
The Addicted Mind Podcast
"The Addicted Mind Podcast" offers hope, understanding, and guidance for those dealing with addiction, with real stories and research to inspire and show the journey to recovery is worth it.We're here to do more than just talk about addiction. We want to show you how to heal and recover.Our talks with experts and people who have beaten addiction give you important insights into how addiction affects the mind and how recovery can happen in many ways. Whether we're looking at new treatment ideas or sharing stories that inspire, "The Addicted Mind Podcast" is all about understanding the complex world of addiction recovery and showing that recovery is possible.If you or someone you care about is dealing with the challenges of addiction, let "The Addicted Mind Podcast" be your friend and guide. We aim to give you the knowledge you need, share stories that inspire you, and show you that the journey to recovery is worth it.Subscribe now to be part of a community focused on learning, healing, and changing for the better. Your journey to a healthier mind and life begins right here.
Latest episodes

May 29, 2023 • 50min
235: Exploring Addiction and Addiction Research with Dr. Hakimi and Andrew Drazan
In this episode, Duane speaks with Andrew Drazan and Dr. Edmond Hakimi to discuss the pressing topic of addiction and addiction research. Andrew Drazan is the founder and current chairman of Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research, which has been providing personalized care to individuals struggling with addiction for over a decade. Dr. Edmond Hakimi, the medical director of Wellbridge, brings his extensive expertise in addiction treatment to the conversation. Today, delve into the medical model of treating addiction, the importance of research in this field, and the individualized care approach taken by Wellbridge. We will also address topical issues such as the opioid epidemic and the growing prevalence of synthetic drugs. In this episode, you will hear:
The medical model of treating addiction
Bringing research into the addiction space
How to measure the outcome of addiction treatment
The importance of individualized care in the field of addiction
Addressing the opioid epidemic in the United States
Are synthetic drugs becoming even more addictive?
The importance of a weekly dose of medication
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.Supporting Resources:https://wellbridge.org/http://www.novusmindfullife.com/ 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 22, 2023 • 36min
234: Navigating the Space Between Trauma and Peace: A Journey of Healing and Acceptance with Robert Common
The journey from trauma to peace and acceptance involves an intermediate space of transition. During trauma, the body is in a hyper-vigilant state, leading to pain, hurt, and suffering. Moving away from trauma requires a shift towards something different - a space of healing and inner peace.In today's episode, Duane interviews Robert Common, who shares his personal story and discusses the work he does with clients who are dealing with addiction and mental health issues. Robert also advocates for protecting women and children from violence, and we'll be delving into that topic as well. He talks about how his Buddhism and experiences with trauma intersected and helped him overcome addiction, and how all these factors played a role in his journey to recovery.In this episode, you will hear:
The intersection of trauma, addiction, and Buddhism
The space of transition from trauma to peacefulness
Buddhism and the noble truths
How trauma pulls away from compassion
How trauma can be a force for good
The gift of pain and the power of mindfulness
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.Supporting Resources:http://www.novusmindfullife.com/ 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 15, 2023 • 57min
233: How to Be an Emotional Badass with Nikki Eisenhauer
*DISCLAIMER EXPLICIT CONTENT*Trauma is something that no one would choose to go through, but it can also be an opportunity for personal growth and wisdom. We may all have different stories and personal circumstances, but often, the dynamics at play are very similar in terms of how we heal. In this episode of the podcast, Duane speaks with Nikki Eisenhauer, a psychotherapist, licensed professional counselor, licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and life coach specializing in trauma, addiction, grief, and loss in highly sensitive people.Nikkis is also a yoga and meditation teacher and host of the hit mental health podcast Emotional Badass: Where Moxie Meets Mindful. Through her personal and professional experiences, Nikki encourages us to take charge of our lives, even in the face of pain and suffering. By developing emotional intelligence and resilience, we can create a more peaceful, joyful, and fulfilling life. Listen in as Nikki shares her story of resilience and emphasizes the importance of emotional resilience in overcoming difficult experiences. The conversation also touches on the topics of sexual abuse and incest, so if this is something that’s difficult for you, please approach it with caution.In this episode, you will hear:
What it means to be an emotional badass
Why incest is a taboo topic
The importance of emotional intelligence in childhood
Interpreting intuitive messages into verbal language
The common plight of eldest children in dysfunctional families
Guilt and shame as a big beach ball for the abusers
The power of listening to and trusting your intuition
How your body feels what your mind knows
Cultivating patience and kindness to yourself
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.Supporting Resources:Emotional Badass: Where Moxie Meets MindfulNovusMindfulLife.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

May 11, 2023 • 43min
Bonus Episode: Finding Addiction Recovery in Movies with Ted Perkins
Movies, as much as they’re entertaining, can also play a major role in addiction recovery. Films and movies tell us a lot about our humanity, and stories in films always follow a very familiar pattern – they're all about transformation, a relatable theme for anyone in recovery.In an engaging conversation with Duane, Ted Perkins shares his passion for using movies to promote addiction recovery. As the author of Addicted in Film: Movies We Love About the Habits We Hate, you can use Ted's workbook to explore self-discovery questions while enjoying recovery-related movies. Ted is also the Founder/CEO of Recovery Movie Meet-Ups, where individuals in recovery can support each other. Having been in recovery himself, Ted is dedicated to helping others break the stigma of addiction and move forward, as we all overcome addiction, together.In this episode, you will hear:
How film and addiction are intertwined
Identifying with the movie characters
Addiction as a subjective mental experience
How movies help in addiction recovery
Putting screenwriting and recovery together
Understanding the mental models of the future
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.Supporting Resources:Addicted in Filmhttps://www.addictedinfilm.com Recovery Movie Meet-Upshttps://www.recoverymoviemeetups.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

May 8, 2023 • 32min
232: Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery with Caroline Beidler
As you're trying to find hope in the grit of addiction and trauma recovery, there's power in being part of a community that can move us from a place of struggle to freedom.On this episode, Duane speaks with Caroline Beidler about her new book, “Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in The Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery,” and how one can find hope in their own journey of addiction and trauma recovery by harnessing the power of sharing their story. Caroline Beidler is an author, recovery advocate, and founder of the storytelling platform Bright Story Shine. With almost 20 years in leadership within social work and ministry, Caroline is a team writer for The Grit and Grace Project and a blogger at the global recovery platform, In The Rooms.Caroline's insights and personal experiences offer practical advice and inspiration for those navigating similar struggles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for hope and healing in their own life.In this episode, you will hear:
Why she came up with the title, “Downstairs Church”
How she took the first steps down into the basement church
How to find hope in the grit of addiction
Having a personal relationship with God takes time
How adversities give rise to healing
The importance of showing up vulnerably
Highlighting the power of story
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.Supporting Resources:Website: www.carolinebeidler.comBright Story Shinehttps://www.brightstoryshine.com/ The Grit and Grace Projecthttps://thegritandgraceproject.org/ In The Roomshttps://www.intherooms.com/home/ Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in The Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recoveryhttps://www.amazon.com/Downstairs-Church-Finding-Addiction-Recovery/dp/1631959786NovusMindfulLife.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

May 1, 2023 • 40min
231: The Role of Family in Addiction Treatment with Dr. Brooke Keels
A lot of people who may be struggling with a family member that is in the throes of addiction think the person needs to go get help. But there's this whole system that probably has to be addressed.In this episode, Duane and Dr. Brooke Keels discuss the importance of family therapy in addiction recovery from a systems perspective. Dr. Keels highlights the importance of each family member doing their own individual work to achieve health for the entire system. With her experience in clinical and leadership roles within the recovery industry for over 15 years, Dr. Keels shares her passion for the process and the positive impact it can have on people's lives. Dr. Brooke Keels holds a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy. She works to create, implement, and oversee the Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Program and Individual and Family Therapy Programs at Lighthouse Recovery, Texas. Listen in to learn more about the family's role in addiction recovery and how to work towards health and happiness for all.In this episode, you will hear:
The importance of family in addiction treatment
The power of seeing the system
Why family healing is so important
What hope looks like in a dysfunctional family
The value of validating the reality of the situation
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.Supporting Resources:Lighthouse Recovery TexasNovusMindfulLife.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

Apr 24, 2023 • 39min
230: Stepping Out of Pain Through Resilience with Andrew E. Guy
Life is going to throw curveballs at you, and that’s a given. The question is, how willing are you to withstand those?On today’s episode, Duane talks with Andrew E. Guy, the author of Work Your Words: Finding Your Pathway to Personal Success. Andrew helps corporate leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs integrate work, life, and self-care to improve well-being so they can pursue purposeful living. Andrew is a professional certified educator, an educational engagement expert, and is certified in the prevention and management of aggressive behavior. Today, Andrew is going to talk about his book, Work Your Words, specifically about resilience and stepping out of pain, hurt, and darkness to live your best life. With a contagious inspirational spirit, Andrew shares his incredible story of resilience that encourages people to take control of their lives and the life they're meant to live. Andrew believes in the power of words. He believes that when you’re able to work the right words, the right things happen, and what you say about yourself makes a huge difference. You're not living this life for yourself, because you're actually living this life so you can help others to live and people will live through your experience.In this episode, you will hear:
Unworthiness as a symptom of depression
Not your fault, but it’s your choice
Finding a community that will support your changes
The willingness to be vulnerable
The HOPE acronym
How finding your purpose changes everything in your life
Navigating your pain and trauma
Participating in your own miracle
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.Supporting Resources:www.andrewguyspeaks.com Work Your Words: Finding Your Pathway to Personal Successhttps://www.amazon.com/Work-Your-Words-Finding-Personal/dp/1987890019 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolkhttps://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma-ebook/dp/B00G3L1C2K 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

Apr 17, 2023 • 50min
229: Treating Love Addiction with Dr. Cortney Warren
Dr. Cortney Warren, a clinical psychologist, discusses love addiction and how it can lead to emotional distress. She explores the addictive nature of romantic love, the impact of breakups, and the portrayal of love in the media. Dr. Warren also shares techniques from her book on how to heal from a breakup using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) skills. Overall, the episode provides insights and strategies for overcoming love addiction and promoting personal growth.

Apr 10, 2023 • 42min
228: Attention Must Be Paid to Women Lost in the Opioid Crisis with Debra Gonsher Vinik
About four years ago, in the face of what little did she know was going to be an increasing horror show in terms of deaths due to opioid use, Debra Gonsher Vinik decided to do a documentary on the opioid crisis. She also wanted to put the spotlight on women because, as she says, women are almost absent in terms of the media coverage of what's going on. Since 1999, we have lost over 200,000 women to the opioid crisis. On this episode, Duane and Debra take a deep dive into her new documentary, Attention Must Be Paid: Women Lost in The Opioid Crisis. Addiction is so stigmatized that the idea of women coming forward is a big thing. These brave women featured in the documentary have put aside any concern or worry about other people's perception of them so they can speak their truth and their story in order to help other women. Hopefully, other women who will watch this can also relate and feel that, after all, they’re not alone. In this episode, you will hear:
The psychological dependence on opioid addiction
The story of a mother who didn’t want to film
The most explicit recipe for tragedy
The story of two women from different walks of life
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.Supporting Resources:https://divacommunications.com/Attention Must Be Paid: Women Lost in The Opioid Crisishttps://divacommunications.com/attention/ 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

Apr 3, 2023 • 44min
227: Breaking Free from a Life Full of Falsehoods with Rio Timberlane
If you're trying to move away from addiction and all the falsehoods, you have to start looking through that lens and replace them with axioms or self-evident truths. Once you’re in harmony with the world you live in, you get clarity on who you really are.In today’s episode, Duane speaks with Rio Timberlane to talk about the power of decision-making, how to get clear on your identity, and understanding axioms or self-evident truth. Rio Timberlane is a relationship scientist who has spent about two decades looking at the underlying axioms that we all operate in as humans. In this episode, you will hear:
Understanding axioms or the self-evident truth
The importance of having the right mindset
The power of decision-making
Asking the right questions
What does it mean to be a tree
The simplexity of love
How to get clear on identity
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.Supporting Resources:ELAO.guruhttps://www.riowrks.orgNovusMindfulLife.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