The Addicted Mind Podcast

If you found out earlier on in your youth that you actually have a genetic propensity toward addiction, would you have made decisions a lot differently? Addiction is a bio-psycho-social model, but we don’t really look at the biology part of it. Sometimes, we have to look at the physiology of things to understand addiction better. And there has to be a paradigm shift in thinking about how we operate and exist in this world. On today’s episode, Duane speaks with Dr. Evelyn Higgins about genes and biomarkers, how they influence our behavior, how they play out in addiction, and why knowing about this part of ourselves is an important step in addiction treatment and recovery. Dr. Evelyn Higgins is the founder and CEO of Wired For Addiction and a recognized international expert in the epidemiology of addiction. With 34 years in clinical practice, Dr. Higgins has spent over 16 years dedicated to research and development in the science of addiction recovery, and she finds herself at the nexus of epigenetics, neuroscience, and addiction. In this episode, you will hear:What it means to look at errors in genetic codingEpigenetics and aberrant behaviorsWhy addiction is not a moral flaw, but a diseaseThe first step is getting objective information.The common genetic markers of addictionHow seeing addiction from a biological perspective impacts the familiesFollow 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:Wired For AddictionDr. Higgins’ TEDTalk: NovusMindfulLife.comhttps://www.theaddictedmind.com/community Follow 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. 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.

Feeling overwhelmed? Discover practical strategies to navigate intense emotions like panic and anger. Learn the TIPP method, featuring techniques such as cold water immersion and intense exercise, designed to reset your nervous system. The hosts delve into Dialectical Behavior Therapy, emphasizing resilience and self-efficacy. Understand how to harness your body's own responses to manage crises effectively while avoiding harmful actions. Equip yourself with powerful tools to ride the wave of overwhelming moments without spiraling.

Join us for an enriching conversation with Dr. Diana Hill, a leading voice in the world of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as she shares insights from her latest book, "Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most". Dr. Hill leads us on her personal journey from cognitive behavioral therapy to ACT, offering a fresh perspective on how shifting our relationship with thoughts can bring profound change. This episode promises to redefine your understanding of mental well-being by highlighting ACT's focus on psychological flexibility and values-driven living.Dr. Hill artfully explores the fusion of scientific analysis and human compassion in therapeutic practices. She guides us through the complex realm of shame, an emotion deeply rooted in our evolutionary past, and explains how confronting it can pave the way for healing and deeper connections. Through this lens, we consider how integrating scientific principles with personal relevance can transform mental health treatment into a relatable, effective process. This conversation is a testament to how ACT can be a powerful tool for anyone seeking to harness both heart and science in their healing journey.In this episode, you will hear:Dr. Diana Hill on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and her book "Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most."ACT's focus on psychological flexibility and values-driven living, distinct from traditional cognitive behavioral therapy.Scientific rigor with compassion to address and transform shame in therapy.Aligning talents with core values for personal growth through "wise effort."The importance of releasing outdated narratives for creativity and development.Practical strategies and questions for purposeful energy and talent direction.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. Hill's WebsiteDr. Hill's PodcastWise Effort 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.

Dive into the transformative ACEs study that uncovers how childhood trauma affects mental and physical health in adulthood. Discover the various types of adverse experiences like abuse and neglect, and their long-term implications. Gain insights on recognizing hidden trauma and the importance of addressing it rather than just managing symptoms. Explore practical healing steps, including therapy and community support, designed to foster recovery from the past. Join the conversation about the profound connections between childhood experiences and adult well-being.

Brad Sorte, co-founder of Sober Companion AI, shares his remarkable journey from battling addiction to harnessing the power of AI to transform recovery processes. With nearly two decades of experience under his belt, Brad provides insights into how AI is making addiction treatment more personal and accessible. By integrating compassionate care with advanced technology, AI is opening doors to treatment for more individuals and families, offering new hope and reshaping therapeutic interactions.Our conversation takes a closer look at AI's broader applications in family education and support services. With the rise of tools like ChatGPT, Brad envisions a world where conversational AI companions serve as 24-hour coaches for families, guiding them through challenges and helping manage boundaries and anxiety. These AI advancements strive to reconstruct family support structures, particularly in a post-COVID landscape, addressing the entire familial ecosystem to prevent generational issues and foster holistic healing.In this episode, you will hear:Exploration of AI's transformative role in addiction recovery, emphasizing personal and accessible treatmentInsights from Brad Sorte on integrating compassionate care with technology in mental health servicesAI's potential in democratizing family education and support, using conversational AI as 24-hour coachesEthical considerations and risks of forming dependencies on AI in mental health careUse of real-time data from mobile devices for early detection and intervention in addiction relapseFollow 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:SCAINovusMindfulLife.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.

Ever wonder if your harshest critic is yourself? The hosts dive into how your inner critic distorts self-worth, especially during recovery from addiction and trauma. Learn powerful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to challenge negative thoughts like 'I'm a failure.' They discuss cognitive distortions and provide practical exercises to shift your mindset. This isn't about denying your feelings but finding balance and compassion in self-talk. Discover how to transform your inner dialogue and promote personal growth!

Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje’s story is one that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the hidden struggles of addiction. Imagine maintaining a successful career while secretly battling high-functioning alcoholism. Melissa opens up about her journey from denial to recovery, sharing the pivotal moments that led her to seek help. Her memoir, "Drunk Love: A Marriage Under the Influence," serves as a testament to the resilience required to overcome such a gripping hold on life. Her candid reflections offer a beacon of hope for those facing similar battles or supporting loved ones on their path to sobriety.Navigating a marriage entangled in the web of alcoholism presents its own set of challenges. Melissa and her husband share their experience of confronting the underlying issues masked by alcohol. Through therapy and recovery programs, they learned to rebuild their relationship, finding healthier ways to communicate and support each other. This episode explores themes of personal well-being, the importance of choosing the right therapeutic support, and the powerful transformation that sobriety can bring to personal and familial dynamics. Rediscovering one's identity and passions, such as Melissa's love for writing, are highlighted as key elements in the journey to recovery.In this episode, you will hear:Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje's battle with high-functioning alcoholism and the role of denial.The impact of alcoholism on Melissa's marriage and the journey to recovery and healing.Rediscovering personal identity and passions through sobriety, with a focus on Melissa's love for writing.The significance of choosing the right therapeutic support and the potential necessity of ending unhealthy relationships.Embracing radical honesty in recovery and the surprising support from colleagues.The transformative power of community and fellowship in overcoming addiction.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:Drunk Love: A Marriage under the InfluenceSobertown InterviewNovusMindfulLife.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.

Ever feel overwhelmed by a swarm of negative thoughts? The hosts dive into Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) and their sneaky impact on our emotional health. They discuss how cognitive behavioral therapy can help break the cycle of negativity by transforming thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The concept of metacognition—thinking about your thoughts—is introduced as a way to regain control. Plus, listeners are invited to a fun challenge to document and label these pesky thoughts, empowering them on their journey toward mental resilience.

Melody Glenn, an addiction and emergency medicine physician with a flair for creative writing, joins Duane to share insights from her upcoming book, "Mother of Methadone: A Doctor's Quest, a Forgotten History, and a Modern Day Crisis." Together, they unpack the legacy of Dr. Marie Nyswander, a trailblazer in methadone maintenance who reshaped addiction treatment. Dr. Glenn offers a candid perspective on her own journey in addiction medicine, revealing the transformative power of medications like methadone and buprenorphine. Despite their proven effectiveness, these treatments are met with skepticism, reflecting the broader challenge of integrating addiction medicine into mainstream healthcare.Our discussion takes a deep dive into the multifaceted nature of addiction, beyond mere physical dependence. We explore how methadone and buprenorphine provide a lifeline for individuals, helping them reclaim stability and repair relationships. The conversation also challenges the stigma of addiction, advocating for harm reduction strategies that prioritize individual empowerment over punitive measures. By recognizing people as experts of their own lives, we highlight the inefficacy of traditional abstinence-only models and underscore the importance of supportive systems for recovery. Dr. Glenn's insights serve as a powerful reminder of the need for compassionate, informed approaches in tackling substance use disorders.In this episode, you will hear:Dr. Melody Glenn previews her book, "Mother of Methadone," on Dr. Marie Nyswander's methadone work.Examining methadone and buprenorphine's impact on opioid disorder despite skepticism and stigma.Advocating for harm reduction over abstinence-only models, focusing on patient empowerment.Recognition of addiction as a treatable condition to combat stigma.Trauma's role in addiction and the need for supportive recovery systems.Barriers in addiction medicine, pushing for compassionate healthcare integration.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:Article Dr. Melody Glennhttps://www.drmelodyglenn.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.

Discover the transformative power of the Johari Window, a fascinating tool for boosting self-awareness and enhancing relationships. The hosts delve into how understanding personal blind spots and hidden strengths can lead to more profound connections. They emphasize the role of recovery communities in fostering insight and encourage strategies to expand what we openly share about ourselves. This engaging discussion offers valuable tips for anyone on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.