The Addicted Mind Podcast

Journalist Sam Quinones, renowned for his deeply impactful books Dreamland and The Least of Us about the opioid and synthetic drug crises, returns to The Addicted Mind with a profoundly different, yet connected, story. In this episode, Sam and host Duane Osterlind dive into Quinones' newest book, The Perfect Tuba: Forging Fulfillment from the Bass Horn, Band and Hard Work. Sam shares his unexpected pivot from writing about the devastating cycle of addiction and consumerism—where people seek happiness from something they buy—to exploring stories of people who cultivate their own value from within. He found this liberation and internal worth in the unlikeliest of places: the world of the tuba.You’ll hear why the tuba, often dismissed as the ‘fat elephant’ of the band, became a metaphor for breaking free of limits and an antidote to the inertia of addiction. Sam shares incredible stories, from the enormous popularity of the tuba in Mexican immigrant communities in Los Angeles to the legendary tale of the two "perfect tubas" that are the "Holy Grail" of the instrument.This conversation reveals the powerful life lessons learned in the band room: postponed gratification, perseverance, and collaboration. Sam and Duane draw a beautiful, clear analogy between the dedication required to master a tough instrument and the difficult, rewarding journey of addiction recovery. They explore how the energy and creativity harnessed by finding your "perfect tuba"—that thing you work hard for—is the strongest defense against the lure of instant gratification and drugs.This episode is an inspiration, demonstrating that we are surrounded by people who embody the values needed to heal and strengthen our culture and community Key TopicsThe Tuba as a metaphor for freedom and inner value versus the consumer model of buying happiness.Why Sam Quinones chose to pivot from writing about drugs (Dreamland, The Least of Us) to writing about the tuba.The surprising history of tuba-playing as an act of liberation and self-discovery.The profound connection between the hard work of mastering an instrument and the journey of recovery.The inspiring story of the Roma High School band in Texas and the power of investing in music education in poor communities.The legend of the two "perfect tubas"—the Holy Grail of the instrument world—and why they are so valuable.The essential values learned in band—punctuality, collaboration, and focus—that serve as a bulwark against addiction.Resources THE PERFECT TUBA: Forging Fulfillment from the Bass Horn, Band, and Hard WorkSubstackInstagram FacebookNovusMindfulLife.comhttps://www.theaddictedmind.com/community Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.If 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.

Worksheet: “Hero's Journey Addiction Recovery Worksheet”In this episode of "The Addicted Mind," Duane and Eric Osterlind explore the concept of the hero's journey and how it applies to addiction recovery. Drawing from Joseph Campbell's work on mythology, they discuss the three phases of the hero's journey—departure, initiation, and return—and how these stages can provide a roadmap for personal transformation. By seeing recovery through the lens of a hero's journey, individuals can gain a new perspective and find hope in their path to sobriety. Join us as we delve into the powerful parallels between classic stories like "Lord of the Rings" and the journey to overcoming addiction.Key Topics- The hero's journey framework by Joseph Campbell.- Applying the hero’s journey to addiction recovery.- The three phases: Departure, Initiation, and Return.- The significance of storytelling in personal transformation.- Creating a new narrative to support recovery.Timestamps1. [00:01:04] - Introduction to the hero’s journey and its relevance to recovery.2. [00:02:00] - History and significance of Joseph Campbell’s work.3. [00:04:26] - The departure phase: Recognizing the need for change.4. [00:06:31] - The initiation phase: Facing challenges and finding support.5. [00:08:50] - The return phase: Embracing a new identity and sharing gifts.6. [00:10:09] - Applying the hero's journey repeatedly in life.7. [00:11:22] - Community support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jane Chen, the visionary mind behind Embrace Global, shares her remarkable journey from a Stanford classroom to the heart of India, where her innovative spirit and unwavering dedication gave birth to a life-saving portable infant incubator. This episode unravels Jane's incredible drive, which not only saved over a million babies worldwide but also led her to the brink of burnout. Her story is a testament to the profound impact of one person's mission to make a difference, highlighting the often-overlooked personal sacrifices that accompany such immense achievements.As Jane recounts her path from personal and professional exhaustion to a place of healing through self-compassion, listeners are invited to explore the emotional depths of achieving outward success while grappling with inner turmoil. This conversation offers insights into the healing power of vulnerability, the importance of embracing one's emotions, and the courage to face one's own imperfections. Jane also shares how unexpected support from Tony Robbins breathed new life into her company and emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and resilience. Her journey is a powerful reminder that true strength lies in acknowledging our vulnerabilities and that we are enough just as we are.In this episode, you will hear:Jane Chen's journey from a Stanford classroom to developing a life-saving portable infant incubator with Embrace GlobalThe personal cost of dedication and achieving monumental goals, leading Jane to the brink of burnoutThe emotional and transformative power of embracing vulnerability and self-compassionInsights into healing trauma through therapeutic approaches, including Internal Family Systems (IFS)The role of unexpected support from Tony Robbins in reviving Embrace GlobalThe significance of self-acceptance and the courage to face imperfections on the path to healingFollow and Review:We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources: www.JaneMarieChen.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/janemarie.chen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janemariechen/Facebook: www.facebook.com/janemariechenNovusMindfulLife.comhttps://www.theaddictedmind.com/community Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent youSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Explore the fascinating world of attachment styles and their impact on recovery from addiction. Discover how secure, anxious, dismissive, and fearful attachment styles shape our relationships. Learn about the significance of early childhood experiences and their lasting effects on adult connections. The hosts provide practical tips for improving relationship skills and fostering supportive communities. Dive into the powerful dynamics of relationships and how understanding your attachment style can lead to healing.

In this episode, we talk about sacrificial helpers’ syndrome, great for people who are in the helper profession or volunteer helpers. Sacrificial help syndrome can be defined as people giving more than they have for the people they serve.Our guest today is Katie Vernoy. A licensed family therapist, a coach, and consultant with helpers based in Torrance, California. As she says, she helps helpers to help better.Most people who’ve had traumatic experiences that completely changed their lives can end up with this syndrome because they just want others to get through it better than they did and in between that they don't think of taking care of themselves.For therapists, they put their own needs at bay and focus on what other people need and how they can help them. Working past normal working hours, neglecting own self-care practices, scheduling in clients during personal time, foregoing meals just to help someone out are mostly signs that you're sacrificing yourself too much.Katie’s experience came about when she was working in public mental health. She worked extra hours, focused more on her staff and clients, and she burned out because she was so passionate about what she was doing to the point of neglecting self-care. After going out solo, she realized it was important for helpers to take care of themselves because if not, eventually, the help they offer won't be available.Within the profession, it’s often expected of you to be overly benevolent out of the goodness of your heart, so when you ask for money, or set limits and say no sometimes there can be a backlash from the society. It's expected of you to do this. However, part of your helping has to have some limits because you need to empower people to start their recovery on their own. Access if the client’s emergency call is a crisis or if it's possible for them to problem-solve on their own and practice self-soothing techniques. Yes, it’s hard to say no to a client at a critical moment, but learning to set limits helps tremendously in improving your service.Most often than not, when you started feeling as though your clients should cancel on appointments or grumpy, or you feel fatigued and burned out, it's a sign that you’ve started or are giving too much already. At this point, you can't care much anymore, and it's a clear sign that you should take some time off and do some consultation. Never risk your recovery for someone else’s.The first recovery of the syndrome is recognizing you’ve got a problem. You should then address it efficiently and start making time for yourself. Set aside some time to do some mandatory extracurricular activities, e.g., meeting up a friend, shopping, surfing, etc. Make sure you hold yourself accountable or find an accountability partner. Accountability will help you make better choices and get some well-deserved rest. You're valuable, take care of yourself.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feeling stuck in your recovery? Discover the difference between first-order changes, like quitting habits, and second-order changes that address core issues. The hosts explore the treadmill metaphor, illustrating how surface-level changes can be ineffective. They emphasize the importance of digging deeper into anxieties and past traumas for true transformation. Real-life examples highlight the need for therapy or coaching to facilitate this deeper work. Tune in for insights on making lasting changes that truly matter.

Dr. Scott Teitelbaum, an addiction medicine leader and former pediatrician, shares his remarkable journey from addiction to redemption. He discusses the emotional toll of losing his medical license and family, highlighting how humility and the support of mentors helped him rebuild his life. Scott reflects on the paradoxes of recovery, emphasizing the need for vulnerability and teachability. He shares invaluable insights on creating supportive environments for recovery and delivers a powerful message of hope for those still struggling.

Dive into the world of rumination as hosts discuss its definition and its sneaky grip on mental health. They explore different types, like brooding and intrusive thoughts, revealing how these patterns can spiral into anxiety. Practical strategies to escape the rumination trap are offered, including embracing mindfulness and engaging in focused activities. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness and intentional reflection, turning negative loops into productive thought processes. Tune in for insights that could change how you think!

Dr. Gary Mitrevolis, a seasoned expert in addiction medicine, joins us for a critical conversation on cannabis and THC addiction, especially as we face the rising tide of high-potency THC products. With cannabis legalization expanding and THC concentrations soaring to unprecedented levels, Dr. Mitrevolis shares his extensive insights into the mental and physical health risks this trend poses. We discuss why understanding these impacts is vital for effectively addressing the evolving challenges in addiction treatment, particularly in states like California where exposure to high-THC products is more prevalent.Our exploration takes a closer look at the adolescent brain, where we uncover the troubling effects of THC on dopamine production and motivation. Chronic cannabis use during these formative years can lead to devastating consequences, including an alarming drop in IQ and an increased risk of psychosis, especially for those with a family history of mental health disorders. Dr. Mitrevolis highlights that while current data might not differentiate between THC potency levels or consumption methods, ongoing research promises deeper insights that will guide future prevention and treatment strategies.In this episode, you will hear:Exploration of rising THC potency and its implications for addiction and health.Insights from Dr. Gary Mitrevolis on the mental and physical risks of high-THC cannabis.Discussion on cannabis' impact on adolescent brain development, motivation, and IQ.Examination of cannabis legalization and potential reclassification to a Schedule III substance.Debunking myths about the safety of natural substances, highlighting cardiovascular risks.Challenges and strategies for managing cannabis withdrawal and recovery.Follow and Review:We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:Dr. Mitrevolis NovusMindfulLife.comhttps://www.theaddictedmind.com/community Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Worksheet: Your PERMA RecoveryWhat if recovery isn't just about stopping the bad stuff, but actually building something incredible?For too long, we've thought of recovery as simply not using. We white-knuckle our way through each day, fighting urges and saying no to everything that once brought us pleasure. But what happens when you've been sober for months or even years, and you're left thinking, "Is this it? Is this what recovery looks like?"In this powerful episode, hosts Duane and Eric challenge the traditional view of recovery and introduce you to something revolutionary: the science of thriving. They explore how recovery can transform from a grim process of enduring abstinence into an exciting journey of building the life you genuinely want to live.The hosts dive deep into positive psychology – the scientific study of what makes life worth living. Instead of just focusing on what's wrong with us, positive psychology asks a game-changing question: What makes a life flourishing and meaningful?You'll discover the PERMA model, developed by Dr. Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology. This roadmap breaks down thriving into five key elements: Positive emotions (joy, gratitude, hope), Engagement (finding your flow), Relationships (authentic connections), Meaning (serving something bigger than yourself), and Accomplishment (achieving goals that matter to you).But here's what makes this episode special – it's not just theory. Duane and Eric show you exactly how to take these big concepts and break them down into tiny, manageable steps. You don't need to transform your entire life overnight. You just need to pick one element that resonates with you and take one small step this week.The episode also explores the concept of post-traumatic growth – the idea that hitting rock bottom can actually become the foundation for building something stronger. Like SpaceX learning from rocket explosions to build better spacecraft, your struggles with addiction can teach you lessons that help you create an even more meaningful life.This isn't about ignoring the hard work of staying sober. It's about shifting your focus from just running away from addiction to actively running toward a beautiful vision of your future. The hosts share insights from successful guests who have appeared on The Addicted Mind Podcast – people who don't just avoid their old destructive behaviors, but have built lives so fulfilling that those behaviors have lost their appeal entirely.Whether you're in early recovery feeling like you're just surviving, or you've been sober for years but feel stuck in a rut, this episode offers hope and practical tools. You'll learn how to identify what's missing in your recovery and take concrete steps to build it.Recovery doesn't have to be about deprivation – it can be about inspiration. Your journey isn't just about what you're leaving behind; it's about the incredible life you're building ahead.Key TopicsThe "Dry Drunk" Problem: Why stopping isn't enough and how to move beyond just surviving The PERMA Model: Five building blocks of a thriving life (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment) Post-Traumatic Growth: How hitting rock bottom can become your foundation for building something stronger From Deprivation to Inspiration: Shifting recovery from enduring abstinence to exciting life-building Micro-Steps Strategy: How to break down big goals into tiny, manageable actions you can't fail at Beyond Traditional Recovery: Moving from fixing what's broken to building what's strongTimestamp[00:01:30] - The dangerous trap of thinking recovery is just about stopping [00:03:00] - What is the "dry drunk" phenomenon and why it happens [00:07:00] - Introduction to positive psychology and the paradigm shift [00:08:30] - Breaking down the PERMA model for thriving in recovery [00:10:30] - Understanding post-traumatic growth and learning from rock bottom [00:13:00] - Practical action steps: How to choose your focus area [00:16:30] - The mindset shift: Running toward something beautiful instead of away from addictionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.