The Addicted Mind Podcast

We’re sharing a special episode from another podcast, A Slight Change of Plans, from Pushkin Industries. In this preview, four-time Grammy Award-winning musician Jason Isbell discusses how his early career was plagued by addiction. Getting sober allowed him to re-examine aspects of his personality that he once saw as his greatest weaknesses. Hear more from A Slight Change of Plans at https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/scp5?sid=addicted.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Addiction recovery is a long process that’s why we need long-term solutions to help people move into a recovery state. We need a community and we need all the resources around us to maintain a sober world. But what do blockchain and cryptocurrency have to do with addiction and recovery?  On today's episode, Duane speaks with Dr. Harold Jonas, a licensed mental health counselor and the founder and CEO of the Soberverse. They discuss how his projects including Sobercoin and the Sober Systems mobile app help with addiction recovery, as well as the concept of contingency management as an effective tool for harm reduction Harold also talks about his own addiction and recovery journey and how he's continuing to move forward in self-care and help people dealing with addiction and mental disorders by leveraging technology in healthcare.Since 1999, Harold has been at the center of Sober Network, Inc. and each of its related digital properties. His unparalleled experience with both web and award-winning app development for the addiction and recovery industry. Along with his team, Harold continues to be at the forefront of innovative technology for the addiction and recovery industry. In this episode, you will hear: How the internet leveled the playing field for every treatment center Coaching and accountability in recovery to reduce relapse How Sobercoin works The definition of blockchain and cryptocurrency The benefits of using blockchain What contingency management looks like 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:Soberversehttps://www.soberverse.com/Sober Network, Inc.https://sobernetwork.com/ Sober Systemshttps://sobersystems.com/ Email Dr. Harold Jonas at jonas@sobernetwork.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

Addiction is not the problem, it's the result of not knowing how to access a safe place within – and a lot of that has to do with regulating your emotions. When you don’t have the toolbox for emotional regulation, that’s when addiction starts to arise. You start to feel this void and so you fill it up with food, drugs, alcohol, or something detrimental to your health and well-being.  Learn how to equip yourself with the right tools and techniques to help you on this journey to finding peace and calmness so you can finally manifest your vision of a fresh start. On today’s episode, Duane speaks with wellness and stress management coach, Edwige Gilbert Blade.  Edwige is the founder of New Life Directions and the author of The Fresh Start Promise: 28 Days to Total Mind, Body, Spirit Transformation. She has over 30 years of experience working with individuals and groups and conducting seminars, retreats, and lectures around the world. Her forte is teaching people how to transform stress into success, clear unwanted habits, and live healthier and happier lives.  Edwige holds certifications in neurolinguistic programming, NLP hypnotherapy, substance abuse counseling, behavioral change yoga, and Qigong. Today, she shares her wisdom, knowledge, and experience of how we can change our situation by using the power of the mind from a centered space so we can create new possibilities.  In this episode, you will hear: The 3 C’s of mindful meditation How hypnosis is helpful in treating addiction How to get to a state of calmness and release anxiety Why having a vision is very important Becoming your own inner coach vs. the inner critic Finding ways to regulate your emotions  Self-compassion vs. self-indulgence 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:New Life Directionshttp://newlifedirections.com Follow Edwige on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwigegilbert/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edwige.gilbert.7 Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdwigeGilbert LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwige-gilbert-3331162/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

Change is possible. There is hope. You just need a roadmap toward that change. On today's episode, Duane speaks with Lee LaMee, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who has a lot of wisdom and experience in the field of change.  Lee talks about his book, The Theory & Practice of Well-Being: Your Comprehensive & Actionable Guide to the Good Life, which he has put together in a digestible, down-to-earth, pragmatic way so people can take action. He also shares his personal experience, having worked on both sides of this field – the medical side and the mental health side – and how that all came together to create a guide to help people live their best life. With a background in various settings including oncology, psychiatry, Veterans Affairs, and medical-surgical nursing, Lee studied in Amsterdam before continuing his studies in the United Kingdom. He has worked as a registered nurse and is also a U.S. Air Force veteran. Lee is very passionate about human behavior and helping others improve their mental well-being.  In this episode, you will hear: The correlation between illnesses and the mind-body connection Two reasons people change The 5A’s: the foundational concepts to forward your own sense of well being The antidote to chronic guilt and shame The role of spirituality and the invisible line in life The triad of passivity, rigidity, and chaos 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:NovusMindfulLife.comThe Theory & Practice of Well-Being: Your Comprehensive & Actionable Guide to the Good Lifehttps://www.amazon.com/Theory-Practice-Well-Being-Comprehensive-Actionable/dp/1544529406 ***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

Imagine if you were in college right now, do you think you could ever survive it? Today, college students are met with so many issues. At this stage of their life where they’re exploring their identity, they’re presented with all of this information on social media telling them that they're not enough and not doing enough. Add that to the already massive amount of academic pressure, especially in prominent universities. Plus, the pandemic, which has exacerbated the mental health concerns of many.  And when you're not sure of who you are and who you want to be in the world, all this can be very detrimental. Due to a lack of access to coping strategies or social support, it’s prevalent for this demographic to turn to either self-medication or substance abuse. How then should college students navigate through this season of their life knowing and feeling that they’re enough and they’re supported? On today's episode, Duane speaks with Dr. Christine Catipon, a licensed clinical psychologist, about the impact of the COVID pandemic related to substance use and self-medication among college students. Having been in college counseling settings for the last 12 years, Christine has seen a significant amount of shift and growth – a lot of it has to do with accessibility to information on social media, which is a major stressor to a lot of college students. Christine works full-time at the Counseling and Psychological Services Center at Stanford University, is the current vice president of the Asian-American Psychological Association, and has held numerous leadership positions in the Filipino-American community.  In this episode, you will hear: Christine’s career background and her passion for helping college students A rise in anti-Asian hate on social media and how it’s impacting students Some challenges college students are experiencing today Why college students resort to self-medication Coping strategies and resources to help students through tough times Ways to manage your anxiety 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:NovusMindfulLife.comConnect with Christine on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-catipon-psy-d-68a25969/ 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

Addiction is not a new problem in the workplace. In fact, about 70% of folks that are using illicit drugs are employed in the workplace, either full-time or part-time. However, this is not a comfortable topic for people to talk about obviously due to the stigma around it.  How do we then bridge that gap and break the silence so people get the help they need, and for total recovery to take place? On today's episode, Duane speaks with Cheryl Brown-Merriwether, HR professional and recovery support professional, about the innovations in the workplace as well as addiction and recovery from a workplace perspective and a human relations perspective.  Cheryl holds a number of certifications with several years of experience working with clinical professionals in addiction and recovery support services. Through educational programs, Cheryl is committed to helping people in the workplace understand addiction, substance use disorder, and recovery. Cheryl hopes to reduce the stigma and change the whole perspective around addiction and recovery in the workplace.  In this episode, you will hear: What’s changing in the workplace How to break the stigma of recovery The benefits of external partnership Working with people who struggled with addiction The importance of connecting at all three levels of the workplace How to extend the workforce and empower the frontliners About the International Center of Addiction and Recovery Education 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: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

It’s important to look at addiction from the perspective of seeing how the body operates, specifically our nervous system. By figuring out what changes can be done from a neurological approach, we then begin to heal, treat, and change for the better. If your nervous system isn't in tune, then you're not going to be able to make those connections. You go down the path of loneliness and because it’s too painful, you try to find a way out. And if you don’t know what’s going on in your nervous system, then you resort to sex, drug, alcohol, etc. – and you get stuck.  On this episode, Duane speaks with Dr. Michael Barta, a licensed professional counselor and certified sex addiction therapist, about the neurological approach to the treatment of addiction. Dr. Barta created the TINSA and ENTUNE models to show how working directly with the brain and nervous system enables individuals to reestablish authentic connections so people struggling with addiction can heal their traumas.  Dr. Michael Barta is a leading expert in addressing and treating the source of sexually compulsive behaviors. He is a pioneer in the neurobiological treatment of addictions. His research-based cutting-edge treatments have successfully treated hundreds of men, women, and couples facing the devastation caused by sexually compulsive behaviors, helping them return to living authentic lives.  In this episode, you will hear: What is the polyvagal system? What is TINSA? What is ENTUNE? Working with a system instead of trying to control a system What is a deprivation trauma? The need for co-regulation of the social engagement system  How to activate the social engagement system Key Quotes:[08:08] - "Polyvagal means that the autonomic nervous system is broken down into three branches. This was revolutionary because up until that time, we thought it was just two branches."[10:36] - "My work became about how these traumatic events affect the person. And what I found in my work was that this nervous system was malaligned."[12:47] - "What sex addiction has been called for years – intimacy disorder. But there's never been a super great neuroscientific explanation of intimacy disorder."[15:00] - "We have this operating system inside of us. And each one of us has one. And it happens below our level of consciousness. But it's responsible for everything we think, say, and do."[23:10] - "It wasn't about the high. It was about the quiet. It was about finally, the noise turned off in my body – the anxiety, the self-loathing, the insecurity – it was gone."[39:54] - "You're doing it because you're hurt, and start healing the hurt. If we heal the hurt, we don't have to kill the pain."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:https://drmichaelbarta.com/ NovusMindfulLife.comTINSA: A Neurological Approach to the Treatment of Sex Addictionhttps://www.amazon.com/TINSA-Neurological-Approach-Treatment-Addiction/dp/198173869XThe Polyvagal Theory by Dr. Stephen W. Porgeshttps://www.amazon.com/Polyvagal-Theory-Neurophysiological-Communication-Self-Regulation/dp/0393707008 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

Many people go through their day always having to do something. Whether that’s getting involved in your kid’s activities, running errands, or working – you do things every day to ignite your fire. Even when you work out, you think the harder, faster, or heavier it is, the better. The question is, do you still have the time to breathe? It’s important to understand that as much as you’re igniting your fire within, you also have to find your breath. On today’s episode, Duane speaks with Michelle Hillier, speaker, recovery coach, and mind/body educator, about finding your breath and fire and balancing both as you come home to your authentic self.Michelle shares her story of alcoholism and recovery. Now sober for over a year, Michelle feels she has entered her authentic self again, after being lost for 25 years. Movement, yoga, and breathwork were essential parts of her recovery process, which she also teaches to other people through her speaking and workshops across organizations.In this episode, you will hear: Michelle’s story of recovery Hiding the need for support through alcohol Glamorizing booze amidst the pandemic How she found her authentic self Finding her middle way between breath and fire How to use movement, breathwork, and yoga to connect to your authentic self Key Quotes:[16:32] - “I thought ‘what would my life look like without alcohol? And then I would just not want to think about it and continue drinking.”[27:26] - "Breath and Fire was birthed out of my recovery."[29:03] - “Having either a pilot light or a blazing inferno, how do we find this optimal, controlled blaze? The birth of Breath and Fire is from recognizing in my day – when do I need breath and when do I need fire?”[31:09] - “When are you taking time, even just 10 minutes, to let your nervous system settle and find your breath?”[32:59] - “If you want to squat or do a stretch or whatever it is, move the energy through your body.”[34:15] - "Meditation is just being aware of our thoughts. Sitting in physical stillness and closing your eyes... connect to your breath, be aware of it."[40:56] - “There's lots of power in one breath. Never forget that.”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.comWebsite: https://www.breathandfire.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathandfire 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

Over the years, our society has normalized drinking. At almost every party or event, booze is a huge part of the celebration. No booze = no fun. But what if we could create a space where everyone can just have fun while still being their authentic self – minus the alcohol?On today’s episode, Duane speaks with Drew Davis, Founder of Gem Life + Bar. Drew tells her story of healing trauma, her resiliency, and her drive to move forward and create a space of wellness that gives people the opportunity to enjoy social spaces without alcohol. Over the last decade, Drew has battled the ugly side effects of autoimmune diseases. At the same time, she struggled with depression which led her to resort to drinking. After experiencing some life-threatening issues with some of her autoimmune diseases, Drew knew it was time for her to reevaluate the toxic things in her life and move towards a healthy and authentic space. Drew created Gem Bar, an inclusive alcohol-free space that allows people to indulge, experience, and connect with booze-free options, as well as achieve sustainable wellness and self-care. In this episode, you will hear: What it’s like to struggle with autoimmune diseases How to deal with trauma head-on An elevated living with an alcohol-free life What happens at the Gem Bar How to deal with the negative voices in your head Key Quotes:[09:41] - "There was a lot of healing I have to do in order to become a better human to myself and to everybody around me."[11:08] - "There was so much trauma stored in my body. And I knew that's what was causing me to be sick."[18:25] - “It's just a beautiful place to be when you have nothing to influence you but you're just your raw authentic self.”[19:34] - “Our society teaches us the opposite. There’s always so much shame and guilt about being who we are a lot of times and that causes trauma.”[20:52] - “Sometimes you feel like you're alone in your trauma or nobody understands. It's nice to connect with people who understand a certain level without judgment. [20:56] - “Giving is always healing, without expectations of receiving.”[22:43] - “It's just beautiful to watch the shift in the mindset of normalizing not drinking.”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.comWebsite: https://gemlifecollective.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemlifeandbar/​​ 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

Dealing with Codependency in the LGBTQ+ Community with Miriam GeigerThe LGBTQ community has long been underserved by the mental health care system as well as recovery supports, despite being an increasingly visible and sizable part of the general population. In part, this is due to the ongoing discrimination and prejudice that members of the LGBTQ community face on a daily basis. According to Marriage and Family therapist, Miriam Geiger, who is also part of the LGBTQ+ community, many LGBTQ people find themselves struggling with issues of codependency in their relationships due to the overlapping issues of trauma, marginalization, and lack of safe spaces to express themselves and their identity.If you want to learn more about Miriam and her work around codependency and relationships, check out https://theaddictedmind.com/198 and her website miriamgeiger.com.In this episode, you will hear: Codependency in the LGBTQ+ community Dealing with a sense of distorted self Why the LGBTQ+ people are the most empathetic people Other common issues that the LGBTQ+ community faces The challenges of being in such a small community Thinking about the developmental process and lifespan as an LGBTQ Finding your way to recovery Key Quotes:[10:01] - “The self wants to be accepted by the community.”[13:38] - “We need other people to love us… But the problem is that the drive is so strong, that when you layer on this other stuff, it gets a little convoluted."[20:25] - "The LGBTQ people are some of the most empathetic, sweetest, and loving. When you come out of hard things, it also creates all this tenderness and the ability to have empathy."[24:58] - “Just asking ‘what was your coming out’ like can be great. It's not all about sexuality or gender, necessarily, but it's not ‘not about it’ at the same time.”[27:07] - "Think about people in a developmental process almost, that it does affect every little part of the lifespan in its own unique way. It's very different to be an LGBTQ senior."[29:53] - "One thing I've learned is that people are all the same, and they're all incredibly different." [33:33] - "Find something that resonates and gives you some sense of hope, and also some sense of direction."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.comwww.MiriamGeiger.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