The Addicted Mind Podcast

Ever felt like recovery is a mountain that's just too steep to climb? You're not alone. In this powerful episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, host Duane Osterlind tackles the most damaging myths that keep people trapped in cycles of addiction and shame. Drawing inspiration from Johan Hari's profound insight that "the opposite of addiction isn't just sobriety, it's connection," Duane explores how recovery isn't about perfect willpower or never making mistakes – it's about reconnecting with yourself, your values, and others who support your journey. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed by shame, or convinced you're "too broken" to heal, this episode offers a compassionate roadmap forward. Duane breaks down six harmful myths that create invisible barriers to recovery and provides practical strategies to move beyond them. You'll discover why slip-ups aren't total failures but opportunities for growth, why your addiction doesn't define your identity, and why the trust you think you've permanently lost can actually be rebuilt over time. Most importantly, you'll learn that healing isn't linear – it moves in waves, with highs and lows that are all part of the journey. Through challenging negative thinking patterns, reconnecting with your values, developing healthy coping strategies, and practicing self-compassion, you can rewrite your recovery story. The path isn't about perfection or living up to others' expectations; it's about choosing actions that align with your values each day, even in small steps. As Duane reminds us, recovery is possible for everyone. Your story is still being written, and it has the potential to unfold in ways you can't yet imagine. This episode includes a downloadable worksheet to help you identify and rewrite the myths holding you back on your journey to healing and connection. Download: THE BEYOND WILLPOWER WORKSHEET Join our Deep Dive in the TAM+ Community. Click Here to Join TAM + Community.  Get the support you need. Support TAM+ Subscribe and Review: 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: If you live in California, Idaho, Vermont, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center. ⁠⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠⁠ We want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: ⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Disclaimer⁠ 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.

After enduring the chaos of addiction and the devastation of personal loss, Dr. Devin Effinger emerged with a new perspective and a mission to explore the healing potential of neuroscience. At just 15, a traumatic brain injury set the stage for a tumultuous journey through substance abuse, but also inspired a relentless pursuit of recovery and scientific discovery. Join us as Devin courageously shares his story, from the darkest moments marked by addiction and tragedy to the pivotal breakthroughs that spurred his remarkable transformation. We venture into the intricate world of addiction, examining the neurological pathways that reinforce such destructive habits and the powerful influence of early trauma on our mental health. Devin unpacks the complex interplay of trauma, addiction, and the brain, offering insight into how substances can hijack our reward systems and why recovery is such a daunting endeavor. With raw honesty, he recounts his own battles with addiction, including the tragic consequences that forced him to confront the need for change. In this episode, you will hear: Dr. Devin Effinger's transformative journey from addiction and trauma to recovery and scientific exploration. Insights into the neurological pathways that contribute to addiction and the role of early trauma. Exploration of the promising potential of psychedelic medicine in promoting neuroplasticity and aiding recovery. The complex interplay between trauma, addiction, and the brain's reward systems. The challenges and breakthroughs in embracing a 12-step recovery process. Devin's advocacy for restorative justice and trauma-informed care in addiction treatment. 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.com Episode Credits If 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 this enlightening episode of "The Addicted Mind," hosts Duane Osterlind and Eric Osterlind dive into the fascinating world of the four archetypes of happiness based on the work of Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar. These archetypes offer a roadmap for understanding happiness and its pivotal role in addiction recovery. The discussion spans the spectrum from the "Rat Racer," who postpones present joy for future gains, to the "Hedonist," who seeks immediate gratification without pondering future consequences. The hosts also examine the "Nihilist," who doubts the very possibility of happiness, and ultimately, the "Happy Camper," who balances immediate pleasure with long-term goals—the ideal state for sustainable recovery. This episode not only decodes these archetypes but also provides insights into how adopting the Happy Camper mindset can enhance one's recovery journey and overall life satisfaction. Download: THE FOUR ARCHETYPES OF HAPPINESS WORKSHEET Join our Deep Dive in the TAM+ Community. Click Here to Join TAM + Community.  Get the support you need. Key Points The concept and impact of the four happiness archetypes in recovery. The pitfalls of living as a Rat Racer or a Hedonist in the context of addiction. Understanding the detrimental outlook of the Nihilist and strategies to overcome it. The benefits of embodying the Happy Camper for balanced, long-term happiness. Discussion on the importance of community in supporting recovery and mental health. Support TAM+ Subscribe and Review: 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: If you live in California, Idaho, Vermont, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center. ⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠ We want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: ⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind⁠ ⁠Disclaimer 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.

Growing up, Sam Thomas faced the harsh realities of bullying, leading him to battle bulimia in his teenage years. This challenge was only the beginning of a tumultuous journey through addiction and recovery, marked by a critical diagnosis of complex PTSD. As we sit down with Sam, the writer, speaker, and campaigner from Brighton, UK, he opens up about the intricate dance between dual diagnosis and addiction transference, shedding light on how unaddressed trauma can fuel dependency and how confronting it can become a powerful catalyst for change.Together, we navigate the maze of Sam's early struggles, from seeking help at just 18 years old amid a landscape of limited resources and misunderstanding, to eventually confronting alcoholism in his twenties. Sam's story is a profound reminder of the resilience required to overcome challenges when support systems are lacking or misunderstood. Through volunteering and writing, Sam found purpose and community, illustrating how connection can foster healing and build self-esteem, especially for men facing eating disorders—a topic that remains under-discussed.In this episode, you will hear: Sam Thomas's journey from battling bulimia as a teen to overcoming alcohol addiction in his twenties. The role of unaddressed trauma and dual diagnosis in addiction transference. Early struggles with bulimia and depression amidst limited support systems and societal misunderstandings of male eating disorders. Transition from eating disorders to alcoholism as a coping mechanism following significant life events. The challenges and realizations of acknowledging alcohol dependency and the path to recovery. Healing through unique passions, such as caring for exotic pets, as a metaphor for confronting fears and trauma. 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.

Beyond Survival Mode: Living Your Values Through Recovery's Toughest ChallengesWhen life gets turned upside down in recovery, what keeps you moving forward? In this powerful episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane Oline and Eric Osterlind explore how reconnecting with your values can be the anchor you need when emotional pain threatens to pull you under.We've all been there – stuck in survival mode, consumed by shame, fear, or anger after a setback in recovery. The hardest part? Feeling disconnected from yourself, like you're just going through the motions of someone else's life. This episode dives into what value-based living really means and why it matters so much on your healing journey.Drawing from the work of Dr. Steven Hayes (founder of ACT Therapy) and Brené Brown, Duane and Eric offer practical wisdom on how values serve as your "North Star" during life's storms. Unlike goals that can be checked off, values are ongoing qualities that give your life meaning and direction.The hosts emphasize that valued living isn't about perfection – it's about direction, not destination. Even small steps toward what matters count as success. They also remind listeners that values can evolve over time, especially during challenging experiences that clarify what truly matters.This episode includes a step-by-step walkthrough of a worksheet designed to help you reconnect with your values when you're struggling. From identifying challenges to taking small, intentional actions that realign you with what matters most, Duane and Eric provide a practical roadmap for living authentically even when it's hard.Download The WorksheetWhether you're facing a relapse, dealing with intense emotions, or simply trying to hold your life together, this conversation offers compassionate guidance on using your values as a compass to find your way forward again.Click Here to Join the TAM + Community. Get the support you need.Key Topics What value-based living means and why it matters in recovery How emotional pain can disconnect us from our values The difference between values and feelings in guiding our actions How values serve as your "North Star" during challenging times A practical worksheet for reconnecting with your values when struggling Small, intentional actions that can realign you with your values How community support can help you live according to your values Timestamps[00:01:48] Introduction to the importance of values in recovery[00:03:24] How emotional pain disconnects us fromrom our values[00:05:02] Values as ongoing qualities that give life meaning[00:07:08] The question: "What kind of person do I want to be in pain?"[00:08:37] The difference between values and feelings[00:11:51] Step-by-step walkthrough of the values worksheet[00:15:32] How values become your guide when the path is unclearSupport TAM+ Subscribe and Review: 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:If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy, please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center.NovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimer 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.

Raised with dreams of becoming a missionary, Dean Patrick's journey took an unexpected detour following a fateful encounter with cocaine in high school. This pivotal moment diverted him from a path of faith toward one of ambition and excess, eventually leading to Stanford and the cutthroat world of cryptocurrency. On this episode, Dean shares his battle with substance abuse and the profound lessons he learned through the chaos of addiction and the healing power of Zen meditation.Dean's story is a raw exploration of the intoxicating pursuit of wealth and the harsh realities it veils. Influenced by his brother's secular views, Dean shifted from his Christian upbringing to atheism, which set the stage for his descent into stimulant use as a means to boost academic performance. The allure of fast money and status through cryptocurrency seemed promising until the 2018 crash thrust him into despair. Through candid reflections, Dean reveals how embracing pain instead of fleeing from it became his gateway to recovery, and how quieting the mind through meditation reshaped his understanding of success.In this episode, you will hear: Dean Patrick's transformation from a Christian upbringing to atheism and later embracing Zen meditation. His battle with addiction starting from a high school encounter with cocaine and escalating during his time at Stanford. The rise and fall of his cryptocurrency hedge fund, culminating in the 2018 market crash. The importance of embracing pain for personal healing and growth. Reflections on the value of community and connection over wealth and status. 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 this episode of The Addicted Mind, Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the powerful concept of the inner child. They explore how past traumas influence our present reactions and behaviors. Understanding and healing your inner child can lead to profound personal growth and recovery. Learn about the history of the inner child concept, its impact on addiction and recovery. Start your practical steps to your healing journey. Join us as we provide compassionate insights and actionable advice to help you nurture your vulnerable inner child and create a healthier, more balanced life.Download: THE INNER CHILD WORKSHEETClick Here to Join the TAM + Community. Get the support you need.Key Topics What is the inner child and its historical background How past traumas influence current behaviors The connection between inner child work and addiction recovery Practical steps to heal your inner child The importance of community and professional support in healing Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction to the topic of the inner child [00:01:06] - Overview of the inner child concept and its importance [00:03:32] - Signs of a wounded inner child [00:04:45] - Historical background: Carl Jung and John Bradshaw [00:06:21] - The impact of a wounded inner child on adult life [00:09:55] - How inner child work aids in addiction recovery [00:13:15] - Practical steps and resources for inner child healing Support TAM+ Subscribe and Review: 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:If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy, please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center.NovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimer 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.

Ever felt like you're stuck in a downward spiral of negative thoughts and emotions? Well, you're not alone. Join us as we converse with the spectacular Alex Korb, eminent neuroscientist and author of 'The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time.' Our exchange pivots around his life-changing journey from probing the depths of neuroscience to uncovering the profound understanding of depression.You're in for a treat as Alex reveals the intricate workings of our brains, drawing an engaging comparison between tuning our minds to adjusting the volume on a speaker. Debunking the conventional belief in a one-size-fits-all treatment, Alex emphasizes the necessity of a personalized approach to mental health. Be ready to reframe your understanding of mental health as we traverse this enlightening conversation.Wrapping up our talk, Alex underlines the empowering nature of comprehending the human brain and the sheer potential of minor modifications leading to massive changes in our lives. This absorbing conversation is sure to offer a fresh perspective on mental health and equip you with practical ways to navigate it. In this episode, you will hear: Personalized approach to mental health as opposed to a one-size-fits-all treatment The role of minor changes in transforming our lives and creating an upward spiral of positivity His journey from being a neuroscience student to understanding depression at a deeper level The importance of physical activity in enhancing neuroplasticity and the sensitivity of brain circuits Understanding the brain's function to empower oneself and instigate positive change Exploration of how small positive changes can lead to a powerful upward spiral in our lives The complexities of depression, and the importance of recognizing it as a biological, not moral, failing Neuroscience as a tool to better understand and manage depression The interaction between depression and addiction, and how understanding the brain can aid in managing both. 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 Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Timehttps://www.amazon.com/Upward-Spiral-Neuroscience-Reverse-Depression/dp/1626251207NovusMindfulLife.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.

Imagine this: You're about to play the biggest game of your life when someone offers to just put the final score on the board—you win! No sweat, no struggle, no game. Would you take that deal?In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore why most of us would actually turn down this seemingly perfect offer. They introduce the powerful "Scoreboard Metaphor" from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that helps separate goals from values in addiction recovery.Many people in recovery focus solely on hitting milestones—30 days sober, 90 days sober—only to feel empty when they reach them or completely defeated if they relapse. This episode flips that thinking on its head by showing that while goals (the score) matter, how you play the game (your values) matters far more.The hosts break down why people often relapse after reaching milestones. When we chase outcomes without connecting to the values behind them, we create an emptiness that no achievement can fill. The scoreboard might say "win," but without the journey—the struggle, the growth, the connection—it feels hollow.Through practical examples and personal insights, Duane and Eric show how this mindset shift transforms recovery. If you're living each day with honesty, courage, and connection, each day is a success—regardless of whether you've hit your sobriety goal yet. And if you do relapse, you haven't lost everything. The values-based actions you took still matter, and the game isn't over.Download The WorksheetThe episode concludes with five simple steps to apply this metaphor to your own recovery journey, helping you identify your true values, clarify meaningful goals, and build resilience when facing setbacks. The hosts also invite listeners to download a free worksheet and join their supportive community where these concepts can be explored further.Whether you've felt lost chasing empty goals or you've hit recovery milestones but still feel unfulfilled, this episode offers a refreshing perspective that could change how you view your recovery journey—and maybe even your life.Join our TAM+ CommunityFeeling stuck in your recovery and wondering what’s next? Ready to take the next step toward becoming your best self? Join the TAM+ community, where we dive deep into practical tools and worksheets designed to guide you toward the life you want. With evidence-based strategies and actionable steps, we’re here to help you unlock your potential and achieve your goals. theaddictedmind.com/communitySupport TAM+ Subscribe and Review: 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:If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy, please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center.NovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimer 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.

On this episode of the Addicted Mind podcast, our guest is Tom Horvath, founder of Practical Recovery and co-founder of Smart Recovery. Smart Recovery is a non-12-step approach to addictive behavior problems that provides an alternative to programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. While both methods provide new communities and relationships to build on as well as specific examples of individuals who are models of success, AA is based on the idea that you must give yourself up to a higher power because “you are powerless” and must rely on your sponsor and meetings in order to recover.12-step programs can be helpful to some, but they can be ineffective for others, so the demand for alternative programs is continuing to increase. Smart Recovery integrates any methods that have been supported by scientific evidence, are self-empowering and are applicable in a mutual help group, including CBT, DBT, and ACT. They recognize that there are multiple pathways to recovery and that great results occur in a community.Smart Recovery takes a self-empowering approach to recovery, relying on the individual to set their own limits and establishing a 4-point program for people to work through: Maintaining motivation Coping with craving Identifying and resolving other problems Achieving a greater lifestyle balance Smart Recovery emphasizes “ideal” recovery, rather than “real” recovery as is expected in 12-step programs. Ideal recovery may not be complete abstinence, but rather staying within the limits that each person sets (and potentially changes along the way) for themselves, which is the point of the accountability of attending meetings.Tom encourages those struggling with addictive behaviors or searching for a recovery group to be persistent in finding what works for you. Most people are able to resolve their problems with treatment, so just don’t give up.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-addicted-mind-podcast/donationsEpisode CreditsFollow and Review: 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 If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery CenterNovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimer 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.