The Addicted Mind Podcast

What does it take to overcome life's grueling trials? On today’s episode, Duane sits down with Todd Crandell, an elite athlete and founder of Racing for Recovery, who transformed his life's trajectory by battling and conquering addiction. Discover the powerful tools of mindset as Todd shares his journey from the depths of addiction and trauma to a thriving life, fueled by compassion and commitment to wellness.Join Duane and Todd as they explore the role of community and support systems in recovery. Todd's story is a testament to the transformative power of human connection and the strength that can be found within a supportive community. They delve into the workings and vision behind Racing for Recovery, Todd's organization that serves as a beacon for those battling addiction. We also get a glimpse of Todd's unique journey from being a pharmaceutical sales representative to dedicating his life to uplifting others, a decision that not only revolutionized his life but also enriched the lives of his clients.Todd also shares his transition to veganism at the age of 49, a pivotal decision that has immensely impacted his life and worldview. He sheds light on the harsh realities of animal slaughter and emphasizes the health and environmental benefits of a vegan lifestyle. Todd’s story serves as a gentle reminder of the power of personal transformation and the ripple effect it can have on the world around us. In this episode, you will hear: Overcoming addiction and thriving in life Embracing change and overcoming addiction Recovery, community, and wellness Quitting drugs and embracing a compassionate lifestyle 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.comRacing for Recovery: https://racingforrecovery.org/ 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why is addiction so hard to control? Does that mean addiction can’t be treated? On today’s episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, Duane talks to Dr. Paul Kaloostian. Dr. Paul Kaloostian is a neurosurgeon in Los Angeles as well as an author. His books include The Young Neurosurgeon: Lessons from My Patients and two different poetry books, From The Eyes Of A Doctor and My Surgical Cases Told In Poems.As a neurosurgeon for 17 years now, Dr. Kaloostian has dealt with thousands of cases of people with neurological conditions. Seeing the need for awareness of mental health, he took a poetic approach to his books to make it easier for the world to understand what it’s like for patients who are going through neurological conditions, some of which are caused or aggravated by addiction. On today's episode, he talks about the brain, his patients, and why we do some of the things we do even when we don't necessarily want to do them. No one wants to be addicted. But the brain is such a powerful organ that what our brains decide to do is what we do. We don't really have that much control. That’s why addiction is a hard problem to fight and beat. The brain is a powerful organ so once it gets stimulated, it's difficult to change. It takes work and energy – but it's not impossible. Because of Paul's compassion for his clients and his appreciation for the vulnerability of his clients to come and seek help, this is an episode you need to listen to. While you may not fully understand what people with neurological conditions are going through until you’ve gone through the same experience, having the ability to understand these concepts today is a good way to start to develop empathy.In this episode, you will hear: What drew Paul to neurosurgery Why he took a medical poetic approach in writing his books The need to show empathy to these patients How the brain is linked to addiction Areas of the brain responsible for addiction Why addiction is a pathological condition Why addiction is so hard to control 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:The Young Neurosurgeon: Lessons from My Patients From The Eyes Of A DoctorMy Surgical Cases Told In PoemsEpisode 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we navigate the trials and tribulations of life, it's essential to remember that we're not alone. Like many of us, our guest for this episode, Elizabeth Cirrito, has journeyed through the dark tunnels of addiction, grief, and trauma. However, even in the bleakest of times, Liz found her guiding light in the power of community, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit.Liz's story resonates with the shared human experience, the fear of vulnerability, and the formidable 'shame monster' that lurks in the shadows of our psyche. In our candid conversation, Liz courageously opens up about her childhood exposure to addiction, the sudden loss of her stepdad, and the unfolding trauma that led her to seek refuge in substances. But amidst the chaos, Liz discovered the transformative power of resilience, support, and the healing potential of Internal Family Systems that allowed her to regain control and start rebuilding her life.From navigating the intricacies of mental health stigma to the complex dynamics of grief, this episode is a deep exploration of the human spirit's strength. Liz's personal experiences offer genuine insights into addiction as a response to suffering, and how acknowledging and taming the 'shame monster' can facilitate healing. Listen in as Liz shares invaluable lessons learned from her recovery journey, her commitment to aiding others, and the affirmation that we are all worthy of healing and support. An episode sure to touch hearts and inspire, it's a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most daunting challenges.In this episode, you will hear: Power of resilience in addiction recovery Trauma and taboo of mental health Overcoming grief and addiction Overcoming shame and building community Internal family systems and healing Healing and helping other people heal their pain 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The fear of abandonment is universal. The problem is – we try to medicate that feeling with whatever gives us instant gratification (drugs, alcohol, food, television, sleeping, social media, shopping, etc.) Whatever that looks like, addiction can stem from an unhealed abandonment wound. And when you fail to take care of that wound, it can lead to self-sabotage. So how do we heal our abandonment issues?On today’s episode, Duane speaks with Susan Anderson, founder of Abandonment Recovery, a program that helps people with numerous issues such as heartbreak loss, self-sabotage, addiction, and compulsion. Susan shares her own story of how she got into this work of dealing with abandonment. Susan gives us an illustration of what abandonment looks like, how it impacts our life, and what we can do to overcome it.Susan points out that overcoming abandonment is a doing process. Therefore, just knowing about it isn't necessarily going to help you overcome the wound that may be negatively impacting your life. There needs to be action.In this episode, you will hear: Why abandonment is universal The correlation between abandonment and addiction Loneliness as a huge adult trigger Early abandonment vs. normal level of abandonment Self-sabotage and the outer child Forms of self-sabotage The power of visualization Key Quotes:[02:36] - "Abandonment translates to separation anxiety, which is something we all share as human beings. It's universal and we medicate that feeling.”[04:16] - “We all have a fear of abandonment, and when it's triggered by an adult experience, it can create a cascade of hormonal processes in the brain. No matter how strong we are, we can all experience a serious emotional crisis if the trigger is big enough in adulthood."[05:37] - "Overcoming abandonment is a doing process, not just a feeling process. It's a recovery. It's an ongoing process."[10:53] - "When we are going through an adult trigger, even if it's a mild trigger, the thing that we are most vulnerable to is becoming addicted to a substance or to an activity."[19:01] - "If you've had a lot of abandonment, you have a lot of self-sabotage... and you repeat the thing that's so familiar."[29:16] "You don't have to make gigantic changes to have your dreams start to line. You need to make enough of a change just to get that door to swing. It's an amazing thing that small changes make huge differences."[34:18] "Everyone's looking for a magic bullet that's why addictions are so popular... but they have to enter on a journey of developing a new relationship with themselves and it's something they have to really work out and take very seriously."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 go to the episode page at www.theaddictedmind.com to download it.Supporting Resources:NovusMindfulLife.comAbandonment Recoveryhttps://www.abandonment.net/ 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, let’s journey through the realms of neuroscience, addiction research, and the promising future of treatment strategies for substance use disorders. On this episode, Duane speaks with Dr. Paul Kenny, a distinguished figure in neuroscience and addiction research. He unravels his research on signaling cascades in rodents' brains, providing fascinating insights into addiction-like behaviors. The discussion turns engaging as Paul illuminates his groundbreaking work with certain treatments and their potential role in addressing cravings and motivation in substance use disorders is nothing short of fascinating. They also steer the conversation towards an area often overlooked, which is the relationship between drugs, addiction, and satiety. Paul dissects how potent drugs like cocaine and heroin trigger extreme pleasure and consequently, substance use disorders. He shares his insights into how the satisfaction derived from drug use and the ritualistic patterns of drug consumption could be altered to reduce dependence. This episode sheds light on the promising field of addiction research and the need to raise public awareness of the issue. This is a testament to the incredible work being done by Cure Addiction Now. By understanding the brain's role in addiction, we can potentially change the way we approach substance use disorders and find innovative ways to help those struggling with addiction.In this episode, you will hear: Groundbreaking research on addiction treatment Exploring medications to control cravings and motivation Drugs, addiction, and satiety relationship GLP-1 enhancers and their potential to treat drug addiction Exploring GLP-1 modulators for addiction treatment About Cure Addiction Now 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:Cure Addiction Nowhttps://cureaddictionnow.org/ 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does a data-driven approach to addiction recovery look like? Allow Dr. Jared Dempsey and Hunter Williams, the brilliant minds behind TRAC9, to guide you through their innovative platform. Drawing from personal encounters with addiction, they've developed a solution that goes beyond conventional treatments, utilizing the power of data collection, monitoring symptoms, and scientifically validated assessments. Their work emphasizes the importance of ethics in patient data collection, creating a secure environment for individuals in recovery.TRAC9 isn't just a platform; it's a game-changer in the field of addiction treatment. By analyzing subtle changes and symptoms in patients, TRAC9 enables health professionals to tailor treatments, increasing the probability of successful recovery. Reliable data is a treasure trove of insights that could revolutionize the way we understand and treat addiction. Here, patients find a safe haven, where they can be more honest on paper than in direct communication with a provider, offering invaluable insights for treatment success rates.Using the cutting-edge fields of machine learning and habituation, TRAC9 goes beyond data collection. It creates predictive models that generate neurochemical reactions to visual triggers, helping to reduce instinctive cravings. By evaluating nine core elements of addiction and two measures of craving, TRAC9 forges a comprehensive path to recovery. Discover how this platform is making waves in the field of addiction, and how it could help you or a loved one find the way towards a sober life.In this episode, you will hear: A data-driven approach to addiction recovery Monitoring symptoms for addiction treatment success Data collection's impact on addiction treatment Understanding addiction treatment and data analysis TRAC9 and making a difference 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a society where the realms of justice, recovery, and public policy intersect in myriad ways, understanding these intersections and how they impact individuals is crucial. There are barriers, often intertwined with justice system involvement, which can pose significant challenges. For instance, minor offenses can escalate into arrest warrants, posing a significant challenge for those already grappling with recovery and housing insecurity. Join Duane in this riveting conversation with Meghan M. O’Neil PhD, Research Scholar, Drug Enforcement Policy Center, The Ohio State University, who dedicates her work to confronting racial and economic inequality's impacts on health. Duane and Meghan delve into the civil justice issues that can create substantial barriers for individuals in early recovery. Megan emphasizes the critical importance of housing in the recovery process, and the struggles faced by individuals in early recovery in securing a stable living environment. Meghan also gives a first-hand look at her groundbreaking Removing Barriers Experiment, which promises to revolutionize opioid treatment centers. Meghan's unique insights, fueled by her family's struggles with substance misuse, shed unique light on the multifaceted challenges that people in early recovery face. Her innovative approach to breaking down barriers includes the creation of online court resources for those in recovery. She shares her journey of connecting with the local recovery community, facilitating access to vital services, and fostering open communication with the court system. Leave this discussion with a profound understanding of the hurdles that individuals in recovery must overcome – from navigating an often unforgiving justice system to the struggle of securing stable housing. In this episode, you will hear: Insights on public policy, racial and economic inequality How Meghan’s Removing Barriers Experiment aims to address the opioid crisis Creating online court resources for recovery Removing barriers to recovery and re-entry Civil justice barriers for vulnerable populations  Housing's importance in addiction recovery Issues in the housing and justice system 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:Removing Barriers Experiment: https://meghanoneilcom.wordpress.com/removing-barriers-to-recovery/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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get ready to be moved by the story of our remarkable guest Gigi Langer, as she takes us through her raw and insightful journey to sobriety. Gigi's story begins in the Midwest, where her self-worth was initially tied to academic achievements and later, relationships. She opens up about her struggles with alcohol and drugs, the series of consequent failures, how she ended up becoming a functioning alcoholic, and her life-changing decision to quit drinking on January 11th, 1986. Gigi didn't just stop at overcoming her addiction, she used her experiences as fuel to help others. She chronicles her transition to becoming an author, describing the initial challenge of finding a sponsor in recovery, learning to be vulnerable and honest, and the crucial role played by her mentor Jane. As you tune in, you'll get to hear about her remarkable recovery journey and the process that led her to pen her own book.However, Gigi's story of courage doesn't end there. She confronts the sexual abuse she endured as a child, recounting the healing process, the anger, and powerlessness she once felt, and her journey towards personal healing and empowerment. Through therapy, sponsors, and recovery meetings, Gigi was able to reclaim her power and establish healthier relationships. She provides a beacon of hope for those struggling with similar issues, sharing insights from her books and her own life. Get ready to be inspired by Gigi's resilience and wisdom, as you tune into this deeply personal conversation.In this episode, you will hear: Gigi langer's journey to sobriety Transitioning to writing a book from dark times The journey of recovery and healing Discovery and healing of sexual abuse Personal healing and empowerment journey Interview wrap-up and future connections 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Walking through the uncharted territories of life, we all carry our burdens and battle our demons. One such journey is that of our guest, Courtney Collier, whose teenage curiosity led him down the path of alcohol addiction. In this candid conversation, Courtney bares his soul, recounting how alcohol became more than just a social activity but rather an integral part of his life narrative. His decision to confront his addiction and transform his life is a testament to his indomitable spirit.Courtney's path to recovery was fraught with challenges and required him to make significant lifestyle changes. A significant milestone in his recovery was moving into a sober living house, an environment that provided him with the community support he needed. He shares with us how taking medication, specifically, Naltrexone, helped him manage cravings and build coping mechanisms. Yet, it wasn't just about medication; Courtney had to face his inner trauma, develop a sense of self-efficacy, and establish daily rituals to maintain sobriety. Courtney's journey didn't stop at recovery. Inspired by his own experiences, he decided to help others on their recovery journeys and became a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor. Now, he is working towards his second master's degree in clinical mental health counseling and continues to give back to the recovery community. Courtney also shares how he uses social media to stay connected with his art and how it has become a source of motivation and inspiration in his recovery. It's never too late to rewrite your life narrative.In this episode, you will hear: Overcoming fear, shame, and anxiety with alcohol Courtney’s journey into addiction from drinking to IV drug use His eventual treatment after a dramatic incident His decision to move into a sober living house How he worked his inner trauma and built self-efficacy His journey to becoming a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Surviving disaster is a testament to human resilience, the will to live, and the courage to heal. Today, we welcome a truly extraordinary guest, Geralyn Ritter, whose story is an inspiring manifestation of this spirit. As an executive vice president, board director, and author of the memoir 'Bone by Bone,' she recounts her journey of survival, recovery, and acceptance after a deadly train derailment in 2015. Listen in, as Geralyn shares the profound physical and psychological impact of the accident on her life, the challenges of managing potent pain medications, and her path towards acceptance of her life-altering experience.Geralyn's story is more than just overcoming trauma; it's about finding balance and reclaiming life after the unthinkable. Our conversation delves deep into her healing journey, the frustrations she faced, and the silver linings that emerged along the way. She candidly shares her struggle to find equilibrium in life while managing her medical vulnerabilities and her newfound purpose to help other trauma survivors. This episode is not just about survival; it's about resilience, healing, and reclaiming life after a devastating trauma. Listen in and be inspired by Geralyn’s courage and determination, a compelling testament to the strength of the human spirit.In this episode, you will hear: Surviving a deadly train derailment Unrealistic recovery expectations and depression The difficulty of managing both the physical pain and psychological trauma  A radical acceptance of her traumatic experience Finding balance while managing her ongoing medical vulnerabilities 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:Bone by Bone by Geralyn Ritterhttps://www.amazon.com/Bone-Memoir-Trauma-Healing/dp/1950465551 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.