The Addicted Mind Podcast

Dive into the transformative ACEs study that uncovers how childhood trauma affects mental and physical health in adulthood. Discover the various types of adverse experiences like abuse and neglect, and their long-term implications. Gain insights on recognizing hidden trauma and the importance of addressing it rather than just managing symptoms. Explore practical healing steps, including therapy and community support, designed to foster recovery from the past. Join the conversation about the profound connections between childhood experiences and adult well-being.

Brad Sorte, co-founder of Sober Companion AI, shares his remarkable journey from battling addiction to harnessing the power of AI to transform recovery processes. With nearly two decades of experience under his belt, Brad provides insights into how AI is making addiction treatment more personal and accessible. By integrating compassionate care with advanced technology, AI is opening doors to treatment for more individuals and families, offering new hope and reshaping therapeutic interactions.Our conversation takes a closer look at AI's broader applications in family education and support services. With the rise of tools like ChatGPT, Brad envisions a world where conversational AI companions serve as 24-hour coaches for families, guiding them through challenges and helping manage boundaries and anxiety. These AI advancements strive to reconstruct family support structures, particularly in a post-COVID landscape, addressing the entire familial ecosystem to prevent generational issues and foster holistic healing.In this episode, you will hear:Exploration of AI's transformative role in addiction recovery, emphasizing personal and accessible treatmentInsights from Brad Sorte on integrating compassionate care with technology in mental health servicesAI's potential in democratizing family education and support, using conversational AI as 24-hour coachesEthical considerations and risks of forming dependencies on AI in mental health careUse of real-time data from mobile devices for early detection and intervention in addiction relapseFollow 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:SCAINovusMindfulLife.comhttps://www.theaddictedmind.com/community 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever wonder if your harshest critic is yourself? The hosts dive into how your inner critic distorts self-worth, especially during recovery from addiction and trauma. Learn powerful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to challenge negative thoughts like 'I'm a failure.' They discuss cognitive distortions and provide practical exercises to shift your mindset. This isn't about denying your feelings but finding balance and compassion in self-talk. Discover how to transform your inner dialogue and promote personal growth!

Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje’s story is one that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the hidden struggles of addiction. Imagine maintaining a successful career while secretly battling high-functioning alcoholism. Melissa opens up about her journey from denial to recovery, sharing the pivotal moments that led her to seek help. Her memoir, "Drunk Love: A Marriage Under the Influence," serves as a testament to the resilience required to overcome such a gripping hold on life. Her candid reflections offer a beacon of hope for those facing similar battles or supporting loved ones on their path to sobriety.Navigating a marriage entangled in the web of alcoholism presents its own set of challenges. Melissa and her husband share their experience of confronting the underlying issues masked by alcohol. Through therapy and recovery programs, they learned to rebuild their relationship, finding healthier ways to communicate and support each other. This episode explores themes of personal well-being, the importance of choosing the right therapeutic support, and the powerful transformation that sobriety can bring to personal and familial dynamics. Rediscovering one's identity and passions, such as Melissa's love for writing, are highlighted as key elements in the journey to recovery.In this episode, you will hear:Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje's battle with high-functioning alcoholism and the role of denial.The impact of alcoholism on Melissa's marriage and the journey to recovery and healing.Rediscovering personal identity and passions through sobriety, with a focus on Melissa's love for writing.The significance of choosing the right therapeutic support and the potential necessity of ending unhealthy relationships.Embracing radical honesty in recovery and the surprising support from colleagues.The transformative power of community and fellowship in overcoming addiction.Follow and Review:We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:Drunk Love: A Marriage under the InfluenceSobertown InterviewNovusMindfulLife.comhttps://www.theaddictedmind.com/community 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever feel overwhelmed by a swarm of negative thoughts? The hosts dive into Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) and their sneaky impact on our emotional health. They discuss how cognitive behavioral therapy can help break the cycle of negativity by transforming thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The concept of metacognition—thinking about your thoughts—is introduced as a way to regain control. Plus, listeners are invited to a fun challenge to document and label these pesky thoughts, empowering them on their journey toward mental resilience.

Melody Glenn, an addiction and emergency medicine physician with a flair for creative writing, joins Duane to share insights from her upcoming book, "Mother of Methadone: A Doctor's Quest, a Forgotten History, and a Modern Day Crisis." Together, they unpack the legacy of Dr. Marie Nyswander, a trailblazer in methadone maintenance who reshaped addiction treatment. Dr. Glenn offers a candid perspective on her own journey in addiction medicine, revealing the transformative power of medications like methadone and buprenorphine. Despite their proven effectiveness, these treatments are met with skepticism, reflecting the broader challenge of integrating addiction medicine into mainstream healthcare.Our discussion takes a deep dive into the multifaceted nature of addiction, beyond mere physical dependence. We explore how methadone and buprenorphine provide a lifeline for individuals, helping them reclaim stability and repair relationships. The conversation also challenges the stigma of addiction, advocating for harm reduction strategies that prioritize individual empowerment over punitive measures. By recognizing people as experts of their own lives, we highlight the inefficacy of traditional abstinence-only models and underscore the importance of supportive systems for recovery. Dr. Glenn's insights serve as a powerful reminder of the need for compassionate, informed approaches in tackling substance use disorders.In this episode, you will hear:Dr. Melody Glenn previews her book, "Mother of Methadone," on Dr. Marie Nyswander's methadone work.Examining methadone and buprenorphine's impact on opioid disorder despite skepticism and stigma.Advocating for harm reduction over abstinence-only models, focusing on patient empowerment.Recognition of addiction as a treatable condition to combat stigma.Trauma's role in addiction and the need for supportive recovery systems.Barriers in addiction medicine, pushing for compassionate healthcare integration.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:Article Dr. Melody Glennhttps://www.drmelodyglenn.com/NovusMindfulLife.comhttps://www.theaddictedmind.com/community 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discover the transformative power of the Johari Window, a fascinating tool for boosting self-awareness and enhancing relationships. The hosts delve into how understanding personal blind spots and hidden strengths can lead to more profound connections. They emphasize the role of recovery communities in fostering insight and encourage strategies to expand what we openly share about ourselves. This engaging discussion offers valuable tips for anyone on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Facing the relentless grip of meth addiction and the imminent threat of prison, Dr. Adi Jaffe's life seemed destined for darkness. Yet, from this adversity emerged a transformative story of resilience and redemption. Dr. Jaffe now stands as a guiding light for those grappling with addiction, demonstrating that recovery is a deeply personal journey. His candid reflections on childhood struggles with social anxiety and the turning points in his life illuminate the complex tapestry of experiences that fuel addiction. Through the Ignited Recovery program, Dr. Jaffe offers a beacon of hope, redefining success in recovery by focusing on fulfillment beyond mere abstinence.Traditional recovery methods, like the 12-step program, often fall short in addressing the psychological intricacies of addiction. As Dr. Jaffe recounts, facing personal crises, such as the stark reality of potential prison time, can catalyze profound change. By challenging the limitations of fear-based sobriety and exploring the depths of trauma and mental health disorders, he advocates for a recovery path that embraces psychological insights. His narrative encourages a departure from conventional sobriety narratives, emphasizing the need for a broader understanding of recovery that accommodates individual complexities.In this episode, you will hear:Dr. Adi Jaffe's transformative journey from meth addiction and potential prison time to earning a PhD in psychology.The deeply personal nature of addiction and the importance of individualized recovery paths.Challenges faced in traditional recovery programs and the limitations of fear-based sobriety.The pivotal moment of honesty with his father that marked the beginning of true accountability and change.Emphasis on recovery beyond mere abstinence, focusing on improved relationships and life satisfaction.The role of technology and platforms like Ignited in personalizing addiction recovery and making it more accessible.Follow and Review:We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:https://www.adijaffe.com/bioNovusMindfulLife.comhttps://www.theaddictedmind.com/community 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if everything you've been told about overcoming your struggles is backwards? What if the very act of fighting your anxiety, depression, addiction, or trauma is actually making it worse?In this powerful episode, Duane and Eric dive into one of the most revolutionary concepts in recovery and mental health: creative hopelessness. This isn't about giving up on your life or your future. It's about giving up on something that's been sabotaging you all along - the belief that you need to control how you feel to have a good life.If you've tried therapy after therapy, read every self-help book, downloaded every meditation app, and still find yourself stuck in the same painful cycles, this episode is for you. You'll discover why your best efforts to feel better might be keeping you trapped, and learn a radically different approach that could change everything.Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Duane and Eric explore the "DOTS" framework - the four main ways we try to control our internal experiences (Distraction, Opting out, Thinking, and Substances/self-harm). They'll walk you through the five steps of creative hopelessness and show you how to shift from an exhausting control agenda to a liberating acceptance agenda.This isn't about becoming passive or giving up hope. It's about redirecting your precious energy from fighting an unwinnable war with your own mind toward building the meaningful life you actually want. You'll learn why the goal isn't to feel better, but to live better - and how that shift can transform everything.Download: Worksheet Creative HopelessnessWhether you're struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, or trauma, this episode offers a compassionate, research-backed approach that honors your pain while opening the door to genuine freedom. It's time to stop drowning in your own rescue attempts and discover what's possible when you let go of the struggle.Key Topics• Creative Hopelessness Explained: What it means to give up the agenda of emotional control without giving up on life• The DOTS Framework: Four common control strategies (Distraction, Opting out, Thinking, Substances/self-harm)• The Five-Step Process: How to work through your own creative hopelessness journey• The Control vs. Acceptance Agenda: Why fighting your feelings often makes them stronger• Psychological Flexibility: Learning to stay present while taking values-based action• The Paradox of Recovery: Why letting go of control can lead to greater freedom• Practical Application: Moving from "feeling better" to "living better"Timestamps[00:01:00] - The drowning metaphor: Why fighting might be pulling you under[00:05:00] - Defining creative hopelessness and the agenda of emotional control[00:11:00] - Introduction to the DOTS framework for identifying control strategies[00:15:00] - The five steps of the creative hopelessness process[00:19:00] - The beautiful paradox: Opening the door to acceptance[00:22:00] - Shifting from "feeling better" to "living better"[00:24:00] - Resources and next steps for listenersDownload: Worksheet Creative HopelessnessJoin our Deep Dive in our TAM+ community, where we discuss this episode in depth.Register Here: https://theaddictedmind.com/deepdiveFollow 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:If you live in California, Idaho, Florida, Virginia or Texas and are looking for counseling or therapy, please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery CenterNovusMindfulLife.comDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Richard Taite, a leading figure in addiction treatment who has transformed his own life and countless others. Richard takes us through his 25-year battle with addiction, highlighting moments of despair like homelessness, and his eventual breakthrough with therapist Margie Fetting. His journey underscores the power of resilience and the pivotal role of personalized, honest treatment in achieving 22 years of sobriety.Richard also shares his passion for creating an inclusive treatment center that extends compassionate care to everyone, regardless of their financial standing. Driven by a sincere desire to help ordinary people, he reveals how his facility combines high-quality care with truthful communication, ensuring every client is treated with love and respect. This episode delves into the importance of building trust and a supportive environment, where individuals are empowered to work towards a fulfilling life free from addiction.In this episode, you will hear:Richard Taite's inspiring 25-year battle with addiction and his breakthrough to achieve 22 years of sobrietyThe pivotal role of personalized and honest treatment in addiction recoveryCreation of an inclusive and affordable treatment center for individuals from all walks of lifeImportance of the trans-theoretical model of behavior change in sustaining long-term sobrietyBuilding a life of equal or greater value than the one lost to addiction for lasting recoveryThe significance of therapy, resilience, and compassionate care in the journey to sobrietyFollow 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:Website: https://carraratreatment.com/ + https://www.cliffsidemalibu.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardtaite/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RichardTaiteOfficial NovusMindfulLife.comhttps://www.theaddictedmind.com/community 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.