

The Addicted Mind Podcast
Duane Osterlind, LMFT
"The Addicted Mind Podcast" offers hope, understanding, and guidance for those dealing with addiction, with real stories and research to inspire and show the journey to recovery is worth it.We're here to do more than just talk about addiction. We want to show you how to heal and recover.Our talks with experts and people who have beaten addiction give you important insights into how addiction affects the mind and how recovery can happen in many ways. Whether we're looking at new treatment ideas or sharing stories that inspire, "The Addicted Mind Podcast" is all about understanding the complex world of addiction recovery and showing that recovery is possible.If you or someone you care about is dealing with the challenges of addiction, let "The Addicted Mind Podcast" be your friend and guide. We aim to give you the knowledge you need, share stories that inspire you, and show you that the journey to recovery is worth it.Subscribe now to be part of a community focused on learning, healing, and changing for the better. Your journey to a healthier mind and life begins right here.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 2min
344: Overcoming Addiction: Richard Taite's Journey to Recovery and the Power of Personalized Treatment
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.

Jul 24, 2025 • 19min
TAM+ EP 78 Beyond Overwhelm: Staying Within Your Window of Tolerance
Ever feel like your emotions are on a wild rollercoaster, swinging between overwhelming highs and numbing lows? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode of The Addiction Mind Plus, hosts Eric and Duane Osterlind dive into a crucial concept for anyone in addiction recovery: the Window of Tolerance.The Window of Tolerance refers to the emotional sweet spot where you can handle life's challenges without being overwhelmed or shutting down. Outside of this window, you might feel intense anxiety or emotional numbness—both of which can drive addictive behaviors. But don’t worry, understanding and managing this window can help you stay balanced.Join Eric and Duane as they explore:What the Window of Tolerance is and why it mattersHow to recognize when you’re inside or outside of this windowPractical strategies to expand your Window of Tolerance and maintain emotional balanceIf you've ever struggled with feeling too much or too little, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable tips to help you find your emotional equilibrium.Download: Window of Tolerance WorksheetJoin Our Deep Dive in our 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.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 21, 2025 • 43min
343: Breaking the Stigma Around Addiction and Recovery in the Workplace with Cheryl Brown-Merriwether
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 workplaceHow to break the stigma of recoveryThe benefits of external partnershipWorking with people who struggled with addictionThe importance of connecting at all three levels of the workplaceHow to extend the workforce and empower the frontlinersAbout the International Center of Addiction and Recovery EducationSubscribe 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:ICARE International Center for Addiction and Recovery EducationNovusMindfulLife.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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 17, 2025 • 19min
TAM+ EP77 - The Power of Goals and Habit Formation
Stop Feeling Stuck: The Power of Goals and Habit FormationPodcast Episode SummaryToday's episode dives into the essential topics of goal setting and habit formation, especially focusing on how they can help break the cycle of addiction, anxiety, and depression. Duane Osterlind and Eric Osterlind guide us through understanding the critical role of setting realistic goals and forming positive habits to steer our lives in the direction we desire. They highlight the importance of reflection in goal setting, using SMART goals as a tool for clarity and action. Moreover, they discuss the difference between goals and habits and how they interplay to create lasting change. By sharing personal experiences and practical advice, the hosts emphasize the power of small steps and the learning opportunities in setbacks. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to transform their life and achieve their dreams.Free Download: Stop Feeling Stuck: The Power of Goals and Habit Formation WorksheetKey Topics:The importance of goal setting and habit formation in overcoming addiction and improving mental health.Reflection and the role of SMART goals in making goals clear and achievable.The difference between goals (where you want to go) and habits (the automatic behaviors that get you there).Strategies for setting effective goals and forming positive habits.Embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth and the power of sharing goals with supportive communities.Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction to goal setting and habit formation.[00:02:00] The connection between lack of direction and the cycle of addiction.[00:04:07] Discussion on the power of habits and their automatic nature.[00:07:00] Explaining SMART goals and their benefits.[00:09:34] Distinguishing between goals and habits.[00:14:09] The significance of setbacks and learning from failures.[00:17:43] Summary and closing thoughts.Free Download: Stop Feeling Stuck: The Power of Goals and Habit Formation WorksheetFollow 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 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/addictedmindDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 13, 2025 • 36min
342: Feeling Your Feelings and Being Okay With It with Justin B. Long
In this conversation, Justin B. Long, author of "The Righteous Rage of a Ten-Year-Old Boy", shares his journey through childhood trauma and recovery from alcoholism. He addresses the damaging effects of toxic masculinity, revealing how vulnerability can lead to healing. Justin discusses his emotional struggles stemming from a dysfunctional upbringing and the importance of self-acceptance. He emphasizes the transformative power of confronting buried feelings and the value of supportive communities in overcoming addiction and trauma.

Jul 7, 2025 • 37min
341: Healing Early Trauma Through Somatic Experiencing and Brainspotting with Andrew Susskind
Andrew Susskind, a licensed clinical social worker and expert in trauma and addiction, shares insights from his book, highlighting the healing of early trauma. He discusses the importance of attachment and emotional regulation in fostering intimacy. Susskind explores innovative therapies like somatic experiencing and brainspotting, emphasizing the journey beyond stopping harmful behaviors. He also reflects on personal experiences, illustrating the vital role of community support in recovery and the need for reliable connections in overcoming trauma.

Jul 3, 2025 • 17min
TAM+ EP76 - The Power of Caring About The Right Things
Are you investing energy in the wrong things? Discover how to align thoughts, words, and actions for true happiness. With practical advice, the hosts help you identify core values, cut stress, and make mindful decisions. Learn a five-step plan to enhance your resilience and live intentionally. They emphasize the significance of focusing on what truly matters, letting go of negativity, and cultivating self-compassion. Get ready for "aha!" moments as you navigate life's challenges with renewed purpose.

Jun 30, 2025 • 46min
340: Exploring Ayahuasca: Bridging Western Psychology and Indigenous Medicine for Trauma and Addiction Recovery with Dr. Jeff McNairy
Join us on a transformative journey as we sit down with Dr. Jeff McNairy, the Chief Medical Officer at Rythmia, who shares his compelling shift from traditional mental health practices to the world of alternative therapies. Inspired by Gerard Powell's remarkable healing journey, Dr. McNairy unveils the promising potential of integrating Western psychology with indigenous medicine. We explore how ayahuasca, a powerful plant medicine, offers a new perspective on addiction and trauma recovery, providing hope for those who have found conventional treatments lacking in addressing the root causes of their struggles.
Our conversation delves into the complex relationship between trauma, subconscious memories, and healing methods. Dr. McNairy and I discuss the resurgence of interest in regressive trauma work through modern therapeutic approaches like EMDR and hypnotherapy, and the role psychedelics like ayahuasca play in accessing deep-seated emotions. Highlighting the importance of intentionality, setting, and aftercare, we consider how these therapies can foster personal growth and healthier relationships, particularly for recent trauma victims, including veterans.
In this episode, you will hear:
Exploration of integrating Western psychology with indigenous medicine for trauma and addiction recovery.
Dr. Jeff McNairy's transition from traditional mental health practices to alternative therapies, inspired by Gerard Powell's healing journey.
The role of ayahuasca in accessing deep-seated emotions and its effectiveness for recent trauma, particularly in veterans.
Discussion on modern therapeutic approaches like EMDR, hypnotherapy, and their relationship with regressive trauma work.
Importance of intentionality, setting, and aftercare in the use of psychedelics like ayahuasca for personal growth and healing.
Insight into the transformative work at Rhythmia and its long-term positive impact on mental health recovery.
Interested in finding out more about Rythmia?
About Ayahuasca Guide
The content on The Addicted Mind is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.
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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
https://www.theaddictedmind.com/community
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.

Jun 30, 2025 • 19min
TAM+ EP75 Survival Skills For Sobriety: Create Your Recovery Plan Today
What if I told you that up to 90% of people with alcohol use disorder relapse within the first four years? Before you let that statistic discourage you, here's the game-changer: having a solid relapse prevention plan can dramatically shift those odds in your favor.In this powerful episode, Duane and Eric dive deep into one of recovery's most crucial yet overlooked tools – the relapse prevention plan. They're not talking about planning to fail; they're talking about planning to succeed when life throws its inevitable curveballs.DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEETYou'll discover why your healthiest moments are actually the perfect time to prepare for your most vulnerable ones. Think of it as creating a "survival kit for your sobriety" – a personalized roadmap that helps you identify warning signs before they become danger zones and navigate triggering situations with confidence rather than chaos.The hosts share practical strategies for building your support network, recognizing your unique triggers (hint: they're not always what you think), and developing immediate response plans that actually work when cravings hit. They'll also tackle the shame that keeps so many people from reaching out for help and show you how to transform potential relapses from failures into powerful growth opportunities.Whether you're thriving in recovery right now or struggling to get back on track, this episode offers hope, practical tools, and the reminder that recovery is a journey of progress, not perfection. Plus, they've created a downloadable worksheet to help you build your own personalized plan – because having a plan isn't pessimistic, it's empowering.DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET Key Topics:Why relapse rates are so high and how planning changes everything The best time to create your relapse prevention plan (spoiler: it's not when you're struggling) Identifying your personal warning signs and triggers Building an immediate response strategy for cravings and difficult moments Creating and practicing with your support network before you need them Transforming relapse from failure to growth opportunity Making your plan accessible and keeping it updated as you grow If you live in California, Idaho, Virginia, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit 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/addictedmindDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 30, 2025 • 40min
339: Finding Hope: Gerard Bradbury's Journey from Addiction to Awareness
Gerard Bradbury's life was once a tumultuous storm of anxiety and alcoholism, but today it stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. Gerard joins us to reveal his deeply personal journey chronicled in his memoir, "Tripping Over Myself: A Journey from Addiction and Anxiety to Awareness and Peace." His first brush with alcohol at just 12 years old set off a chain of events that nearly ended his life, but Gerard found his way through the darkness, guided by the support of his family and a newfound commitment to sobriety.Listeners will find themselves on the edge of their seats as Gerard recounts the grim realities of his addiction. From a night when he was turned away from a hospital with a faint chance of survival, to the heartbreak of cirrhosis and the relentless pull of alcohol, Gerard's raw honesty exposes the heavy toll of his self-destructive path. Yet, amid this adversity, he speaks with gratitude about his family's unwavering support and reflects on the miracle of survival. His story sheds light on the lack of support systems during his youth, while also serving as a testimony to the strength of the human spirit.In this episode, you will hear:Gerard Bradbury's transformative journey from addiction and anxiety to sobriety and peace.Early life challenges including childhood anxiety and bullying contributing to his struggles.First encounter with alcohol at age 12 as a temporary escape from emotional pain.Harrowing experiences of alcohol addiction, including life-threatening medical emergencies.The pivotal role of family support in Gerard's path to recovery.Breaking the silence around addiction as a crucial step in healing.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.trippingovermyself.com/Buy Gerard's Book! 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.


