The Addicted Mind Podcast

Delving into the impact of perfectionism on recovery journeys, the podcast explores various types of perfectionism and its psychological implications. Practical steps to combat perfectionistic tendencies, importance of mindfulness and self-compassion, and the connection between perfectionism and substance use disorders are discussed. Personal anecdotes and expert insights offer strategies for overcoming perfectionism and finding greater peace in recovery.

We have a fantastic guest today. Dr. Tracy Zemansky is here to speak about the fascinating topic of psychological assessment, and how it can help you or your client on a journey of healing. What is a psychological assessment? It’s not what we typically see in the movies. It is a way of evaluating a particular part of an individual and trying to understand it more. To get as much information as possible psychological tests, interviews, questionnaires, behavioral observations, and sometimes collateral interviews, which are interviews with people who know the individual well, are used. Tracy explains how this process is like being a detective looking into someone’s personality. Searching with the client, and possibly their therapist, at any concerns that may be getting in the way of their goals. We give the example of a client who is stuck and may not be able to gain long-term sobriety, or they may not be able to form the long-term relationships they want. Going through the process of psychological assessment may help to find more details that can be helpful. The tests Tracy uses differ significantly from client to client. A psychological assessment for a client who is working on their relationship difficulties would look very different from a client who is, for instance, struggling with alcohol addiction. Each assessment is created for the individual client. These tests can be anything from true or false or multiple choice questions which are scored by mathematical algorithms, to Rorschach-style inkblot tests to observe how the client reacts to the unknown, and it is also scored in a particular way. How the client interacts in the room during the test is helpful as well. The results of these tests, the behavior of the client during testing, and what they and their therapist say are all used to getting a broad and revealing picture for the assessment. Psychological testing cannot predict the future and cannot tell us what caused our pasts. But testing can help us make links which can be useful in therapy. Setting concrete goals and asking questions that can be answered is essential. Going through a psychological assessment and getting this level of detail can help you set out a roadmap to pursue the life you want in recovery. It can speed up the therapeutic process by pointing out the roadblocks that have been in your way. Resources: 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:http://www.drtracyzemansky.com/ 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

Learn about the importance of celebrating micro wins in recovery, how small victories boost motivation and resilience, practical examples of acknowledging tiny achievements, the impact of savoring positive experiences, and strategies for incorporating micro wins into daily life. Dive into discussions on the nihilistic mindset, research findings on savoring benefits, and practical examples of micro wins in fitness and personal development.

What happens when the people you trust the most hide a secret so devastating it changes the course of your life? Emmy Award-winning ESPN sideline reporter and former college gymnast Lauren Sisler joins us to share her heart-wrenching journey from unimaginable tragedy to resilience and hope. Losing both her parents to a concealed opioid addiction during her freshman year in college, Lauren's story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit.Lauren opens up about the mental and emotional strategies she employed to cope with her parents' death. From initial denial to ultimate acceptance, she poignantly describes the protective barriers we create for loved ones and the stigmas that often accompany addiction. Her insights provide a valuable perspective on recognizing addiction as an illness rather than a character flaw, and the pivotal role personal stories play in breaking societal barriers.Lauren also takes us back to her teenage years, where her commitment to gymnastics helped her navigate life's challenges. She reflects on the complexities of loving someone struggling with addiction, and how her love for her parents evolved even after their passing. This episode is an exploration of overcoming shame, finding joy amidst pain, and the importance of hope and healing. Don't miss Lauren's inspiring tale, and be sure to check out her new book, "Shatterproof," for even more insights and encouragement.In this episode, you will hear: Family tragedy and addiction struggles Family struggles with prescription medication addiction Navigating complex truths during grief Coping with personal trauma and growth Overcoming personal struggles Empowering others through personal stories Falling in love with your story 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.laurensisler.com/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

In this episode of The Addicted Mind, Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the powerful concept of the inner child. They explore how past traumas influence our present reactions and behaviors. Understanding and healing your inner child can lead to profound personal growth and recovery. Learn about the history of the inner child concept, its impact on addiction and recovery, and practical steps to start your healing journey. Join us as we provide compassionate insights and actionable advice to help you nurture your vulnerable inner child and create a healthier, more balanced life.Download: THE INNER CHILD WORKSHEETJoin Our Deep Dive, where we discuss this episode in depth.Register Here: https://theaddictedmind.com/deepdiveClick Here to Join the TAM + Community Waitlist. Get the support you need.Key Topics What is the inner child and its historical background How past traumas influence current behaviors The connection between inner child work and addiction recovery Practical steps to heal your inner child The importance of community and professional support in healing Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction to the topic of the inner child [00:01:06] - Overview of the inner child concept and its importance [00:03:32] - Signs of a wounded inner child [00:04:45] - Historical background: Carl Jung and John Bradshaw [00:06:21] - The impact of a wounded inner child on adult life [00:09:55] - How inner child work aids in addiction recovery [00:13:15] - Practical steps and resources for inner child healing Resources: Addicted Mind Episode with Eddie Capparucci, LPC, C-CSAS, CPCShttps://theaddictedmind.com/how-the-inner-child-impacts-your-sexual-addiction-with-eddie-capparucci/Books:Healing The Shame That Binds You - John Bradshaw https://amzn.to/4bmlezHGoing Deeper: How the Inner Child Impacts Your Sexual Addiction - Eddie Capparucci, LPC, C-CSAS, CPCS https://amzn.to/45LAQLX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered how nutrition could be the missing link in your journey to sobriety? Join Duane as he sits down with Dr. Brooke Scheller, a trailblazer in clinical nutrition and the founder of Functional Sobriety. Brooke shares her compelling journey to sobriety and how she's transforming alcohol recovery through nutritional and functional medicine. She explains how alcohol can wreak havoc on our bodies, affecting everything from the endocrine system to gut health, and how simple dietary changes can effectively reduce cravings and improve overall wellness. This episode highlights the often-overlooked but critical connection between diet and the ability to maintain sobriety. They also dive deep into the physiological aspects of cravings, focusing on the interplay between blood sugar levels, mood, and gut health. Brooke demystifies how blood sugar fluctuations can lead to increased cravings for alcohol and sugar, often mistaken for a lack of willpower. By understanding these physiological signals and making informed dietary choices, individuals can significantly enhance their recovery journey. From increasing protein intake to utilizing functional medicine testing, this episode offers a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to support their sobriety through better nutrition.In this episode, you will hear: Nutritional health and alcohol connection Alcohol's impact on health and wellness The importance of nutrition in health Power of helping in recovery Alcohol, blood sugar, and cravings Understanding brain chemicals and mood  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.brookescheller.com/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

In this enlightening episode of "The Addicted Mind," hosts Duane Osterlind and Eric Osterlind dive into the fascinating world of the four archetypes of happiness based on the work of Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar. These archetypes offer a roadmap for understanding happiness and its pivotal role in addiction recovery. The discussion spans the spectrum from the "Rat Racer," who postpones present joy for future gains, to the "Hedonist," who seeks immediate gratification without pondering future consequences. The hosts also examine the "Nihilist," who doubts the very possibility of happiness, and ultimately, the "Happy Camper," who balances immediate pleasure with long-term goals—the ideal state for sustainable recovery. This episode not only decodes these archetypes but also provides insights into how adopting the Happy Camper mindset can enhance one's recovery journey and overall life satisfaction.Download: THE FOUR ARCHETYPES OF HAPPINESS WORKSHEETJoin Our Deep Dive, where we discuss this episode in depth.Register Here: https://theaddictedmind.com/deepdiveClick Here to Join TAM + Community Waitlist. Get the support you need.Key Topics The concept and impact of the four happiness archetypes in recovery. The pitfalls of living as a Rat Racer or a Hedonist in the context of addiction. Understanding the detrimental outlook of the Nihilist and strategies to overcome it. The benefits of embodying the Happy Camper for balanced, long-term happiness. Discussion on the importance of community in supporting recovery and mental health. Key Moments [00:01:00] Introduction to the four archetypes of happiness. [00:03:06] Discussion begins on how these archetypes relate to addiction recovery. [00:05:40] Detailed explanation of the "Rat Racer" archetype. [00:07:27] Exploration of the "Hedonist" archetype. [00:09:20] Analysis of the "Nihilist" archetype. [00:10:32] Introduction to the "Happy Camper" archetype. [00:16:36] Summary of how to apply these concepts in everyday life and recovery. Follow and Review: 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/addictedmindDisclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gregg Ostrin, the brilliant playwright behind "The Spy Who Went Into Rehab," shares his incredible journey of recovery, maintaining sobriety since 1987, and how his personal experiences inspired his writing. Duane sits down with Gregg to discuss his fascinating career transition from acting to writing, his impressive work in film and television marketing, and his triumphant return to playwriting. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they explore the concept of his latest play that reimagines a James Bond-like character grappling with addiction and anger management issues, shedding light on the cultural implications of addiction through the lens of a spy character.They also tackle the challenges of producing original plays in smaller theaters, especially in Los Angeles, where revivals of well-known works often take center stage. Gregg shares valuable insights on attracting audiences to new plays and the impact of critical reviews. They reflect on how his play resonates with both the recovery community and those outside it, using familiar spy movie tropes to craft a narrative that connects with all generations. Join Duane and Gregg for this engaging episode that blends comedy, cultural commentary, and the profound journey of recovery.In this episode, you will hear: Reimagining James Bond in rehab Exploring personal history and freedom The challenges of producing original plays in smaller theaters Consumer culture and its pervasive influence on our behaviors and choices Nostalgic movie tropes in modern culture 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://pacificresidenttheatre.org/the-spy-who-went-into-rehab/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

Expert in addiction recovery, Eric Osterlind, discusses applying the hero's journey framework to addiction recovery. They explore Joseph Campbell's phases and emphasize the importance of storytelling in personal transformation. By seeing recovery as a heroic journey, individuals can find hope and new perspectives in their path to sobriety.

Can high achievers truly recover from hidden addictions without sacrificing their success? Join Duane for a compelling conversation with Roland Cochrun, founder of the Successful Addict, as he reveals his journey and the unique challenges faced by high achievers dealing with sex and porn addiction. Discover how a relentless pursuit of success and people-pleasing tendencies can mask a deeper loneliness and lead to destructive behaviors. Roland shares how the Successful Addict Program offers a supportive environment through daily accountability, weekly calls, and biannual retreats, integrating business success strategies with effective recovery methods.We are excited to offer this collaboration with The Addicted Mind as a resource to high-achievers with sex and porn addiction who are looking for a group of like-minded men to recover with.Join Here: successfuladdict.com/addictedmindBe aware of the pivotal moments when high achievers realize that their initial success yields diminishing returns, leading to an unexpected emptiness despite societal expectations. Roland and Duane discuss the insidious nature of sex and porn addiction among high achievers and the difficulties they face in admitting to such issues. Learn how high achievers, often addicted to their self-concepts and the validation derived from success, can begin to address these underlying behaviors to achieve genuine recovery and self-awareness.Unpacking the daunting task of unwinding deeply ingrained belief systems, Roland shares personal stories of resistance to therapy and the importance of finding a community of like-minded individuals. Discover the transformative power of group support and the significance of reintegrating a sensitive side to heal and improve personal relationships. This episode offers valuable advice for those struggling with addiction and underscores how finding the right tribe can turn recovery into a life-changing journey.In this episode, you will hear: Unique approach for high achievers recovery High achievers and process addictions Unpacking addiction and self-concept Unwinding belief systems for high achievers Entitlement and addiction in high achievers Finding your tribe in recovery 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://successfuladdict.com/ 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