The Addicted Mind Podcast

In this episode, host Duane Osterlind speaks with Liz Friedman, CEO and Co-founder of GPS Group Peer Support, about the vital role of peer support and group modalities in addressing the widespread mental health crisis. Liz shares her personal journey into the work, stemming from a severe mental health crisis after childbirth, which revealed significant gaps in the healthcare system. The conversation delves into the definition, profound impact, and structured model of peer support, emphasizing its effectiveness in fostering connection, resilience, and lasting change.Key Discussion PointsDefining Peer Support: Peer support is fundamentally about landing in your own lived experience and offering it as a tool and gift to others. It is about saying, "I've survived some really hard things. I believe you can too. Let's take the next step together," to break through isolation, stigma, and shame.Lived Experience as a Modality: Liz's personal motivation comes from her own struggles and the realization that connection is the key factor in healing. This understanding is deeply rooted in the recovery field.Peer Support vs. Professional Therapy: While professional therapy is crucial, peer support offers a unique, complementary therapeutic modality where participants share their lived experience to inspire and resource one another. Peer support minimizes the hierarchy and clinical barriers often present in traditional settings, enhancing rapport.The Need for Structure and Training: Despite the organic nature of groups, there is a limited evidence base and a lack of training for running effective peer support groups—even among clinical professionals. Liz's organization, GPS Group Peer Support, focuses on training facilitators to create a structured, trauma-informed, and trauma-responsive container that allows for genuine authenticity and courageous sharing.The GPS Group Peer Support Model: The model integrates evidence-based modalities (like CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness) seamlessly into a very set, stepped structure. Key elements include:Ritual Beginning: Starting with a mindfulness moment for grounding and landing.Heightened Confidentiality: Confidentiality is framed relationally to promote transformation, where the very act of saying something can change it, and prevent "locking" a person into their past truth.No Interruption/Advice: A completely device-free zone that eliminates crosstalk, advice-giving, and conflict. This trusts the participant's ability to find their own path and fosters self-trust.Realities and Principles: An honest preamble that names the challenges (realities) specific to the population while affirming principles of hope, dignity, and recovery for everyone.Equal Protected Time: Every person receives the same amount of protected time to share, ensuring the group is never dominated by a single voice and allowing the collective story to emerge.Addressing the Mental Health Crisis: The shift to group therapeutic care and support groups is critical for the future of mental healthcare. By utilizing a group model, costs can be reduced, access can be dramatically expanded (serving millions more people), and care can be de-stigmatized and normalized.💡 Listener TakeawayLiz Friedman encourages anyone struggling and considering joining a group with this powerful message:"Sharing your story with other people is the most courageous act that you can do. It's revolutionary, it's transformative, and it's healing. And I urge you today, today, right now, to go find someone you can share your precious story to and with, because that will help you with your connection with your path. It will make everything else possible. You're not alone."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: Hope Building BlueprintWhat do you do when your hope tank is completely empty? When you're going through the motions of recovery but deep down don't believe things will ever really get better?In this powerful episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane Osterlind and Eric Osterlind tackle one of the most critical—and often overlooked—elements of lasting recovery: hope. But this isn't a conversation about wishful thinking or waiting for motivation to magically strike. Instead, they dive into the practical science of hope and show you exactly how to cultivate it, even when you're starting from bare ground.Many people in recovery struggle with a toxic sense of hopelessness—that gray, heavy belief that the future will just repeat the past. It's the voice that whispers, "Lasting recovery is for other people, not me. I'm too broken. I've failed too many times." This feeling drains motivation and makes recovery feel like an exhausting chore rather than an opportunity for a better life.Here's the good news: positive psychology research shows that hope isn't just a feeling you have to wait for. It's actually a trainable cognitive skill you can build, just like going to the gym and strengthening a muscle.Duane and Eric break down Dr. C.R. Snyder's groundbreaking Hope Theory, which identifies two essential components of hope: pathway thinking (the belief that you can find routes to your goals—the "how to" part) and agency thinking (the belief in your own ability to use those paths—the "I can do this" part). When you feel hopeless, it's usually because you've lost one or both of these elements.The episode gets wonderfully practical with two concrete action steps you can start using today:Action Step #1: Set One Hopeful, Achievable Goal - Choose one small, realistic, and measurable goal you can work on this month (or even just today). Not something vague like "be happier" or "fix my life," but something specific like "spend 10 minutes outside three times this week" or "make one phone call to a supportive friend." Writing it down literally creates a pathway forward in your brain.Action Step #2: Visualize Your Success - Take 2-3 minutes to close your eyes and vividly imagine yourself achieving that goal. Don't just see it—feel it. Imagine the pride, relief, and satisfaction of crossing it off your list. This isn't just positive thinking fluff—it's neuroscience. Elite Olympic athletes use this exact technique to improve their performance, and research shows visualization can be as beneficial as additional physical training.The hosts explain that this process directly builds self-efficacy—your belief in your ability to succeed. Hope isn't just believing things can get better; it's taking small steps that create evidence they ARE getting better.Throughout the episode, Duane and Eric's compassionate approach shines through. They acknowledge that both pathway thinking and agency thinking can be incredibly difficult to access in recovery, but they offer genuine encouragement that these skills can be developed over time.To support your journey, they've created a free Hope Building Blueprint worksheet—a simple one-page guide to help you define your hopeful goal, brainstorm the pathway to get there, and list your motivation and visualization strategies.If you're struggling with hopelessness in recovery, this episode offers both the science and the practical tools to start building hope today. You deserve to believe in a better future—and now you have a roadmap to get there.Key Topics• The Neuroscience of Negativity - Why our brains are wired to focus on negative emotions and predictions first• Dr. C.R. Snyder's Hope Theory - The two essential components: pathway thinking and agency thinking• Pathway vs. Agency - Understanding which element of hope you're struggling with most• Small Goals Build Self-Efficacy - How tiny, achievable wins create evidence of progress and fuel motivation• The Power of Visualization - Using Olympic athlete techniques to prime your brain for success• Actionable Hope-Building Steps - Two concrete practices to start cultivating hope today• Free Hope Building Blueprint - Downloadable worksheet to guide your goal-setting and visualization practiceTimestamp List00:00 - Introduction: What is the most powerful fuel for recovery?02:00 - The pain point of hopelessness and why it's toxic to recovery04:00 - Why our brains are wired for negativity and how positive psychology offers a new lens06:00 - Breaking down the two essential parts of hope: pathway thinking and agency thinking09:00 - Action Step #1: Setting one hopeful, achievable goal that's specific and measurable11:00 - Action Step #2: Visualizing your success using neuroscience-backed techniques14:00 - Recap and introduction to the free Hope Building Blueprint worksheetSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast, host Duane Osterlind welcomes Brenda Zane, the founder of Hope Stream Community. Brenda is a former high-level advertising executive who completely shifted her career after her son struggled with severe substance use disorder, including multiple fentanyl overdoses. Her experience led her to realize the lack of effective, compassionate, and actionable resources for parents dealing with a child's addiction—so she built them.Brenda shares her powerful, deeply personal journey, discussing the profound shift in perspective that occurred after her son's near-fatal experiences. She realized her demanding corporate life was "meaningless" compared to the urgency of her family's struggle. This episode is a must-listen for any parent, caregiver, or family member grappling with a loved one's addiction, offering a powerful message of hope, empowerment, and practical advice.Key Topics The Power of Perspective Shift: Brenda discusses how a crisis can force a re-evaluation of what is truly meaningful in life, leading her to leave her high-powered career to focus on supporting other families.Challenging the "Rock Bottom" Myth: The conversation directly addresses the harmful, disempowering message that parents are helpless and must simply "let them hit rock bottom." Brenda emphasizes that parents can take action to change their family system and build connection.The Importance of Parental "Internal Work": Brenda highlights that showing up effectively for a child struggling with substance use requires the parent to do their own deep internal work. This includes letting go of the ego, dismantling the need to rescue, and distinguishing between blame and responsibility in the family dynamic.The Backpack Analogy: A key concept discussed is allowing your child to struggle and face natural consequences (filling their "backpack" with life lessons), rather than constantly rescuing them (leaving them with an "empty backpack").Setting Boundaries with Compassion: Learn how to create a plan with your therapist to set boundaries that protect your sanity while still maintaining a loving relationship with your child. Brenda stresses the importance of understanding that your child's substance use is a symptom, not an action against you.The Value of Non-Judgmental Connection: Brenda shares practical examples, like meeting her son for breakfast with the rule of no talk about substance use, just to connect on a human, person-to-person level.Focusing on Support: Support anything that moves your loved one toward healthy relationships and healthy behavior, whether that's treatment, a mentor, or simple connection. Don't fall for "imaginary haircuts" (e.g., giving money for things you know will be used for substances).Healing in Community: The segment on Hope Stream emphasizes the need for a non-judgmental community where caregivers can find support, share experiences, and receive education on communication tools and the complexities of addiction, trauma, and ambiguous grief.The Mandatory Self-Care Message: Brenda's final advice to a struggling mom is concise and crucial: Take care of yourself. It is mandatory, not selfish.ResourcesWebsite: hopestreamcommunity.orgPodcast: hopestreamcommunity.org/playlistsE-books: hopestreamcommunity.org/resourcesNovusMindfulLife.comhttps://www.theaddictedmind.com/community 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.

Could your greatest strengths emerge from your deepest pains? The hosts dive into benefit finding, challenging listeners to rethink the narrative of being defined by past struggles. They explore post-traumatic growth and its transformative power, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging pain before pursuing growth. With reflective exercises and journal prompts, they guide listeners to discover personal strengths and reframe their past experiences. It's a reminder that healing is possible, even from the ashes of trauma.

Host Duane Osterlind welcomes Dr. John Gallagher, an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at Alvernia University, a licensed clinical social worker, and a licensed clinical addiction counselor. Dr. Gallagher brings 25 years of experience working with addiction and mental health recovery within the criminal justice system.This essential episode dives deep into the history, structure, and effectiveness of Drug Courts, examining the critical tension between judicial accountability and therapeutic alliance. Dr. Gallagher shares groundbreaking research on the significant racial and gender disparities that exist within these programs and offers insights into how treatment can become truly person-centered and equitable.Key Topics - Dr. Gallagher’s background and experience in addiction and criminal justice- The role of drug courts and their effectiveness- Challenges and issues within the current drug court system - racial and gender disparity - The intersection of addiction treatment and criminal justice- Education pathways in addiction studies and criminal justice💔 The Conflict: Therapeutic Alliance vs. AccountabilityDr. Gallagher highlights a significant issue found in his qualitative research across the country: counseling becoming too "enmeshed" with the justice system.Destruction of Trust: When counselors share too much clinical information (like a self-reported relapse in group therapy) with the court, it destroys the therapeutic alliance—the core of effective treatment.📊Addressing Racial and Gender Disparities While Drug Courts are effective overall, significant racial and gender disparities exist in outcomes and graduation rates, demanding a shift toward truly individualized treatment. Hispanic, Black, biracial participants had graduation rates less than 30%. while their white counter parts reached 60%.Recovery Preference: Research consistently shows that diverse participants in Drug Courts often prefer natural recovery support systems (e.g., church, family, community hobbies) over mandated formal support groups like AA or NA.This preference is rooted in cultural values (e.g., not "airing dirty laundry in public") and the feeling that natural supports are more helpful.Participant Quote: "My beautician is like my counselor. She hears all my problems and gives me advice... NA meetings can't make me feel beautiful. And when I feel beautiful, I'm less likely to relapse and more likely to complete drug court."Gender and TraumaMotherhood Demands: Many women in Drug Courts are single mothers who bear the full burden of childcare and financial responsibility. Balancing the rigorous demands of treatment (multiple weekly drug tests, therapy, court hearings) with motherhood is a major challenge that can be addressed by offering individualized flexibility (e.g., reduced court or treatment time to prioritize parenting).High Rate of Trauma: The vast majority of women in Drug Courts (estimated 70% to 90% in Dr. Gallagher's research) have significant and often repetitive histories of trauma.ResourcesAlvernia UniversityJohn Gallagher Faculty ProfileNovusMindfulLife.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.

Download: THE INNER CHILD WORKSHEETIn this episode of The Addicted Mind, Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the powerful concept of the inner child. They explore how past traumas influence our present reactions and behaviors. Understanding and healing your inner child can lead to profound personal growth and recovery. Learn about the history of the inner child concept, its impact on addiction and recovery. Start your practical steps to your healing journey. Join us as we provide compassionate insights and actionable advice to help you nurture your vulnerable inner child and create a healthier, more balanced life.Key TopicsWhat is the inner child and its historical backgroundHow past traumas influence current behaviorsThe connection between inner child work and addiction recoveryPractical steps to heal your inner childThe importance of community and professional support in healingTimestamps[00:00:00] - Introduction to the topic of the inner child[00:01:06] - Overview of the inner child concept and its importance[00:03:32] - Signs of a wounded inner child[00:04:45] - Historical background: Carl Jung and John Bradshaw[00:06:21] - The impact of a wounded inner child on adult life[00:09:55] - How inner child work aids in addiction recovery[00:13:15] - Practical steps and resources for inner child healingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.