The Addicted Mind Podcast

Have you ever felt completely stuck when facing a difficult situation? Like you're drowning in endless possibilities and can't find your way forward? You're not alone. Most of us get trapped in decision paralysis, overthinking every angle until we're more anxious than when we started. In this powerful episode, Duane and Eric Osterlind break down a life-changing framework that can transform how you handle any problematic situation. Based on Marshall Linehan's Dialectical Behavior Therapy work, they reveal that no matter how complex your challenge feels, you actually only have four choices available to you. Download The Worksheet Whether you're struggling with addiction recovery, facing a major life transition, or simply feeling overwhelmed by daily stressors, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward. The hosts share practical examples of how to apply each choice, including how to reframe withdrawal symptoms as signs of healing and how to use acceptance as a tool for reducing suffering rather than avoiding it. You'll discover why "staying miserable" is sometimes the right choice and how recognizing this can actually empower you. More importantly, you'll learn how to break free from the endless cycle of "what-ifs" and take meaningful action in your life. This isn't just theory – it's a practical roadmap that puts you back in the driver's seat of your own life. By the end of this episode, you'll have a simple but powerful tool that can help you navigate any challenge with greater confidence and less overwhelm. Download The Worksheet Supporting Resources: If you live in California, Idaho, Vermont, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Long, a physicist-turned-writer and co-author of "The Molecule of More," dives into the captivating world of dopamine and its profound impact on our behaviors. He discusses how this neurotransmitter pushes us toward future rewards, often overshadowing present joys. Through engaging analogies, he illustrates dopamine's dual role as a motivator and alert system. Listeners can gain practical strategies for balancing dopamine's influence and fostering intentional living, especially in a technology-driven world filled with distractions.

Do you ever feel stuck, like something is silently holding you back from achieving your goals in recovery? You’re not alone. On today’s episode of Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind tackle a subject that hits close to home for many of us: those sneaky, unhelpful thought patterns called cognitive distortions. These tricky mental habits can silently sabotage progress and keep us locked in cycles of addiction. From all-or-nothing thinking to blaming yourself for what’s outside your control, these thoughts can feel overwhelming—but they don’t have to define you. Duane and Eric break down the seven most common cognitive distortions and provide actionable tips to help you challenge and reframe your thinking. Their insights are your roadmap to building a healthier, more empowered mindset. Why you should listen to this episode: Uncover how distorted thinking affects recovery choices. Learn how to trade all-or-nothing thinking for balanced, realistic perspectives. Find practical strategies to combat negative self-talk and recognize your progress. Gain tools to reframe mental filters and see your situations more clearly. Whether you’re working through recovery yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about how our minds work, this episode is packed with powerful lessons to inspire hope and growth. Don’t miss out on the free companion resource! Download the 7 Sneaky Thoughts Holding You Back Worksheet Here to start reshaping your mindset today. It’s not just about what’s happening in your life; it’s about how you think about it. And when you approach challenges with clarity and compassion, the path forward becomes clearer. Tune in now to take the first step toward breaking free! Key Topics: The impact of cognitive distortions on addiction Overcoming all-or-nothing thinking The power of challenging negative thoughts Recognizing and reframing mental filters The importance of acknowledging positive steps in recovery Timestamps: [00:01:00] Introduction to cognitive distortions [00:03:48] Discussing "all or nothing" thinking [00:05:58] Exploring mental filters and their impact [00:07:40] Addressing the habit of discounting the positive [00:09:23] How jumping to conclusions affects us [00:11:24] The problem with labeling ourselves [00:13:48] The importance of challenging cognitive distortions Supporting Resources: If you live in California, Idaho, Vermont, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center. ⁠⁠⁠⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ We want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Lucia, Director of Programming at the KindBridge Research Institute, brings his exceptional experience from being a special forces medic to mastering public health and behavioral health program design. Join us as we uncover the systemic barriers that hinder service members and veterans from accessing help for gambling addiction, a problem exacerbated by deeply ingrained institutional stigma. Mark’s relentless efforts to reshape policies and heighten awareness, evidenced by groundbreaking state-level campaigns in Colorado, are crucial steps towards fostering hope and healing within military communities. Gambling is not just a pastime; within military settings, it reveals its darker side, with slot machines on overseas bases raising concerns about institutionalized gambling. The stigma surrounding mental health care in the military often prevents service members from seeking necessary support, driven by fears of negative career repercussions. This episode sheds light on the surprising prevalence of gambling addiction among veterans, encouraging a dialogue about classifying it as a health issue and finding the appropriate interventions. In this episode, you will hear: Exploring the hidden epidemic of gambling addiction within military communities Insights from Mark Lucia on systemic barriers and stigma preventing service members from seeking help Examination of gambling facilities on overseas military bases and their impact on mental health Discussion on reclassifying gambling addiction as a health issue and necessary interventions Challenges faced by the Department of Defense in recognizing and addressing gambling disorders Highlighting successful awareness campaigns and policy changes led by Mark Lucia 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: NovusMindfulLife.com Episode Credits If 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the liberating shift from FOMO to JOMO, exploring how letting go can uncover unexpected joy in recovery. The hosts discuss the anxiety that comes with social pressures and highlight the benefits of intentional living. Discover six practical steps to recognize FOMO, align your choices with personal values, and embrace the peace that comes from saying no. With personal stories and insights, this conversation encourages listeners to find clarity and fulfillment while navigating the fast-paced demands of modern life.

In this engaging discussion, Stephanie Marquesano, founder of The Harris Project, shares her heart-wrenching journey of transforming grief into a mission for change. She dives into the crucial link between mental health and substance misuse, highlighting early intervention and education's roles in combating stigma. Reflecting on her son Harris's struggles, Stephanie emphasizes the pressing need for integrated care in addressing co-occurring disorders. Listeners gain insight into the societal shifts required for better outcomes, inspiring hope for families facing similar challenges.

Ever felt like recovery is a mountain that's just too steep to climb? You're not alone. In this powerful episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, host Duane Osterlind tackles the most damaging myths that keep people trapped in cycles of addiction and shame. Drawing inspiration from Johan Hari's profound insight that "the opposite of addiction isn't just sobriety, it's connection," Duane explores how recovery isn't about perfect willpower or never making mistakes – it's about reconnecting with yourself, your values, and others who support your journey. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed by shame, or convinced you're "too broken" to heal, this episode offers a compassionate roadmap forward. Duane breaks down six harmful myths that create invisible barriers to recovery and provides practical strategies to move beyond them. You'll discover why slip-ups aren't total failures but opportunities for growth, why your addiction doesn't define your identity, and why the trust you think you've permanently lost can actually be rebuilt over time. Most importantly, you'll learn that healing isn't linear – it moves in waves, with highs and lows that are all part of the journey. Through challenging negative thinking patterns, reconnecting with your values, developing healthy coping strategies, and practicing self-compassion, you can rewrite your recovery story. The path isn't about perfection or living up to others' expectations; it's about choosing actions that align with your values each day, even in small steps. As Duane reminds us, recovery is possible for everyone. Your story is still being written, and it has the potential to unfold in ways you can't yet imagine. This episode includes a downloadable worksheet to help you identify and rewrite the myths holding you back on your journey to healing and connection. Download: THE BEYOND WILLPOWER WORKSHEET Join our Deep Dive in the TAM+ Community. Click Here to Join TAM + Community.  Get the support you need. Support TAM+ Subscribe 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: If you live in California, Idaho, Vermont, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center. ⁠⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠⁠ We want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: ⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Disclaimer⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After enduring the chaos of addiction and the devastation of personal loss, Dr. Devin Effinger emerged with a new perspective and a mission to explore the healing potential of neuroscience. At just 15, a traumatic brain injury set the stage for a tumultuous journey through substance abuse, but also inspired a relentless pursuit of recovery and scientific discovery. Join us as Devin courageously shares his story, from the darkest moments marked by addiction and tragedy to the pivotal breakthroughs that spurred his remarkable transformation. We venture into the intricate world of addiction, examining the neurological pathways that reinforce such destructive habits and the powerful influence of early trauma on our mental health. Devin unpacks the complex interplay of trauma, addiction, and the brain, offering insight into how substances can hijack our reward systems and why recovery is such a daunting endeavor. With raw honesty, he recounts his own battles with addiction, including the tragic consequences that forced him to confront the need for change. In this episode, you will hear: Dr. Devin Effinger's transformative journey from addiction and trauma to recovery and scientific exploration. Insights into the neurological pathways that contribute to addiction and the role of early trauma. Exploration of the promising potential of psychedelic medicine in promoting neuroplasticity and aiding recovery. The complex interplay between trauma, addiction, and the brain's reward systems. The challenges and breakthroughs in embracing a 12-step recovery process. Devin's advocacy for restorative justice and trauma-informed care in addiction treatment. 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: NovusMindfulLife.com Episode Credits If 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the four archetypes of happiness and their impact on addiction recovery. Discover the pitfalls of the Rat Racer, who sacrifices joy for future success, and the Hedonist, who indulges without forethought. Dive into the Nihilist's bleak outlook and strategies to combat it. Ultimately, find out how embracing the Happy Camper archetype can lead to balanced, sustainable happiness. The discussion also highlights the importance of community in fostering recovery and enhancing overall mental health.

Growing up, Sam Thomas faced the harsh realities of bullying, leading him to battle bulimia in his teenage years. This challenge was only the beginning of a tumultuous journey through addiction and recovery, marked by a critical diagnosis of complex PTSD. As we sit down with Sam, the writer, speaker, and campaigner from Brighton, UK, he opens up about the intricate dance between dual diagnosis and addiction transference, shedding light on how unaddressed trauma can fuel dependency and how confronting it can become a powerful catalyst for change.Together, we navigate the maze of Sam's early struggles, from seeking help at just 18 years old amid a landscape of limited resources and misunderstanding, to eventually confronting alcoholism in his twenties. Sam's story is a profound reminder of the resilience required to overcome challenges when support systems are lacking or misunderstood. Through volunteering and writing, Sam found purpose and community, illustrating how connection can foster healing and build self-esteem, especially for men facing eating disorders—a topic that remains under-discussed.In this episode, you will hear: Sam Thomas's journey from battling bulimia as a teen to overcoming alcohol addiction in his twenties. The role of unaddressed trauma and dual diagnosis in addiction transference. Early struggles with bulimia and depression amidst limited support systems and societal misunderstandings of male eating disorders. Transition from eating disorders to alcoholism as a coping mechanism following significant life events. The challenges and realizations of acknowledging alcohol dependency and the path to recovery. Healing through unique passions, such as caring for exotic pets, as a metaphor for confronting fears and trauma. 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:NovusMindfulLife.comEpisode 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices