On this episode of the Addicted Mind podcast, our guest is Tom Horvath, founder of Practical Recovery and co-founder of Smart Recovery. Smart Recovery is a non-12-step approach to addictive behavior problems that provides an alternative to programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. While both methods provide new communities and relationships to build on as well as specific examples of individuals who are models of success, AA is based on the idea that you must give yourself up to a higher power because “you are powerless” and must rely on your sponsor and meetings in order to recover.12-step programs can be helpful to some, but they can be ineffective for others, so the demand for alternative programs is continuing to increase. Smart Recovery integrates any methods that have been supported by scientific evidence, are self-empowering and are applicable in a mutual help group, including CBT, DBT, and ACT. They recognize that there are multiple pathways to recovery and that great results occur in a community.Smart Recovery takes a self-empowering approach to recovery, relying on the individual to set their own limits and establishing a 4-point program for people to work through: Maintaining motivation Coping with craving Identifying and resolving other problems Achieving a greater lifestyle balance Smart Recovery emphasizes “ideal” recovery, rather than “real” recovery as is expected in 12-step programs. Ideal recovery may not be complete abstinence, but rather staying within the limits that each person sets (and potentially changes along the way) for themselves, which is the point of the accountability of attending meetings.Tom encourages those struggling with addictive behaviors or searching for a recovery group to be persistent in finding what works for you. Most people are able to resolve their problems with treatment, so just don’t give up.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-addicted-mind-podcast/donationsEpisode CreditsFollow and Review: 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:NovusMindfulLife.com 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/addictedmindDisclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people instinctively avoid emotions like anxiety and grief, seeking distractions instead. This tendency, while common, can lead to deeper issues in mental health and addiction recovery. The hosts explore the cycle of emotional avoidance, revealing how it intensifies feelings over time. They offer practical steps to confront these emotions, such as recognizing avoidance patterns, naming feelings, and practicing mindfulness. By embracing emotions and employing acceptance-based coping techniques, individuals can foster healthier emotional resilience.

Join award-winning author and journalist Julia Hotz as she dives into the transformative world of social prescribing. Discover how community activities, like art classes and fishing clubs, combat loneliness—a risk comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Julia emphasizes the difference between meaningful relationships and superficial connections, sharing inspiring stories that highlight the power of vulnerability and shared experiences. Learn how engaging in social prescriptions can enhance well-being and support emotional recovery in profound ways.

Painful experiences can feel overwhelming, but they might hold the key to our greatest lessons. The hosts discuss 'benefit finding,' a practice that helps us extract wisdom from suffering. Instead of avoiding painful memories, they encourage embracing them to foster growth and resilience. Referencing Viktor Frankl, they highlight how finding meaning in suffering allows for post-traumatic growth in areas like personal strength and relationships. A practical four-step process helps listeners transform dark moments into valuable life lessons.

Our guest on this episode of the Addicted Mind podcast is Jack Bloomfield, a specialist in the ARISE model of interventions. This model is an alternative to the “traditional” form of confrontational interventions created in the 1960s by Dr. Johnson. In this confrontational model, the focus is very much on the addict, usually involving an ambush-type situation where several family members trick the addict into coming to a certain location where they are presented with some type of “go to rehab tomorrow or else…” ultimatum.Due to the heartfelt emotions in this situation, addicts are likely to agree to go to rehab, but 70% of them will leave rehab within 2 weeks because they didn’t make the decision to enter on their own terms.They usually feel anger and resentment towards their family which proves to be counterproductive to the family’s original desires and plan.The ARISE model of intervention is different and successful in 3 areas:It is an invitation model.The addict is invited to a “family meeting” where they likely know what will be discussed.The dialogue changes from “you have a problem” to “we, as a family, have a problem.”80% of addicts will come when they are invited.50% of those happen because they recognize that they have a problem50% will go because they don’t think they have a problem and want to defend themselvesThe focus is on the family.The family indicates that they recognize that they all have things they need to work on in themselves, and they have reached out to someone who can help them all as a family.The addict does not feel singled out.The interventionist works with the family for 6 months.By committing to continuing care, the family creates a safe place for all of them to work on and discuss their issues and their progress during weekly accountability phone calls.This timeframe empowers the addict to make their own choices and not feel forced or pressured into action.They may decide that rehab, intensive outpatient treatment, or just consistent AA meetings are their best option.During and after the addict addresses their issue, the family is all on the same page and speaking the same language because they have all been on a healing journey together.The incredible statistic is that while 70% of addicts who enter rehab as a result of a confrontational intervention will leave within 2 weeks, only 2% of addicts who enter rehab as a result of an ARISE intervention will disappear within 30 days.This gives so much hope to the families waiting for a breakthrough in the life of their loved one who struggles with addiction.To Connect with Jack:www.adesignforliving.comFor more information about the ARISE intervention model, visit www.arise-network.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Family dynamics are crucial in addiction recovery, with roles like the hero, caretaker, and scapegoat creating dysfunction. These roles can hinder personal healing and perpetuate unhealthy cycles. By understanding these dynamics, individuals can begin to break free from their past. The discussion highlights practical steps for recognizing harmful behaviors, fostering open communication, and setting important boundaries. Emphasizing self-care and support, this conversation invites listeners to reflect on their roles and cultivate healthier family interactions.

Join Dr. Frederic Luskin, a leading psychologist from the Stanford Forgiveness Project, and Lyndon Harris, an inspirational speaker shaped by his post-9/11 experiences, as they delve into the transformative power of forgiveness. They explore forgiveness not just as a moral choice, but as a vital skill crucial for mental health. The conversation touches on how anger can empower but also restrain, the significance of gratitude and self-forgiveness, and practical tools to shift from resentment to personal freedom. Their insights illuminate forgiveness as a path to healing and emotional growth.

Discover how a growth mindset can revolutionize your recovery journey. The discussion focuses on overcoming self-doubt and viewing setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures. By embracing neuroplasticity, you can develop healthier habits and reshape your approach to challenges. Practical steps are provided to enhance self-talk, reframe difficulties, and use relapses as valuable insights. This shift in perspective not only supports mental health but also empowers lasting change.

In this insightful discussion, licensed psychotherapist Terri Cole, author of "Too Much," dives deep into high-functioning codependency. She outlines how individuals may appear strong while grappling with hidden struggles and emphasizes the importance of setting healthy boundaries. Terri discusses the connection between sensitivity and codependency, encouraging listeners to let go of the need to manage others' emotions. With practical strategies and personal anecdotes, she guides the journey toward genuine connection and personal empowerment.

In a world where stress and shame can easily overwhelm us, the power of personal mantras emerges as a lifeline. This discussion highlights how simple phrases can help rewire the brain and combat negative self-talk. By identifying automatic thoughts and crafting positive responses, listeners can cultivate resilience. Practical steps guide the creation of mantras that resonate, turning them into anchors during tough times. Community support is emphasized, reminding us that recovery is a shared journey, enriched by encouraging words.