The Addicted Mind Podcast

Kay Simmeth, a Marriage and Family Therapist certified in EMDR, shares her expertise on trauma treatment, particularly its link to addiction. She dives into the powerful process of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, explaining how bilateral stimulation helps clients shift negative beliefs into positive ones. Using the ice cube metaphor, Kay illustrates how trauma can cloud rational thinking. She emphasizes the importance of addressing past experiences to empower healthier choices and highlights the hope for healing through community support.

Eddie Capparucci, a licensed professional counselor specializing in sex and pornography addiction, discusses the profound connection between childhood trauma and adult addiction. He emphasizes the importance of inner child work in understanding and healing emotional pain. Capparucci explores how feelings of abandonment shape relationships and lead to compulsive behaviors. He shares personal narratives and practical strategies to break unhealthy cycles, urging listeners to confront their emotional struggles rather than escape them through addiction.

Discover the healing power of self-disclosure in recovery. Uncover how sharing your authentic story can break the chains of isolation and foster genuine connections. Learn practical steps to identify safe people for vulnerability and the importance of starting small with your disclosures. Explore journaling as a tool for self-reflection and readiness. The hosts dive into the transformative role of unconditional positive regard, emphasizing how it nurtures trust and builds a supportive community, crucial for lasting change.

Aaron Perra, author of "Triggers in Love," shares his riveting journey from addiction to recovery. He reflects on tackling meth addiction and the fallout of family rejection during his teenage years. Aaron reveals how a heartfelt intervention prompted his transformation and how a supportive community empowered him to embrace sobriety. Poetry emerged as his lifeline, allowing him to express pain and healing. His story resonates deeply, illustrating the vital role of connection and creativity in overcoming life's adversities.

Feeling drained after conversations? You're not alone. Toxic relationships can jeopardize recovery, even from family. The discussion unveils alarming links between relationship quality and our physical health. Practical strategies are offered to identify and manage toxic dynamics effectively. Learn the importance of setting boundaries and building a supportive network to ensure long-term sobriety. This insightful talk is a must-listen for anyone navigating recovery or supporting someone who is.

Dr. Mary Crocker Cook, a seasoned therapist and addiction counselor, discusses the complex relationship between attachment styles and addiction, especially among high-achieving women. She reveals how early attachment disruptions lead to choosing emotionally unavailable partners and the ensuing emotional pain. The conversation touches on the importance of self-awareness, boundary-setting, and financial independence in navigating unhealthy dynamics. Dr. Cook offers practical strategies for fostering secure attachments and emphasizes the significance of supportive relationships in the healing process.

Discover the transformative power of setting healthy boundaries in recovery. Learn why these boundaries are crucial for self-respect and healing, rather than selfish acts. The hosts break down common misconceptions and offer practical steps to establish and maintain boundaries. Understand how they enhance relationships and improve mental well-being. Plus, get tools and resources to support your journey and tackle the challenges of saying 'no' with confidence.

Depression sucks and it’s such a hard place to be. On the other hand, addiction used to be framed as this lack of moral character or willpower, and addiction, too, is a very hard place to be. But there's hope.On this episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, Duane speaks with Ben Spielberg, the founder and CEO of TMS & Brain Health clinics. Ben is a specialist in neuroscience, neuromodulation, and neuroimaging. Today, Ben is going to talk about TMS or transcranial magnetic stimulation, and how TMS offers hope to people struggling with addiction and its underlying mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and ultimately, returning joy and passion back to their lives.Ben started working in the field of mental health in 2010 as a biofeedback technician at a Substance Abuse and Recovery Treatment Center in Los Angeles. Part of his work was doing neurofeedback and he was just fascinated at how it impacted people, becoming more resilient to stressors without involving any medication or intervention. Eventually, Ben got a master's degree in neuroscience at Columbia with the hope to specialize in the overarching field called neuromodulation, which refers to evidence-based, nonpharmaceutical ways to create real changes in the brain.With neurofeedback, all people need to do is to show up. It doesn't really matter what you’re thinking about. Your brain is picking up on the signals regardless. Listen in as Ben sheds some light on how TMS targets and activates specific areas of the brain that help reduce depression, anxiety, and all other underlying issues that lead to addiction.In this episode, you will hear: Ben’s experience in neurofeedback and neuromodulation The concept of neuroplasticity What is TMS and how does it work? Cognitive-behavioral therapy vs. TMS Types of issues TMS can treat The role of ADHD in addiction The history of TMS Key Quotes:[05:54] - "With neurofeedback, all you have to do is show up. It doesn't really matter what you think about. Your brain is picking up on the signals regardless." [09:53] - "There's a part of the brain called the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex... it's the left top side of your head and that area has been shown to be underactive in people with depression."[10:35] - "When people do TMS typically five days a week, week by week, the symptoms of depression start to go away, just as this other part of the brain starts to come back online."[12:55] - "Cognitive behavioral therapy is definitely an evidence-based treatment for depression. But when it's not working, there's nowhere to go unless you're actually creating real changes in the brain."[15:37] - "People with ADHD are much more likely to be addicted than a neurotypical person… as well as way more likely to be incarcerated and a really a number of issues in life."[17:26] - "ADHD is an issue of sustained focus, whereas normally, people have the ability to continue focusing on things when they want to, and they're not necessarily bothered by any external or internal stimulus."[29:41] - "Addiction is really just a symptom of some other underlying mental health diagnosis."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:TMS & Brain Health Clinicshttps://www.tmsbrainhealth.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you want to improve your emotional regulation and decision-making? I will be sharing the key to achieving greater emotional control and better choices. Learn the secret to enhancing your ability to manage your feelings and make sound decisions. Discover the solution to experiencing improved emotional regulation and better decision-making in your life.Download the “Distinguishing between Primary Vs. Secondary Emotions Worksheet”In this episode, you will be able to: Discover effective strategies for mental health and addiction recovery. Learn to identify and manage primary and secondary emotions. Explore the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation. Cultivate mindfulness and self-reflection for improved emotional well-being. Understand the impact of trauma on decision-making processes. Effective Mental Health StrategiesUnderstanding and managing primary and secondary emotions are crucial strategies for effective mental health. These strategies involve recognizing the differences between valid and genuine emotional responses versus responses that arise from judgments of these primary emotions. This enables individuals to maintain emotional balance by preventing secondary emotions from amplifying the intensity of primary emotions.The resources mentioned in this episode are: Download the worksheet that helps identify primary versus secondary emotions and navigate them effectively. Click Here Share this podcast episode with a friend who might benefit from the wisdom shared about primary and secondary emotions. Write a review for The Addicted Mind podcast on iTunes to show support and help others discover valuable content. Connect with The Addicted Mind podcast on Instagram @addictedmindpodcast and leave suggestions for topics you'd like to hear in future episodes. Leave us a message and let us know what topic you want to be covered on The Addicted Mind + Podcast. Click Here https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind Download the “Distinguishing between Primary Vs. Secondary Emotions Worksheet” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former advertising executive Pao Ortega once found herself trapped in a seemingly perfect life in New York City, at odds with the inner chaos of depression, anxiety, and burnout. During a pivotal moment of introspection, she made the courageous decision to face these challenges head-on. In our latest episode of the Addicted Mind Podcast, we explore Pao's enlightening transformation journey, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and kindness. Through her story, we uncover the profound impact of becoming a student of one's own body and mind, and how integrating practices from around the globe can foster healing and empowerment.Our conversation delves into the powerful world of breathwork, highlighting the influence of ancient techniques like pranayama, qigong, and Shakti Nam in fostering relaxation and healing. Pao and I discuss how these practices can shift energy, create positive feedback loops, and guide individuals toward personal empowerment and wellness. The journey from internal struggle to self-healing underscores the possibility of overcoming prolonged suffering with persistence, consistency, and the right tools. We also address the importance of creating a morning routine that sets the tone for a successful day. Pao shares insights into how endorphin-inspired activities, like her passion for running, contribute to well-being and happiness. In this episode, you will hear: Pao Ortega's transformation from burnout to empowerment through breathwork and mind-body techniques Exploration of ancient practices like pranayama, qigong, and Shakti Nam for relaxation and healing Importance of self-awareness, persistence, and the right tools in overcoming mental health challenges Crafting a personalized blend of practices for emotional, mental, and physical healing Significance of mindset, movement, and nutrition in achieving personal wellness Creating a morning routine and incorporating endorphin-boosting activities for well-being 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/adchoices