that's being addressed") and validating the teen's experience, making the adult an ally.Treatment Works: Dr. Mirhom stressed the importance of knowing that mental health treatment is very effective and that hope is concrete and available.Key Takeaway for Teens/Parents:Jasmine Kenney: "It's okay to not be okay. Reach out. There's support out there."Dr. Meena Mirhom: "Treatment can help you get there... hope is here for you. This is not a burden you've got to carry by yourself."🔗 ResourcesCDC Free Mind Campaign Resources:cdc.gov/freemindFree Mind Campaign: cdc.gov/freemind (Resources include the card game, graphic novel, fact sheets for parents and teens).Athletes for Hope: https://www.athletesforhope.org/ (Information on athlete well-being, mental health resources, and ways to get involved in sports and philanthropy).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discover the transformative power of micro wins! Small victories, like lacing up your shoes or jotting down a thought, can significantly uplift your recovery journey. Learn how these tiny achievements foster motivation and resilience while combating negativity. Practical examples and insights on savoring positivity are shared to enhance emotional well-being. With strategies to incorporate these wins into daily life, you'll be inspired to celebrate each step towards your larger goals!

In this episode, host Duane Osterlind speaks with Jaime W. Vinck MC, LPC, President of Meadows Behavioral Health and a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience in the treatment industry. They discuss her book, The Rehab Playbook, which aims to demystify the rehabilitation process and encourage more people to seek help for addiction and mental health challenges.📖 Why the Book Was WrittenJaime was inspired to write The Rehab Playbook during COVID-19, driven by the dedication of treatment staff and the desire to diminish suffering. The book’s core mission is to pull back the curtain on rehab, showing the process from the inside out to help people overcome the fear and stigma associated with seeking treatment.The Gap in Care: Statistically, only one out of ten people who need treatment get it, and it takes the average person 10 years to pick up the "thousand-pound phone" and seek help.Addressing Fear: The book explains the logistics of rehab—from what to bring, the luggage search process, and the healthy use of electronics—to address common reasons people drop out in the first few days due to unexpected rules or procedures.The Why: All rules and processes are explained as being for the patient's own safety and to ensure their treatment success.The Fear and Stigma of Seeking HelpStigma and Labeling: Despite COVID-19 somewhat reducing the stigma, people are still afraid of being labeled, losing their jobs, or being judged by friends and family.Media Misrepresentation: Media portrayals of rehab (like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest or 28 Days) often create an inaccurate and fear-inducing image of the environment.The "No Judgment Zone": In quality treatment centers, the culture is one of carefrontation, not confrontation, where shame and guilt are replaced by trust and normalization. Most staff members have personal experience with addiction or recovery, fostering a deeply empathetic environment.The Cornerstone of HealingStructured Schedule: Days are packed with movement (gym, pickleball, pool), group work, and lectures, starting with early-morning gratitude.Primary Process Group: This is considered the cornerstone of deep addiction treatment. It involves a small group of 6-8 people with a primary therapist where patients share their life story/timeline.Corrective Experience: Group work helps repair early childhood trauma where vulnerability may have been dangerous. Hearing others share their stories reveals more similarities than differences, breaking down isolation and teaching healthy empathy.Experiential Therapies: Modalities like equine psychotherapy (working with horses), ropes courses, and art therapy help patients get their bodies moving and discover they can experience joy and connection while sober.Trauma Work: Treatment includes one-on-one trauma assessments and evidence-based modalities, along with resources like a Brain Center for neurofeedback and neuromodulation.Major Barriers to Treatment:Lack of Awareness of Resources: Many people incorrectly believe rehab is only for the wealthy and are unaware their insurance (like Blue Cross Blue Shield) or employee assistance programs (EAPs) can cover treatment based on medical necessity.Time Off Work: Individuals often don't realize they can take time off through the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or short-term disability.Jaime's final advice for anyone considering seeking help:"You deserve to live a life that's happy, joyous, and free. People get better every day, so don't give up the hope."🔗 ResourcesBook: The Rehab PlaybookWebsite: www.therehabplaybook.comwww.therehabplaybook.comwww.naatp.comwww.meadowsbh.comIf you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery CenterNovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.