The Addicted Mind Podcast

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.

Eddie Capparucci, a licensed professional counselor and author, shares his expertise on healing from betrayal through inner child work. He connects childhood trauma to modern emotional struggles, showing how acknowledging the inner child can aid recovery. Eddie discusses strategies for managing emotional distress and emphasizes the importance of community support. Listeners learn to identify core triggers and separate emotions from rational thoughts on their journey to reclaiming strength and resilience after betrayal.

Discover the transformative power of 'meaning making' in your journey towards recovery. The hosts explore how many feel unfulfilled despite achievements, emphasizing the importance of creating rather than just receiving meaning. They discuss how distorted perceptions contribute to mental health struggles like anxiety and addiction. Practical strategies are offered to identify your 'supreme concerns' – what truly matters to you. This thought-provoking conversation provides a roadmap for living authentically and aligning daily actions with your core values.

Dwayne Barnes, an actor, writer, and author of "Their Eyes Were Never on Me," shares his inspiring journey from a chaotic childhood in Detroit to the bright lights of Hollywood. He discusses how creative expression and acting became his refuge, enabling him to transform pain into art. Dwayne candidly reflects on family challenges, his grandmother's support amid addiction struggles, and the pressures of Hollywood that mirrored his own trials. Through his story, he highlights the importance of self-awareness, emotional healing, and the pursuit of authenticity.

Feeling stuck in life? Unclear values might be the culprit! This discussion reveals how undefined values can lead to anxiety and unfulfillment. Discover the importance of personal values in recovery and decision-making, especially in relationships and careers. Learn to differentiate between what truly matters to you and societal expectations. The hosts provide practical strategies and a worksheet to help align your actions with your core beliefs for a more meaningful, authentic life.

Caitlin Morrison, Executive Director of the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada, carries forward her brother Matthew's legacy in addiction support. She shares her journey of emotional turmoil and triumph in advocating for addiction recovery. Key discussions include treating addiction as a chronic disease and the critical need for long-term support. Caitlin emphasizes the importance of community, compassion, and reducing stigma in recovery. Additionally, she unveils the transformative plans for the Matthew Perry House in Ottawa, a safe haven aimed at fostering healing.

Ever felt guilty for missing your addiction? You're not alone. Letting go can feel like losing a best friend, even if that friend was hurting you. This discussion delves into the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—during the recovery journey. It highlights the importance of understanding what you're truly grieving, whether it's substances, rituals, or identity. With practical strategies and community support, listeners discover that missing an addiction doesn’t signify weakness; it’s a human experience.

Lacy Bentley, a recovery mentor and author of "Addicted to Love," shares her journey through love and sex addiction. She discusses how early exposure to erotic content shaped her relationships and led to avoidance behaviors. Lacy highlights the unique shame women feel regarding sexual addictions and the importance of vulnerability in recovery. She emphasizes the necessity of emotional intimacy and communication in healing, while also addressing the rising trend of women engaging with pornography and the need for supportive communities.