
The Addicted Mind Podcast
"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.
Latest episodes

Nov 7, 2024 • 18min
TAM+ Episode 43: Breaking Free: Why Shame (Not Guilt) Is Sabotaging Your Recovery
Explore the critical difference between guilt and shame in addiction recovery. Discover how toxic shame can fuel the addiction cycle and why it's essential to build shame resilience. The hosts share powerful, evidence-based tools that can help listeners disrupt shame and reframe negative self-talk. Learn the importance of connecting with a supportive community to foster self-kindness. This episode offers insightful strategies to reshape your self-perception and strengthen your recovery journey.

Nov 4, 2024 • 38min
306: REBROADCAST: Understanding The Trauma Map with Dr. Karol Darsa
On today’s episode, Duane speaks with Dr. Karol Darsa about how to recognize trauma as well as some of the first steps you need to take to deal with trauma. Karol is the author of the book, The Trauma Map: Five Steps to Reconnect With Yourself. She dives deep into how trauma impacts us in our everyday life as well as what we can do to deal with our traumatic histories so we can heal and feel better.If you have struggled with some trauma in your past, hopefully you will get a lot of insights from this episode as Karol shares her professional wisdom on recovering from trauma. A licensed psychologist for 23 years, Karol found herself repeating certain information over and over again. She realized what was really missing in a lot of people's minds was the understanding of what trauma is and what it does. Maybe they knew what trauma was but didn't understand that it could impact them to the degree that it was impacting them. Many people think trauma only applies to people who have been to war or were sexually abused. They don't consider other things to be trauma. However, trauma can also result from smaller incidents when people didn't even realize they felt traumatized. Hoping to explain the basics of trauma and how it works, Karol decided to write the book, The Trauma Map: Five Steps to Reconnect With Yourself. Karol also noticed an overarching characteristic of self-blame among her clients who were dealing with trauma. They were quick to judge themselves much more than they should. Therefore, Karol also wrote the book as a great tool for minimizing self-blame.In this episode, you will hear:
What trauma is
What the different types of trauma could look like
Why the power of positive thinking sometimes backfires for people
Recognizing relational trauma
How trauma causes you to disconnect from your body
Why people find it difficult to face painful situations
Dismissing your feelings means a lack of self-acceptance
How to eliminate self-blame
Key Quotes:[03:49] - “What was really missing in a lot of people's minds is really the understanding of what trauma is, and what it does.”[04:57] - “The power of the positive thinking, sometimes that actually backfires for a lot of people.”[05:56] - “Many people think trauma means if you been to war, or maybe if you were sexually abused, but other than that, people don't consider other things as trauma.”[06:31] - “Trauma is a situation where it's so overwhelming that it makes you feel powerless, basically unable to cope.”[07:13] - “The most common trauma that people minimize is relational trauma.”[09:30] - "In the relational traumas, reactions don't function that way. People have to be able to look at their symptoms and recognize it."[13:50] - "We have a limited capacity to actually face painful situations. As human beings, we all are that way."[17:17] - "One of the problems of dismissing feelings or putting things away or dismissing our body is that we are ultimately not accepting who we are."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:The Trauma MapEpisode 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

Oct 31, 2024 • 19min
TAM+ Episode 42: From Self-Blame to Self-Compassion: Breaking the Addiction Shame Cycle
Explore the journey from self-blame to self-compassion and discover how your inner critic can hinder recovery. The hosts discuss the powerful impact of self-compassion on overcoming shame and fostering healing. You’ll learn practical steps to transform negative self-talk into a kinder inner dialogue. The role of community support in building resilience and accountability is also emphasized, highlighting the importance of patience and understanding in personal recovery journeys.

Oct 28, 2024 • 54min
305: Resilience Through Chaos: A Mother and Son's Journey of Addiction, Redemption, and Healing
In this episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, you are invited into the world of Rob Crowl and his mother, Katie Davis, as they delve into their experiences with addiction and recovery. Rob, an educator and writer, discusses his memoir "Please Don't Rescue Me," which chronicles his tumultuous upbringing in a household affected by addiction. Katie, who has celebrated 27 years of sobriety, shares her perspective on the transformative power of love and storytelling in overcoming intergenerational trauma.Throughout the episode, Rob and Katie candidly explore the complexities of their family dynamics, highlighting the cycles of addiction and recovery that have shaped their lives. They discuss the courage it takes to confront painful truths and the role writing has played in their healing journey. Listeners are given a glimpse into the profound impact of addiction on family relationships, particularly the enduring bond between Katie and her children, which serves as a beacon of resilience and compassion.In this episode, you will hear:
Rob Crowl and his mother Katie Davis share their journey through addiction and recovery.
Discussion of Rob's memoir "Please Don't Rescue Me" and its exploration of family dynamics shaped by addiction.
The healing power of writing and storytelling in addressing intergenerational trauma.
Challenges of confronting personal trauma and the transformative role of love and family support.
Reflections on the cycles of addiction and the struggle for redemption and acceptance.
Exploration of themes of rescue and the complex desire for both liberation and connection.
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

Oct 24, 2024 • 21min
TAM+ Episode 41: The Courage to Be Seen: How Vulnerability Transforms Recovery
Ever felt terrified of revealing your true self? This discussion dives into how embracing vulnerability can be a powerful strength in recovery. The hosts explore why so many hide behind masks and how this hinders healing. They share practical strategies for opening up, building authentic connections, and highlight insights from Dr. Brené Brown on shame. Discover five practical steps to practice healthy vulnerability and learn how to find safe spaces for sharing. Transform perceived weaknesses into tools for personal growth!

Oct 23, 2024 • 51min
304: Reframing Recovery with Nicole Doering
Nicole Doering, a recovered alcoholic and former model with a psychology background, shares her unconventional journey to sobriety influenced by personal upheavals. She discusses the vital role of understanding addiction as a complex brain disease, not a moral failing. Nicole highlights the underutilization of medically-assisted therapies like Vivitrol, emphasizing a science-driven approach to recovery. Her insights challenge traditional narratives, advocating for personalized strategies and community support in overcoming alcohol addiction.

Oct 17, 2024 • 20min
TAM+ Episode 40: From Isolation to Integration: Healing Addiction Through Community
Feeling lost and isolated can make addiction feel inescapable. The hosts explore the toxic mix of shame and isolation that traps many in a cycle of substance abuse. However, they highlight how connecting with others can be transformative for recovery. Drawing on the 'Rat Park' study, they illustrate the power of community in reducing addiction. It's not just about sobriety; it's about building compassionate and accountable connections with others. Join their new community to discover healing together!

Oct 14, 2024 • 42min
303: Embracing Change and Storytelling in Adversity with Mark Rosman
Mark Rosman, a Hollywood writer and director known for family films, shares his family's poignant journey through addiction. He reveals how facing his daughter’s substance use disorder transformed their lives, stressing the importance of family support in recovery. Mark discusses the shift from denial to acceptance, highlighting self-reflection and setting boundaries as key to growth. His experiences now fuel an upcoming film project aimed at illuminating the complexities of addiction, showcasing hope and resilience in adversity.

Oct 3, 2024 • 19min
TAM+ Episode 39- Five Crucial Mindset Shifts for Addiction Recovery
Struggling with addiction? Discover powerful mindset shifts that can transform your recovery journey. Learn why viewing relapse as a learning opportunity can reduce shame and build resilience. Embrace the idea that recovery is an ongoing process, fostering self-compassion along the way. Understand the importance of recognizing your power of choice, even in tough times. With practical strategies to reshape your thinking, you're equipped to navigate the challenges of addiction and emerge stronger.

Sep 30, 2024 • 41min
302: Skateboarding Across America: Chad Caruso's Journey
Join us as we welcome Chad Caruso, a remarkable skateboarder and YouTuber who not only conquered a Guinness World Record but also turned his life around by skating solo across America to raise addiction awareness. Chad shares his powerful story of overcoming painkiller addiction following a knee injury and the subsequent loss of his skateboarding identity. Learn how he transformed his struggles into strengths, channeling his obsessive tendencies into positive, value-driven pursuits.In our conversation, Chad opens up about the multiple obstacles he faced, from financial debt to relationship troubles, and how he rebuilt his life through goal-setting and positive change. We discuss the unique challenges of maintaining sobriety in a culture that often glorifies partying, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chad emphasizes the importance of community support and the shift in perception surrounding skateboarding, highlighting its benefits as a healthy and fulfilling activity.In this episode, you will hear:
Chad Caruso's journey from painkiller addiction to sobriety.
Overcoming financial debt and relationship issues through goal-setting.
Starting a YouTube channel during early sobriety to give back to the skateboarding community.
The challenges and rewards of skating 3,146 miles across America for addiction awareness.
The importance of community support and shifting perceptions of skateboarding.
Finding fulfillment and purpose through pursuing passions and helping others.
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
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