The Addicted Mind Podcast

In this conversation, Justin B. Long, author of "The Righteous Rage of a Ten-Year-Old Boy", shares his journey through childhood trauma and recovery from alcoholism. He addresses the damaging effects of toxic masculinity, revealing how vulnerability can lead to healing. Justin discusses his emotional struggles stemming from a dysfunctional upbringing and the importance of self-acceptance. He emphasizes the transformative power of confronting buried feelings and the value of supportive communities in overcoming addiction and trauma.

We have to work and deal with our internal and early trauma. This can be more difficult to see and process without a reliable, trustworthy “other” in our lives. Sometimes it even takes an expert who can walk us through that journey in order for us to get to that safe space for healing and recovery.Today, Duane talks with Andrew Susskind about his book, It's Not About the Sex: Moving from Isolation to Intimacy after Sexual Addiction. They go into depth about attachment, emotional regulation, the need for reliable people to heal your traumatic wounds, and how we can do that when we're in recovery and still struggling with internal chaos.  Andrew is a licensed clinical social worker, a Somatic Experiencing practitioner, a Brainspotting practitioner, and a certified group psychotherapist. The book is Andrew's passion project where he wrote about themes that have been on his mind for three decades now. Since then, so much has changed in the mental health field as well as the addiction and trauma world. Andrew’s book reflects many of those changes. Andrew not only leans on the experiences of his clients but on his personal experience as well. In 1994, Andrew went to his first SCA meeting, which stands for Sexual Compulsives Anonymous. In the therapy room, he noticed that people were learning how to stop their addictive behaviors. However, that's just the starting gate. His book covers some themes and different areas of healing that can happen beyond stopping destructive behavior.In this episode, you will hear:Somatic Experiencing and BrainspottingThe mechanism behind our nervous system regulationThe concept of upregulation vs. downregulationWhy it’s not just about sexHaving reliable relationships as a platform for healingKey Quotes:[06:57] - “Somatic Experiencing and Brainspotting are both trauma healing modalities that focus on Nervous System regulation.”[07:40] - “One of the keys to regulating the nervous system is knowing when we're dysregulated.”[08:29] - “Someone who feels most comfortable in their skin feels calm, peaceful, grounded, and hopefully feels resourceful, resilient, and buoyant.”[11:51] - “Even though it looks like compulsive sexual behavior, on the surface, once we scratch the surface, it's really about broken-heartedness.”[14:20] - “When someone is trying to regulate themselves, it's actually an attempt to feel better.”[17:49] - “If you scratch the surface on anyone who's sexually compulsive, you're going to find some kind of avoidant attachment within that.”[23:08] - “If we're connected within and to one another, and to something greater than ourselves, that's going to create a platform for healing.”Subscribe and ReviewHave you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet. 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.If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just fill in your information below to download it.Supporting Resources:www.westsidetherapist.comIt’s Not About the Sex: Moving from Isolation to Intimacy after Sexual Addiction by Andrew Susskindwww.Brainspotting.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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you investing energy in the wrong things? Discover how to align thoughts, words, and actions for true happiness. With practical advice, the hosts help you identify core values, cut stress, and make mindful decisions. Learn a five-step plan to enhance your resilience and live intentionally. They emphasize the significance of focusing on what truly matters, letting go of negativity, and cultivating self-compassion. Get ready for "aha!" moments as you navigate life's challenges with renewed purpose.

Join us on a transformative journey as we sit down with Dr. Jeff McNairy, the Chief Medical Officer at Rythmia, who shares his compelling shift from traditional mental health practices to the world of alternative therapies. Inspired by Gerard Powell's remarkable healing journey, Dr. McNairy unveils the promising potential of integrating Western psychology with indigenous medicine. We explore how ayahuasca, a powerful plant medicine, offers a new perspective on addiction and trauma recovery, providing hope for those who have found conventional treatments lacking in addressing the root causes of their struggles. Our conversation delves into the complex relationship between trauma, subconscious memories, and healing methods. Dr. McNairy and I discuss the resurgence of interest in regressive trauma work through modern therapeutic approaches like EMDR and hypnotherapy, and the role psychedelics like ayahuasca play in accessing deep-seated emotions. Highlighting the importance of intentionality, setting, and aftercare, we consider how these therapies can foster personal growth and healthier relationships, particularly for recent trauma victims, including veterans. In this episode, you will hear: Exploration of integrating Western psychology with indigenous medicine for trauma and addiction recovery. Dr. Jeff McNairy's transition from traditional mental health practices to alternative therapies, inspired by Gerard Powell's healing journey. The role of ayahuasca in accessing deep-seated emotions and its effectiveness for recent trauma, particularly in veterans. Discussion on modern therapeutic approaches like EMDR, hypnotherapy, and their relationship with regressive trauma work. Importance of intentionality, setting, and aftercare in the use of psychedelics like ayahuasca for personal growth and healing. Insight into the transformative work at Rhythmia and its long-term positive impact on mental health recovery. Interested in finding out more about Rythmia? About Ayahuasca Guide The content on The Addicted Mind is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. To support our work, this site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast. 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 https://www.theaddictedmind.com/community  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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if I told you that up to 90% of people with alcohol use disorder relapse within the first four years? Before you let that statistic discourage you, here's the game-changer: having a solid relapse prevention plan can dramatically shift those odds in your favor.In this powerful episode, Duane and Eric dive deep into one of recovery's most crucial yet overlooked tools – the relapse prevention plan. They're not talking about planning to fail; they're talking about planning to succeed when life throws its inevitable curveballs.⁠DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET⁠You'll discover why your healthiest moments are actually the perfect time to prepare for your most vulnerable ones. Think of it as creating a "survival kit for your sobriety" – a personalized roadmap that helps you identify warning signs before they become danger zones and navigate triggering situations with confidence rather than chaos.The hosts share practical strategies for building your support network, recognizing your unique triggers (hint: they're not always what you think), and developing immediate response plans that actually work when cravings hit. They'll also tackle the shame that keeps so many people from reaching out for help and show you how to transform potential relapses from failures into powerful growth opportunities.Whether you're thriving in recovery right now or struggling to get back on track, this episode offers hope, practical tools, and the reminder that recovery is a journey of progress, not perfection. Plus, they've created a downloadable worksheet to help you build your own personalized plan – because having a plan isn't pessimistic, it's empowering.⁠DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET⁠ Key Topics:Why relapse rates are so high and how planning changes everything The best time to create your relapse prevention plan (spoiler: it's not when you're struggling) Identifying your personal warning signs and triggers Building an immediate response strategy for cravings and difficult moments Creating and practicing with your support network before you need them Transforming relapse from failure to growth opportunity Making your plan accessible and keeping it updated as you grow If you live in California, Idaho, Virginia, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We want to hear from you. Please 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.

Gerard Bradbury's life was once a tumultuous storm of anxiety and alcoholism, but today it stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. Gerard joins us to reveal his deeply personal journey chronicled in his memoir, "Tripping Over Myself: A Journey from Addiction and Anxiety to Awareness and Peace." His first brush with alcohol at just 12 years old set off a chain of events that nearly ended his life, but Gerard found his way through the darkness, guided by the support of his family and a newfound commitment to sobriety.Listeners will find themselves on the edge of their seats as Gerard recounts the grim realities of his addiction. From a night when he was turned away from a hospital with a faint chance of survival, to the heartbreak of cirrhosis and the relentless pull of alcohol, Gerard's raw honesty exposes the heavy toll of his self-destructive path. Yet, amid this adversity, he speaks with gratitude about his family's unwavering support and reflects on the miracle of survival. His story sheds light on the lack of support systems during his youth, while also serving as a testimony to the strength of the human spirit.In this episode, you will hear:Gerard Bradbury's transformative journey from addiction and anxiety to sobriety and peace.Early life challenges including childhood anxiety and bullying contributing to his struggles.First encounter with alcohol at age 12 as a temporary escape from emotional pain.Harrowing experiences of alcohol addiction, including life-threatening medical emergencies.The pivotal role of family support in Gerard's path to recovery.Breaking the silence around addiction as a crucial step in healing.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:⁠https://www.trippingovermyself.com/⁠⁠Buy Gerard's Book! ⁠⁠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.

Do you feel like you're constantly on high alert, waiting for the next shoe to drop? Like your body is braced for impact even when there's no real danger around you? You're exhausted, on edge, and maybe you find yourself reaching for something—anything—to make it stop. A drink, a pill, a behavior that gives you just a moment of peace.If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. And more importantly, you're not broken.⁠DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET⁠In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind, host Duane Ostlund reveals the hidden connection between past trauma and present-day addiction. Drawing from groundbreaking research by experts like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and Dr. Bruce Perry, Duane explains how trauma literally rewires our brains, keeping us stuck in survival mode long after the danger has passed.You'll discover why your brain's alarm system (the amygdala) won't shut off, how chronic stress floods your body with harmful hormones, and why substances become a desperate attempt at self-medication rather than a moral failing. This isn't about willpower—it's about biology.But here's the hope: there's a way out. Duane shares the surprising antidote to this cycle—and it's not what you might expect. Instead of running from uncomfortable feelings, the path to healing involves gently turning inward and learning to embrace your nervous system.Through practical techniques like body scanning and interoception (awareness of your body's internal signals), you can begin to retrain your brain. You'll learn to shift from asking "What's wrong with me?" to "What happened to me?"—a simple question that changes everything.This episode offers both scientific understanding and practical hope for anyone who feels trapped in cycles of addiction, chronic stress, or emotional numbness. Whether you're struggling yourself or supporting someone who is, you'll gain valuable insights into the body-mind connection and discover that healing truly is possible.⁠DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET⁠If you live in California, Idaho, Virginia, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We want to hear from you. Please 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.

Duane is joined by Beau Williams, the author of "One Year With My Soulmate." We discuss the deeply personal and emotional process of navigating life after such profound loss. Beau courageously opens up about his late partner Melanie's struggles with unresolved trauma and dependency on Adderall, and her search for healing through breathwork and self-discovery. This conversation sheds light on the complexities of love and loss and the resilience required to find purpose amidst the chaos. Through sleepless nights in America and a transformative move to Bali, we explore how practices like HIIT fitness, ice baths, and journaling became crucial components of self-healing. Beau's story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to transform pain into purpose, as he embraced a new mission to help others struggling with trauma and addiction. Our dialogue touches on the emotional toll of grief, the struggle to maintain personal growth, and the importance of self-care, highlighting the impact of eliminating alcohol and the power of breathwork in clearing negative energies. In this episode, you will hear:Personal journey of grief and transformation after losing a soulmate to suicideBeau Williams shares insights from his book "One Year With My Soulmate"Exploration of unresolved trauma, addiction, and healing practicesRole of breathwork, HIIT fitness, and journaling in self-healingImportance of spiritual connections and reframing loss as a learning experienceChallenges and rewards of embracing a wellness-focused lifestyleFollow 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:⁠https://www.sunflowersignals.com/⁠⁠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.

What if I told you that up to 90% of people with alcohol use disorder relapse within the first four years? Before you let that statistic discourage you, here's the game-changer: having a solid relapse prevention plan can dramatically shift those odds in your favor. In this powerful episode, Duane and Eric dive deep into one of recovery's most crucial yet overlooked tools – the relapse prevention plan. They're not talking about planning to fail; they're talking about planning to succeed when life throws its inevitable curveballs. DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET You'll discover why your healthiest moments are actually the perfect time to prepare for your most vulnerable ones. Think of it as creating a "survival kit for your sobriety" – a personalized roadmap that helps you identify warning signs before they become danger zones and navigate triggering situations with confidence rather than chaos. The hosts share practical strategies for building your support network, recognizing your unique triggers (hint: they're not always what you think), and developing immediate response plans that actually work when cravings hit. They'll also tackle the shame that keeps so many people from reaching out for help and show you how to transform potential relapses from failures into powerful growth opportunities. Whether you're thriving in recovery right now or struggling to get back on track, this episode offers hope, practical tools, and the reminder that recovery is a journey of progress, not perfection. Plus, they've created a downloadable worksheet to help you build your own personalized plan – because having a plan isn't pessimistic, it's empowering. DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET Key Topics: Why relapse rates are so high and how planning changes everything  The best time to create your relapse prevention plan (spoiler: it's not when you're struggling)  Identifying your personal warning signs and triggers  Building an immediate response strategy for cravings and difficult moments  Creating and practicing with your support network before you need them  Transforming relapse from failure to growth opportunity  Making your plan accessible and keeping it updated as you grow If you live in California, Idaho, Virginia, 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gerard Bradbury's life was once a tumultuous storm of anxiety and alcoholism, but today it stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. Gerard joins us to reveal his deeply personal journey chronicled in his memoir, "Tripping Over Myself: A Journey from Addiction and Anxiety to Awareness and Peace." His first brush with alcohol at just 12 years old set off a chain of events that nearly ended his life, but Gerard found his way through the darkness, guided by the support of his family and a newfound commitment to sobriety. Listeners will find themselves on the edge of their seats as Gerard recounts the grim realities of his addiction. From a night when he was turned away from a hospital with a faint chance of survival, to the heartbreak of cirrhosis and the relentless pull of alcohol, Gerard's raw honesty exposes the heavy toll of his self-destructive path. Yet, amid this adversity, he speaks with gratitude about his family's unwavering support and reflects on the miracle of survival. His story sheds light on the lack of support systems during his youth, while also serving as a testimony to the strength of the human spirit. In this episode, you will hear: Gerard Bradbury's transformative journey from addiction and anxiety to sobriety and peace. Early life challenges including childhood anxiety and bullying contributing to his struggles. First encounter with alcohol at age 12 as a temporary escape from emotional pain. Harrowing experiences of alcohol addiction, including life-threatening medical emergencies. The pivotal role of family support in Gerard's path to recovery. Breaking the silence around addiction as a crucial step in healing. 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: https://www.trippingovermyself.com/ Buy Gerard's Book! NovusMindfulLife.com https://www.theaddictedmind.com/community  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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.