Embark on a transformative journey through the landscapes of hope and despair with the esteemed Robert Hilliker, whose expertise in addiction and mental health frames our latest episode. Discover the vital role hope plays in recovery, and how it intertwines with the darkest moments to create a fertile ground for growth. With Robert's guidance, examine the genetic and environmental threads that weave the tapestry of addiction, the indispensability of early intervention, and why a strong community network can dramatically alter one's life course. Feel the weight of hopelessness lift as Robert and Duane dissect its components – goals, pathways, and agency – and their crucial presence in clinical treatment. The conversation challenges the conventions of traditional recovery models, advocating for a renewed sense of personal empowerment in the healing process. They will explore the burgeoning research collaboration with the University of Alberta, piecing together the clinical impact of hope and its potential to enhance therapeutic practices. This episode is a testament to the collective strength found in shared experiences and the community's role in rekindling the embers of hope within the throes of despair. Through personal narratives and clinical wisdom, Robert and Duane underscore the significance of embracing our valleys of struggle, where the soil is richest for personal transformation. Join in as they affirm the power of connection and the shared human experience in forging paths of recovery and hope.In this episode, you will hear: Early intervention and community support Misconceptions and blame in addiction treatment  Variables impacting therapeutic change Hope and support in addiction recovery The connection between hope and despair (75 seconds) 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://prairierecovery.com  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

Reflecting on the Journey: Emphasizing the power of journaling and gratitude to assess progress. Setting Personal Goals: Aligning goals with personal desires, not just societal expectations. Building Community: Encouraging the formation of supportive relationships and communities based on shared interests. Seeking Professional Help: Utilizing therapy or specialized coaching to navigate feelings of stuckness and further personal development.

The moment Meridee Hlokoff realized she'd driven hours without the faintest whisper of a craving was nothing short of miraculous. In this episode, Meridee recounts her incredible transition from a habitual smoker to a smoke-free champion, all thanks to the somewhat mystifying world of cold laser therapy. The conversation peels back the veil on addiction, examining how deeply physical cravings and psychological triggers are intertwined, and how Meridee's skepticism turned to awe-inspiring affirmation of this unconventional treatment's effectiveness. Victory over addiction rarely comes easy or without its own set of battles, and Meridee's tale is a testament to this truth. Through her narrative, they explore the reality that even after conquering physical dependency, the mental chains of addiction can linger, presenting their own hurdles. Her personal anecdotes shed light on the strategies she employed to navigate through the common triggers of boredom and stress, offering hope to those still fighting the psychological war that persists even after the physical need has subsided. Bringing a blend of science and personal experience to the table, they uncover the surprising success rates behind cold laser therapy and acupuncture. Meridee doesn't just share her story; she provides a beacon of hope, illuminating the journey for others by acquiring the business that once freed her from her own addiction. Together, they examine how support systems and strategic interventions can pave new neural pathways, reinforcing that recovery is a comprehensive journey of both body and mind. In this episode, you will hear: Exploring cold laser therapy for addiction Understanding addiction and breaking habits Cold laser therapy success rates and discovery Effectiveness of tongue rings in treatments Cold laser therapy for addiction Overcoming addiction with new neural pathways 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:LaserQuit Therapies: https://laserquittherapy.ca/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

Do you want to improve your emotional regulation and decision-making? I will be sharing the key to achieving greater emotional control and better choices. Learn the secret to enhancing your ability to manage your feelings and make sound decisions. Discover the solution to experiencing improved emotional regulation and better decision-making in your life.Download the “Distinguishing between Primary Vs. Secondary Emotions Worksheet”In this episode, you will be able to: Discover effective strategies for mental health and addiction recovery. Learn to identify and manage primary and secondary emotions. Explore the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation. Cultivate mindfulness and self-reflection for improved emotional well-being. Understand the impact of trauma on decision-making processes. Effective Mental Health StrategiesUnderstanding and managing primary and secondary emotions are crucial strategies for effective mental health. These strategies involve recognizing the differences between valid and genuine emotional responses versus responses that arise from judgments of these primary emotions. This enables individuals to maintain emotional balance by preventing secondary emotions from amplifying the intensity of primary emotions.The resources mentioned in this episode are: Download the worksheet that helps identify primary versus secondary emotions and navigate them effectively. Click Here Share this podcast episode with a friend who might benefit from the wisdom shared about primary and secondary emotions. Write a review for The Addicted Mind podcast on iTunes to show support and help others discover valuable content. Connect with The Addicted Mind podcast on Instagram @addictedmindpodcast and leave suggestions for topics you'd like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a message and let us know what topic you want to be covered on The Addicted Mind + Podcast. Click Here https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind Download the “Distinguishing between Primary Vs. Secondary Emotions Worksheet” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unlock the secrets of biochemical restoration with Joseph Eisele, a true authority on the subject, as he joins us to shed light on the profound connection between our body's chemistry and the road to recovery from addiction. Joe's poignant narrative of his own battles with social anxiety and addiction, sparked by an early encounter with codeine cough syrup, sets the stage for a riveting discussion on the power of a tailored approach to recovery. Our episode journeys through Joe's life, from the depths of his struggles to the heights of his achievements in helping others break free from the chains of addiction, all the while emphasizing the pivotal role of individual biochemistry in fostering a life of purpose and connection. Explore the holistic realm of addiction treatment where traditional methods meet their match against a comprehensive strategy that harmonizes the mind, body, spirit, and environment. Delving into Joe's personal insights and professional expertise, we dissect the impact of histamine on mental health and addiction, and the limitations of one-size-fits-all treatments. We navigate through the complexities of conditions like pyroluria and hypoglycemia, and the importance of biochemical restoration and nutritional interventions, providing a compelling case for a more nuanced, all-encompassing approach to healing.In this episode, you will hear: Biochemical restoration in addiction recovery Codeine cough syrup and euphoria Impact of drinking on socialization Addiction and seeking solutions Desperate journey to sobriety Health in recovering from alcoholism Journey of healing from 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:https://innerbalancehealthcenter.com/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

Join us on an inspiring journey with "The Addicted Mind Plus," a podcast series hosted by Duane Osterlind, alongside his brother Eric Osterlind, a seasoned psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This series, crafted with heart and expertise, offers a beacon of hope and practical guidance for those navigating the path of addiction recovery. In each concise 15-minute episode, we delve into simple yet powerful steps to transform your life. Our mission is to empower you with profound insights, valuable knowledge, and real-world strategies that foster healing and resilience. Drawing from a wealth of professional experiences and enriched by diverse expert perspectives, every episode is a step toward self-discovery and empowerment. Whether you are taking your first step towards recovery or seeking to strengthen your journey, "The Addicted Mind Plus" is your companion in exploring effective, life-enhancing practices. Tune in every Thursday for episodes that not only answer your deepest questions about recovery but also illuminate the path to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Subscribe now to "The Addicted Mind Plus" and together, let's embrace the journey towards becoming our best selves.Our mission with The Addictive Mind Plus is to provide you with insights, knowledge, and real-world strategies to support your path to healing.The key moments in this episode are:00:00:01 - Introducing the Addicted Mind Plus00:00:47 - Practical Steps for Recovery00:01:39 - Expert Insights and Guidance00:02:14 - Weekly Release Schedule00:02:39 - Conclusion and Next Steps Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes, where we'll delve into the first of many steps towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheAddictedMindPodcastFollow 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patients with substance use disorder have every right to be pregnant and have children as much as anyone else. Some people look at it as being irresponsible but who are we to judge? In fact, our guest today explains how certain medications for substance use disorders could have played a part in improving the hormonal milieu of patients enough that a pregnancy might occur.On this episode, Duane speaks with Dr. Charles Schauberger, an OB/GYN and Addiction Medicine doctor who specializes in helping women who are struggling with substance use disorder go through pregnancy. This is an issue that doesn't get talked about or thought about a lot unless someone is in this situation. A strong advocate for addiction treatment and compassionate care, Charles shares his story of getting into this specialty and how women dealing with substance use disorder can have a very healthy and successful pregnancy if they’re given the right support. His motivation for helping these women comes from recognizing the discrimination against this group of underserved people who have limited resources, not to mention the stigma associated with their drug use which makes their pregnancy even harder.  Charles started practicing as an obstetrician in 1982 and has delivered about 5,000 babies over the course of his career. In 2008, he experienced burnout, left his clinical practice, and became a hospital administrator. After two and a half years, he went back into practice again because he missed patient contact.Charles points out that patients are better off if they are stable in their treatment and recovery before achieving a pregnancy. However, he never talks down to anyone who gets pregnant while they're still actively using. Instead, he uses it as an opportunity to help them achieve recovery.In this episode, you will hear: Charles’ journey into medicine Some myths around pregnancy and substance use The stigmas that pregnant women struggling with substance abuse have Using MAT during pregnancy The real treatment for recovery 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:Women and Substance Use Disorders Action Group of the American Society of Addiction MedicineNovusMindfulLife.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

Embark on a powerful journey with Marci Hopkins, renowned TV host and recovery expert, as she shares the raw and transformative story of her battle with alcoholism and her road to clarity and purpose. With eight years of sobriety under her belt, Marci talks candidly about the trials of navigating a childhood mired in trauma and addiction and how the pressures of her dream job in the limelight only fueled her struggle. Her compelling narrative, chronicled on "Wake Up with Marci" and in her insightful book "Chaos to Clarity," serves as a beacon of hope, affirming that even from the depths of despair, one can rise to a life of fulfillment and joy. This episode doesn't just chronicle a story; it's an exploration of the tangible steps towards healing that many face in the anonymity of their own battles with addiction. As we discuss the critical role of the 12-step program, Marci opens up about the importance of surrender, spirituality, and gratitude in her own journey. We tackle practical matters too – the signs of a drinking problem, the dangers of an unsupervised detox, and the wealth of resources available, from online meetings to telehealth services. Most importantly, we shine a light on the crippling effect of shame and how the strength of community can dispel it, underlining the profound truth that sharing one's story can be the lifeline that someone else desperately needs.In this episode, you will hear: Struggling with drinking and seeking alternatives Transformation and healing in recovery Overcoming shame and finding support Shift in perception and acceptance Finding purpose and joy in life 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:“Chaos to Clarity” by Marci Hopkins: https://www.amazon.com/Chaos-Clarity-Seeing-Breaking-Cycles/dp/1955272115 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

Unlock the secrets to transforming your business into a haven for employee well-being with insights from Cheryl Brown-Merriwether, a trailblazer in marrying corporate HR with addiction recovery education. As we navigate the post-pandemic world, Cheryl lays out the stark realities and innovative solutions needed to foster recovery-friendly workplaces. This episode is a beacon of hope for businesses striving to support their employees' mental health and addiction recovery journeys, featuring discussions on government and institutional advancements, as well as practical initiatives that encourage seeking help. Step into a conversation that breaks down the barriers between addiction, mental health, and professional success. With Cheryl's expertise, we examine the integral role of empathy, peer support, and HR departments in creating a work culture where recovery is not just supported but celebrated. The dialogue traverses the significance of the Surgeon General's recent framework for mental health in the workplace, offering a roadmap to navigate the complexities of these intertwined challenges. This exchange is a testament to the power of inclusive leadership in initiating a substantial shift within workplace environments to prioritize employee health. Prepare to be part of a revolutionary movement as Cheryl details the upcoming national launch of an institute designed to promote recovery-friendly workplaces. This landmark initiative aims to arm employers, particularly those leading small businesses, with the tools necessary to build supportive environments while also exploring the benefits awaiting businesses that commit to this cause. We also shine a light on the burgeoning role of recovery coaches in the workplace—not just as a source of support but as a beacon that guides individuals towards a more fulfilling professional and personal life. Join us for a journey through the heart of corporate compassion, where the well-being of each employee is the cornerstone of business success.In this episode, you will hear: Supporting workplace addiction awareness Preventing substance use disorder in workplace Responders and support for substance misuse Leadership supporting systems development Recovery-friendly workplaces made exciting and easy Creating safe and accessible hr programs Professional recovery coaches in the workplace Connecting people for support and resources 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

Amanda Giordano, licensed professional, discusses the similarities between behavioral and chemical addictions. She explains how the brain's reward system is activated by addictive behaviors and the difficulty some individuals face when trying to abstain. The podcast covers various topics including the impact of addictive behaviors on the brain, common behavioral addictions such as internet gambling and gaming addiction, and strategies to address and prevent addictive behaviors.