The Addicted Mind Podcast

When we’ve had trauma in our life, we can get really disconnected from our emotions. We don’t know how to express them or how to use them. Often, we turn to the only thing that we think will work: a substance or behavior that helps us escape or avoid those emotions.However, what if we tried something different? Journaling has grown in popularity over the past few years. People have found its power as a method of getting their emotions down onto a page and helping them see their lives a little differently. Today’s guest used journaling in this exact way to help her recover from addiction. Harriet Hunter is the author of the daily devotional book Miracles of Recovery. Today, Harriet is sharing her compelling story of moving out of addiction, experiencing incredible loss, and continuing to move forward despite it all. Join our conversation to hear more. In this episode, you will hear: Harriet’s hardships in childhood that led to her addiction. When and how she began recovery and got sober. Her tumultuous relationship with her daughter. How writing helped her get and stay sober. How she has taken her grief and used it to help others. How journaling can help anybody change their perspective. Key Quotes:[4:56] - “Marijuana was my love of choice, though… it just did for me what I could not do for myself. And that is absolutely take me away.”[8:20] - “I was a high-functioning drunk. I could entertain 40 people, keep smiling, but I never could remember the next day who was there or what happened.”[10:26] - “I got sober in 1999 and I never looked back because I did all my relapsing in that 30-year run.” [18:12] - “I learned now, if I hadn’t learned which I had with my husband, that I am powerless. But you know, God was with me every day. And AA saved my life.”[26:30] - “We have found out collectively that something happens to the brain. It sees it and hears it in a much more intentional, focused way than just talking. I found out that when I write, I can't get away from myself. I have to slow my brain down.”[31:32] - “One of the ways I ask women to write their gratitudes is not to just put a word at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, happy, sad, whatever. No, no, you have to be able to see what it is you feel. If you don't see it, then it's not real.”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.comJournaling with a PurposeMiracles of Recovery: Daily Meditations of Hope, Courage, and FaithEpisode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com9zXov7o76D1d1WeRh9p0Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-addicted-mind-podcast/donations 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.

Hiding--many addicts do it. It’s what keeps them locked in prisons of guilt and shame. It’s how they convince even themselves that they don’t have a problem. It’s the very thing that prevents them from getting the help that they so desperately need.Today’s guest, Wanja Joy, has experience with hiding. She hid her alcohol addiction from everyone in her life. Even after she reached out for help and started seeing a therapist, she hid her struggle with alcohol from him.However, today she is the host of Wanja on Air: Actions in Recovery. On her podcast, she shares her story of struggling with alcohol and how she used it to cover up. She tells how she eventually overcame her guilt, shame, and perfectionism and reached out for help. Wanja changed her life and now brings that change to others. Wanja is just a genuine spirit who wants to bring joy to other people, so tune in to hear our incredible conversation about her story of recovery.In this episode, you will hear: All about Wanja’s childhood and how perfectionism began brewing in her at a very young age. How addiction can start in our minds. When and how Wanja first began to realize she has an issue with alcohol. Her struggle with hiding her addiction. When she first started being honest and asked for help. The intense drive that pushed her forward her entire life. The tools she learned in rehab that helped her begin to abstain from alcohol. When she decided to share her story with others. What her podcast and coaching are all about. Key Quotes:[04:05] - “My mom is a teacher and I'm her daughter, and we weren't given an option to do things like reading. It was not an option to have good grades. Those things were not optional. So when I ended up in the height of my disease, I realized that I was actually brewing perfectionism from a very young age.”[05:33] - “Way before I picked up a substance, I did have a disease of perception... it was all made in my mind and it started really young.”[08:29] - “And in my mind, when growing up and everything else in between, I just thought alcohol is a liquid and you could have it or leave it. But at some point, for me, I was obsessive about it. And I knew that wasn’t normal. So my choice was, at the time with this mind of mine that plants a seed and blows it up, I'm just going to hide it.”[13:01] - “I was in such denial that I actually believed my own lies.”[19:24] - “But somehow I had this mind that was made up that I needed to do certain things at certain times. And I felt like I was being delayed because now I'm setting my degree later than I wanted to and so I have to catch up.”[30:17] - “I was really vigilant about feeding my alcoholism. So now I started feeding my recovery at the same rate. It started being beautiful but it wasn’t at the beginning.”[36:25] - “So many times I think so many of us can get lost that we don't realize we're like everybody else. We all have these fears and insecurities and shame and sometimes trauma. And if we share our story, I think it helps so many more people and to mitigate that suffering.”[42:15] - “We can get addicted to stress without even knowing, to a core belief without even knowing.”Supporting Resources:NovusMindfulLife.comWanja on AiR (Actions in Recovery) podcastBook a free call with WanjaEpisode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 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.

Addiction is often the result of pain in our early years of life. Whether it’s passed down through genetics or an attempt to escape the pain, many addicts can point to a hard childhood as the source of their addiction. This is why it’s so important to recognize our family patterns and root out the disease of addiction while we still can. Today’s guest, Kate Russell, grew up in just such an unhealthy environment. She was physically abused as a child and was raised by an alcoholic mother. However, she now holds amazing compassion as a result of having worked through her trauma and eventual addiction.Kate is now the author of Down The Rabbit Hole, a memoir of abuse, addiction, and recovery. Getting to read her book, hear her story, and then talk to her on the other side of it all was amazing. Kate inspired me and I think she will do the same for all of you. Tune in to hear all about her book and how she not only endured but grew through her difficult life experiences.In this episode, you will hear: The “God voice” that helped Kate get through the abuse she endured in her childhood. The way abuse got so deeply embedded into her that she began to abuse her sister. When she first began to see the parallel between her, her mom, and addiction. Where the term “rabbit hole” in the title of her book came from. How she became addicted to marijuana and alcohol. The hole that’s left in our hearts when we heal from an addiction. Kate’s journey towards sobriety. How recovery looks different than she expected. How she has developed such compassion for herself and her parents. Why it’s so important to feel all of your feelings and let yourself cry sometimes. Key Quotes:[04:38] - “That’s really what the book ended up being about, for me, was the mind... it’s just how our minds work. Not just addicts, but just how the mind works.” [16:17] - “So ‘Down a Rabbit Hole’ refers to falling down into triggered thinking. So triggered thinking is when we revert back into a helpless childhood, that helplessness we felt in our childhood.”[20:28] - “The drugs... aren’t very successful at covering up that that deeper level of pain or loneliness or depression or whatever it is. And then you start to realize, ‘Oh, wait, this isn't quite working anymore.’”[23:06] - “I was always reaching out for help but wasn’t always met with the results I would have hoped.”[26:25] - “That’s what I think recovery is. It’s just like slowly unpeeling the onion.”[28:19] “When I got sober, there's a pink cloud, if you will call it… life is… different, but everything’s the same. I had the same job, same apartment, same car, but I was sober… everything was new and different.”[30:01] - “The addictive mind is fear: a fear to change. It's fear. You are set in your ways.”[32:28] - “It's always when you get to the other side, you always look back and go, ‘It wasn't that bad.’ Or, ‘You know what, it was hard at times. It was. But I got through it. And if I can get through it, so can you.’” Supporting Resources:NovusMindfulLife.comKateRussellAuthor.comDown the Rabbit HoleEpisode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 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.

When we go through extreme pain, it’s easy to feel like we’re all alone. We doubt that anybody has felt the level of pain that we are currently experiencing. Life begins to feel hopeless and we start believing that there is just no reason to carry on.However, there is always some good ahead. Think of the countless stories of those who have survived unimaginable circumstances and lived to tell about it. If we will just do what we can at the moment, taking as few steps as we can muster, and keep our eyes locked on the amazing things to come, we, too, can endure any trial. Today I am speaking with Steve Melen, the author of Killing Graces. Steve carries a resiliency and a hope for getting through the hard stuff in life that is inspiring. During our conversation, we discuss his journey through stomach cancer, addiction, and survival. Steve is an amazing example of someone who has gone through extreme struggle and pain and made it out to the other side. His story is both riveting and hopeful, so tune in to hear it all for yourself.In this episode, you will hear: The story of how Steve found out he had stomach cancer and how he endured all of his treatments. How he got addicted to opiates. When he first realized he had a real problem with opiate addiction. How he began to get off of the pain meds. How being a father gave him the strength to push through withdrawal. His attempts at getting back to a sense of normalcy. The emotional pain he was holding inside and how he worked through it. The patterns of numbing he fell into. How therapy helped him finally heal. Where the idea for Killer Graces came from. How he came up with that title for his book. Key Quotes:[09:16] - “Everyone... thought the worst was going to happen and so they weren’t going to stop me from numbing my pain.”[13:21] - “So, I left the hospital and said, ‘Now I'm just going to… fight this. I'm going to go through this battle of detox and I'm going to take it on. And I did and I didn't realize how hard it was. It was the hardest thing I've ever done.’”[16:55] - “If I didn't have her I don't know where I would have gone. I would have probably found some other purpose. But at that point… that’s what I had. I needed… not… to have her be 15, 14 years old like she is now and be like, ‘Oh, I don't really remember,’ or just look at pictures of me. I did not want that to be the case.”[17:23] “When you're in all of that pain, just focus on that: this is where I am going, this is what I am doing, this is how I'm going to go.”[17:35] “The focus has to go off of yourself.”[30:07] “I hope no one goes through this. But we all have family, children, parents, relatives going through these things. And it's going to be hard. Something's going to be hard for you at some point.”[32:51] “You just said, ‘I'll just do the next step. I'll just do the next thing in front of me. I'll just keep doing it, one little thing at a time.’ And really, that's all you need to do and you'll get there.”[35:49] “Have faith in yourself that you can do more than you think you can… face it and do what is suggested and what you feel is right... Try to make progress, as little as the progress can be.Supporting Resources:Steve’s website: https://stevemelen.com/Killer Graces: https://www.amazon.com/Killer-Graces-power-breakthrough-living/dp/1735165719/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=killer+graces&qid=1614194588&sr=8-1NovusMindfulLife.comEpisode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 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 seen or heard of people who would come in for addiction treatment over and over again – like they almost always come in for the same problem with the same sense of empowerment? You could throw as many drugs at them or do all kinds of physical interventions but nothing changes. If you're just living in your physical body, doctors can help you just fine. But if you're living in your physical body and your spiritual body is in need of healing, then they would have a hard time doing that. Western medicine tries to generalize in this physics-based realm, which is very important. But there’s also this spiritual realm addressed mainly by alternative medicine.In this episode, Duane speaks with Mona Balogh and she’s going to talk about her book, “How to Stay Out of My Emergency Room: Master Your Health and Find Joy in Your Life by Balancing the Power of Your Mind, Your Body, and Your Higher Self.”Today, Mona talks about her discoveries as an ER doctor and working with people who were continually coming into the ER. And she was left wondering why they kept coming back. Nothing was changing. Until one day, she stumbled into an addiction treatment conference that shifted everything for her. She began looking through her clients and realized that the bigger issue was not just the behavior, but it was something spiritual – an emptiness in their soul that needed to be filled. In this episode, you will hear: How her spiritual awareness journey began Who are the frequent flyers? How the addiction medicine conference became her turning point How energy medicine is applied to addiction treatment The power of someone who compassionately sees you The difference between Western medicine and alternative medicine Dealing with the pressure of doing alternative medicine being an allopathic doctor The 2 separate, but related paths mentioned in her book that can be achieved through meditation Key Quotes:[06:15] - “Drug addicts and alcoholics have an emptiness in their soul and that emptiness needed to be filled with something.”[07:03] - “Frequent flyers are people who would come in over and over again, almost always for the same problem with the same sense of empowerment.” [08:35] - "It's this huge gorilla in the room that's completely being ignored. I'm rolling my eyes, they're rolling their eyes back at me. And nothing's changing."[10:54] - “Whether you’re the addict or you're the treater of the addiction, or just the loved one or caregiver – it's enormous work because you're dealing with an enormous gorilla.”[14:22] - "The 12-step program is all about having others listen and hear you, but not getting away with anything that they don't already know."[15:20] - “Western medicine tries to generalize in this physics-based realm, which is very important... but then, there's a special realm, which is what the alternative medicine addresses."[16:20] - "One of the things that nontraditional medicine has opened my eyes up to is the richness and the beauty of the special treatments."[21:32] - "There's something far greater, far better than our physical self."[25:06] - "To get to the point where you're always striving towards your higher self, your Yang self, you need to know how to meditate and how to behave within that meditation.”Supporting Resources:“How to Stay Out of My Emergency Room: Master Your Health and Find Joy in Your Life by Balancing the Power of Your Mind, Your Body, and Your Higher Self”www.MonaBalogh.comEpisode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 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.

Children who grow up in an addictive home internalize a lot of toxic shame where they lose the ability to believe in their own worth and value. For some people, it has never been instilled in them, to begin with. But there is an emotional connection between the addict and their family. Regardless of how old you are – if you were raised with addiction, you deserve to be acknowledged.On today’s episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, Duane talks to Dr. Claudia Black, a world-renowned expert on addiction and codependency. Claudia has been working in the field of addictive disorders for over 40 years. She recently released the third edition of her book, “It Will Never Happen to Me: Growing Up with Addiction as Youngsters, Adolescents, and Adults.”Growing up with substance use disorders, there was really a lot of fear that permeated her life – the fear that also permeates the lives of so many people growing up in an addictive home. Claudia believes that nobody deserves to live with fear and shame. Children don't deserve that. Partners don't deserve that. And certainly, the addicted person doesn't deserve that. And it's that belief that has driven Claudia to her 40-year-plus career, and eventually, writing the book, which now has over 2 million copies in print. Challenging the status quo in the late 70’s, Claudia’s work has been a fundamental part of recovery treatment and it has laid a big foundation in the recovery community today. Her work has given a voice and validation to this suffering that people didn't even know how to name back then. In fact, her work around family roles and rules had a huge impact on Duane's recovery and growth. In this episode, you will hear: Growing up in toxic shame, fear, and sadness How the book came to be The emotional connection between the addict and their family The systematic approach to treatment How Claudia’s work challenged the status quo back then Acknowledging the children of addiction Recognizing the different family roles and how to address them How to walk through pain  The two big resistances to recovery and the value of self-help groups Key Quotes:[03:20] - “As children, we internalize a lot of toxic shame... we lose the ability to believe in our own worth and value.”[06:47] - “If you were raised with addiction, I don't care how old you were, you deserve to be acknowledged.”[09:22] - “In the treatment, we're not working with just the person who comes for treatment – but truly, the family is the client.”[14:17] - "The addiction in the family would be ignored by everybody else if they could ignore it." [15:36] - "The issues are ageless... we may understand more about it, we may be more sophisticated in our treatment, but the experience for the person really doesn't change."[20:05] - “That's what recovery is about for a teenager or an adult child – is what you didn't learn, as well as challenging the beliefs along the way.”[25:12] - "For some people, things are more blatant than for others, but it is so chronic."[30:31] - “A lot of people get in trouble as they try and do the skill work without looking at the emotional work or looking at the belief that's associated.”Supporting Resources:It Will Never Happen to Me: Growing Up with Addiction as Youngsters, Adolescents, and AdultsEpisode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 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.

A lot of times, parents out there have kids struggling with addiction and they don’t know what to do or how to notice it. Unfortunately, adolescent addiction is oftentimes written off by a lot of parents because they think what they see as some crazy teenage behavior is just a normal developmental issue – but that may not be the case. Let’s add the fact that kids hardly tell their parents about their substance abuse for fear of being judged. And this becomes a huge motivator for them to shut down. How do we bridge this gap then?On today’s episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, Duane talks with Richard Capriola, substance abuse counselor and author of the book The Addicted Child: A Parent's Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse. Whether you’re a parent with an adolescent kid struggling with substance or alcohol abuse, or you know someone whose kid is struggling from substance or alcohol abuse, or you suspect your kid is struggling with this issue because you’re noticing some changes in their appearance, behavior, attitude – adolescent addiction isn’t something you should be taking lightly. While addiction affects the child, it also affects the entire family system. And this is why the family has to be there throughout this whole process as well. They all should work together as a team to ensure a better outcome.In this episode, you will hear: The Addicted Child as a roadmap for parents and children struggling with substance abuse Two differences between adult addiction and adolescent addiction Treatment for substance abuse among adolescents How the family is involved in the treatment Common reactions from parents The importance of looking at the warning signs How to lessen the possibility of addiction in your children Key Quotes:[02:58] - “A lot of parents were surprised at the extent of their child's use of substances.”[05:43] - “For a 14, 15, 16-year-old adolescent, their brain is still in the process of developing so putting alcohol or drugs into a developing brain runs at much higher risk of more serious consequences.”[08:19] - “The motivation factor many times is to identify and then address the underlying issue that is really driving the child to use the alcohol or the marijuana.”[09:04] - “Once you can move the discussion away from focusing on alcohol and drug abuse, then you've opened the door for them talking about what's really troubling them.”[11:58] - “The addiction affects the child, but it also has effects on the entire family system as well.”[16:06] - “A lot of parents misinterpret the signals they're seeing… they tend to write it off as just being some type of developmental issue.”[26:50] - “Look beyond just the alcohol and drug use. There might be an underlying issue that needs to be treated as well.”[28:05] - “A large part of treatment involves not only addressing the alcohol and the drug use but teaching kids these coping skills.”Supporting Resources:www.helptheaddictedchild.com The Addicted Child: A Parent's Guide to Adolescent Substance Abusehttps://www.amazon.com/Addicted-Child-Parents-Adolescent-Substance/dp/1098327233Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 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.

Substance abuse disorder is something that people don't always discuss, and what you don't know, is where you can go awry. On today’s episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, Duane talks to Cathy Ferree, the CEO of the Indiana State Museum, about their exhibit called FIX: Heartbreak and Hope Inside Our Opioid Crisis. It's an amazing exhibit that really delves into the opioid crisis from a human perspective. It’s a story that creates compassion and understanding all at the same time. Cathy wants to change the narrative about opioid addiction, mental health in general, and to really take away that stigma. Having been raised to be very cognizant of people and their feelings, and how much people try to live behind things rather than in front of them, Cathy took charge in finding a role that a museum could play in helping with this crisis. Museums are a place where people trust to give you information and put things in context for you. And it's great to be able to put this into a museum and have an exhibit that really talks about it in a reliable way. There are two things that really stand out to me here – the interactive part, which is the knowledge part, and also the extreme compassion for someone who is struggling with addiction because it can be very hard for people who have not struggled with addiction to really understand it. Hopefully, this helps shift the community outlook on addiction to one of recovery, one of hope, and to a possibility of change.In this episode, you will hear: How the exhibit came to be and why Why they partnered with the recovery community Some hurdles they had to overcome 3 things they want visitors to walk away with The goal to have multiple entry points for a better understanding How they were able to put all the creativity together Key Quotes:[05:33] - “People trust museums. We give you information, we ask you to ask questions, we put things in context for you.”[05:55] - “Substance abuse disorder is something that people don't always discuss. And what we know is what you don't know, is where you can go awry.”[13:00] - “It's not a linear experience, you could start with the science, and understand that this is a disease.”[16:25] - "Opioid has an ability to take hold of your brain in a way no other drug does." [17:10] - "We want people to really better understand so they can then be more compassionate and have an opportunity to really contribute to the benefit of someone they know that may be suffering or in a difficult situation, rather than making it worse."[20:33] - "This is a disease that people are struggling with, and you can help them. This is a disease that you could be struggling with. And we hope this helps you."[25:06] "At the end of the day, people will help one another. So please look for help, because there is always help somewhere."Supporting Resources:FIX: Heartbreak and Hope Inside Our Opioid Crisishttps://www.indianamuseum.org/experiences/fix-heartbreak-hope/Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4i-vJoQHhkVideo 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2BNsHrvGGQVideo 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXK-u2TOGj8Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 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.

Opium has been around but what many people don't realize is how much it has shaped society and culture. The United States has spent over $1 trillion on drug enforcement since President Nixon declared a war on drugs. And by any measure, that crisis has become worse. Could we ever imagine a time where humanity is finally free of these substances? On today's episode, Duane talks with John Halpern and David Blistein, co-authors of the book, Opium: How an Ancient Flower Shaped and Poisoned Our World, where they talk about the history of opium and the reasons they wrote this book. It’s a call for compassion and care for people who are struggling with addiction.Unfortunately, our current system is not providing proper treatment. Worse, we punish people for not accepting treatment or seeking it out in the United States. The person who gets blamed is the one who's suffering. Whatever people need to do politically or as a society about these issues of drug abuse should not be legislated onto the backs of our patients' suffering and pain. And yet, that's still is happening.The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration admits that over 90% of people in the United States who would like to get serviced have no ability to get treatment. There’s a confusing message we’re sending out to people that there’s no safe way to use it. We're not talking about what these drugs do. We're not accepting how they are medicines and that they have these horrible side effects, and extreme versions of those side effects when we see somebody addicted. Instead, we punish them as if they had a full volitional choice when it’s causing changes to their brain over time. At the end of the day, we need to welcome people with substance abuse issues for being the human beings that they are and with the problems they have because we all have problems. And we need to treat them with respect and love and understanding and learn from them.In this episode, you will hear: When the use of opium began What does the term chasing the dragon mean  The potential of peptides to replace opiates The current justice system as it relates to drug courts How the interdiction of drugs corrupts the governments at all levels The lack of proper treatment How the opioid epidemic started with Purdue Pharma Possible strategies and solutions to solve this problem The confusing message we’re sending out to people that there’s no safe way to use it Key Quotes:[08:26] - "For 5000 years, virtually the only antidepressant we had was opium."[10:03] - "A drug is not a drug is not a drug, how people get addicted to a drug is different and understanding some of the impact they have on us also can be different." [12:59] - "We are tethered much more tightly to the opium plant, a plant that does not even exist in the wild today more than ever."[14:10] - "The person who gets blamed is the one who's suffering."[17:19] - "I consider drug court a human rights crime because we have prosecutors and judges pretending that they can practice medicine when they have no training in it."[20:25] - "We turn around without providing proper treatment, and then we punish people for not accepting treatment or seeking it out in the United States."[28:15] - "There are more people dying each year now from opioid-related overdoses than those that died in the Vietnam War. That's 70,000 people a year dying now."[35:23] - "Labeling heroin and other opiates as drugs of abuse doesn't erase the fact that they are medicines in the United States."Supporting Resources:https://www.facebook.com/addictedmindpodcast/Opium: How an Ancient Flower Shaped and Poisoned Our World by John Halpern and David Blisteinhttps://www.booksamillion.com/p/Opium/John-H-Halpern/9780316417679?id=8111534007531Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 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 today’s episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, Duane speaks with mother and son, Laura and Tom Boldt, authors of Unraveled, A Mother and Son Story of Addiction and Redemption. They talk about their story of recovery and how they worked together to get recovery. They each share how their recovery impacts each other, and how they were able to do it. It is a great story of hope, compassion, and gratitude for the life they've created in recovery together – as a family. A Mother and Son’s StoryComing from a family of many alcoholics, Laura was certain she wasn't going to end up like her alcoholic mom. But fast-forward to having four children, Laura fell into full-blown alcoholism when her youngest child was two years old. It was on Halloween night 2008 that everything changed for her when she got into a serious car accident. She could barely remember what happened to her the next morning. At that point, she knew she needed help.At that time when Laura stopped drinking, her son, Tom, had already experienced bullying and switched schools a few times. He simply wanted a place to belong, which he had found in drinking and drugs. While alcoholism reflected how Laura was living free and having fun, it was completely opposite for Tom. It was more violent. There was more blood and there were more hospital visits. His alcoholism worsened to the point that it not only led to broken bones, but also, broken relationships. Then one Halloween night in 2012, he got in a couple of bar fights and ended up running down the freeway. The next morning, he just decided he was done.Addiction is a family disease because everybody around you suffers from it. The family essentially has a very important role to play during this healing process and there needs to be understanding and compassion. Part of Laura and Tom’s healing process was writing the book, which was not only cathartic to both of them, but an opportunity for them to send this message of hope.In this episode, you will hear: Laura’s story of alcoholism and the turning point that made her decided to stop Tom’s story of alcoholism and drug abuse, and his decision to stop The effects of drinking on Laura and Tom Their journey through recovery together The role of the family in addiction recovery The difficulties and challenges in recovery together What they discovered about each other Writing the book as a cathartic process for them and as a way to send their message of hope Key Quotes:[02:36] - "When you try to control your drinking, you only realize that it's controlling you."[03:39] - "People around you are far more aware of your alcoholism before you are."[07:18] - "I could have killed somebody else. My kids could be without a mother because of drinking."[13:07] - "I was completely unaware of the effects of alcohol... I just thought it was normal."[19:56] - "I started learning so much about the disease and Laura was so amazing and would fill me in on her journey and her experience."[22:42] - "Not all families have the opportunity to heal for whatever reason. But it does make it easier for the alcoholic and the addict to have a family that plays into that healing."[23:23] - "Resentments can cause relapse... it's a daily practice for us to stay healthy."[32:48] - "My life is filled with so much joy, so much fun, and, and true laughter that's not ignited by alcohol, and it really is a more peaceful way to live."Supporting Resources:https://unraveledthebook.com/Unraveled, A Mother and Son Story of Addiction and Redemptionhttps://www.amazon.com/Unraveled-Mother-Story-Addiction-Redemption/dp/1632993198Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 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.