The Addicted Mind Podcast

Latest Episodes:

333: Changing Minds and Lives in Co-Occurring Disorder Recovery with Stephanie Marquesano May 12, 2025

Show notes

After facing the unimaginable heartbreak of losing a child, Stephanie Marquesano transformed her grief into a powerful mission to advocate for individuals battling co-occurring disorders. Her son Harris's struggle with mental health and substance use inspired the creation of The Harris Project, an initiative focused on holistic care. Stephanie's journey from personal tragedy to activism underscores the critical need for integrated approaches to mental health and addiction treatment, offering hope and insight to families and professionals dealing with similar challenges.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the intricate link between mental health issues and substance misuse, uncovering the root causes like genetics and trauma. Highlighting the societal shift required to address these challenges, we draw attention to the disparity in care and perception compared to other illnesses. By advocating for early intervention and education, we aim to inspire communities to challenge the stigma surrounding these issues, ultimately leading to better outcomes for youth and adults alike.

In this episode, you will hear:

Stephanie Marquesano's journey from personal tragedy to founding The Harris Project
The importance of integrated mental health and addiction care for co-occurring disorders
Harris's story: early anxiety, substance misuse, and systemic failures in treatment
Advocating for early intervention and education to combat stigma and improve outcomes
Collaborative efforts like the "You Don't Know the Half of It" PSA to reshape public perception
The role of media and partnerships in changing narratives around mental health and addiction

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Supporting Resources:

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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.

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TAM+ EP68 Beyond Willpower: Busting Dangerous Myths About Addiction Recovery May 08, 2025

Show notes

Ever felt like recovery is a mountain that's just too steep to climb? You're not alone. In this powerful episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, host Duane Osterlind tackles the most damaging myths that keep people trapped in cycles of addiction and shame.

Drawing inspiration from Johan Hari's profound insight that "the opposite of addiction isn't just sobriety, it's connection," Duane explores how recovery isn't about perfect willpower or never making mistakes – it's about reconnecting with yourself, your values, and others who support your journey.

Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed by shame, or convinced you're "too broken" to heal, this episode offers a compassionate roadmap forward. Duane breaks down six harmful myths that create invisible barriers to recovery and provides practical strategies to move beyond them.

You'll discover why slip-ups aren't total failures but opportunities for growth, why your addiction doesn't define your identity, and why the trust you think you've permanently lost can actually be rebuilt over time. Most importantly, you'll learn that healing isn't linear – it moves in waves, with highs and lows that are all part of the journey.

Through challenging negative thinking patterns, reconnecting with your values, developing healthy coping strategies, and practicing self-compassion, you can rewrite your recovery story. The path isn't about perfection or living up to others' expectations; it's about choosing actions that align with your values each day, even in small steps.

As Duane reminds us, recovery is possible for everyone. Your story is still being written, and it has the potential to unfold in ways you can't yet imagine. This episode includes a downloadable worksheet to help you identify and rewrite the myths holding you back on your journey to healing and connection.

Download: THE BEYOND WILLPOWER WORKSHEET

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Support TAM+ Subscribe 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, Idaho, Vermont, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center.

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We want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: ⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind⁠⁠

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332: Psychedelic Innovations in the Fight Against Addiction with Devin Effinger May 05, 2025

Show notes

After enduring the chaos of addiction and the devastation of personal loss, Dr. Devin Effinger emerged with a new perspective and a mission to explore the healing potential of neuroscience. At just 15, a traumatic brain injury set the stage for a tumultuous journey through substance abuse, but also inspired a relentless pursuit of recovery and scientific discovery. Join us as Devin courageously shares his story, from the darkest moments marked by addiction and tragedy to the pivotal breakthroughs that spurred his remarkable transformation.

We venture into the intricate world of addiction, examining the neurological pathways that reinforce such destructive habits and the powerful influence of early trauma on our mental health. Devin unpacks the complex interplay of trauma, addiction, and the brain, offering insight into how substances can hijack our reward systems and why recovery is such a daunting endeavor. With raw honesty, he recounts his own battles with addiction, including the tragic consequences that forced him to confront the need for change.

In this episode, you will hear:

Dr. Devin Effinger's transformative journey from addiction and trauma to recovery and scientific exploration.
Insights into the neurological pathways that contribute to addiction and the role of early trauma.
Exploration of the promising potential of psychedelic medicine in promoting neuroplasticity and aiding recovery.
The complex interplay between trauma, addiction, and the brain's reward systems.
The challenges and breakthroughs in embracing a 12-step recovery process.
Devin's advocacy for restorative justice and trauma-informed care in addiction treatment.

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TAM+ EP67 The Four Archetypes of Happiness May 01, 2025

Show notes

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 WORKSHEET

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Get the support you need.

Key Points

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.

Support TAM+ Subscribe 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, Idaho, Vermont, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center.

⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠

We want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: ⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind⁠

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331: Overcoming Trauma and Addiction: Sam Thomas's Journey of Resilience and Healing Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

Growing up, Sam Thomas faced the harsh realities of bullying, leading him to battle bulimia in his teenage years. This challenge was only the beginning of a tumultuous journey through addiction and recovery, marked by a critical diagnosis of complex PTSD. As we sit down with Sam, the writer, speaker, and campaigner from Brighton, UK, he opens up about the intricate dance between dual diagnosis and addiction transference, shedding light on how unaddressed trauma can fuel dependency and how confronting it can become a powerful catalyst for change.

Together, we navigate the maze of Sam's early struggles, from seeking help at just 18 years old amid a landscape of limited resources and misunderstanding, to eventually confronting alcoholism in his twenties. Sam's story is a profound reminder of the resilience required to overcome challenges when support systems are lacking or misunderstood. Through volunteering and writing, Sam found purpose and community, illustrating how connection can foster healing and build self-esteem, especially for men facing eating disorders—a topic that remains under-discussed.

In this episode, you will hear:

Sam Thomas's journey from battling bulimia as a teen to overcoming alcohol addiction in his twenties.
The role of unaddressed trauma and dual diagnosis in addiction transference.
Early struggles with bulimia and depression amidst limited support systems and societal misunderstandings of male eating disorders.
Transition from eating disorders to alcoholism as a coping mechanism following significant life events.
The challenges and realizations of acknowledging alcohol dependency and the path to recovery.
Healing through unique passions, such as caring for exotic pets, as a metaphor for confronting fears and trauma.

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TAM+ EP66 Beyond Survival Mode: Living Your Values Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

Beyond Survival Mode: Living Your Values Through Recovery's Toughest Challenges

When life gets turned upside down in recovery, what keeps you moving forward? In this powerful episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane Oline and Eric Osterlind explore how reconnecting with your values can be the anchor you need when emotional pain threatens to pull you under.

We've all been there – stuck in survival mode, consumed by shame, fear, or anger after a setback in recovery. The hardest part? Feeling disconnected from yourself, like you're just going through the motions of someone else's life. This episode dives into what value-based living really means and why it matters so much on your healing journey.

Drawing from the work of Dr. Steven Hayes (founder of ACT Therapy) and Brené Brown, Duane and Eric offer practical wisdom on how values serve as your "North Star" during life's storms. Unlike goals that can be checked off, values are ongoing qualities that give your life meaning and direction.

The hosts emphasize that valued living isn't about perfection – it's about direction, not destination. Even small steps toward what matters count as success. They also remind listeners that values can evolve over time, especially during challenging experiences that clarify what truly matters.

This episode includes a step-by-step walkthrough of a worksheet designed to help you reconnect with your values when you're struggling. From identifying challenges to taking small, intentional actions that realign you with what matters most, Duane and Eric provide a practical roadmap for living authentically even when it's hard.

Download The Worksheet

Whether you're facing a relapse, dealing with intense emotions, or simply trying to hold your life together, this conversation offers compassionate guidance on using your values as a compass to find your way forward again.

Click Here to Join the TAM + Community. Get the support you need.

Key Topics

What value-based living means and why it matters in recovery
How emotional pain can disconnect us from our values
The difference between values and feelings in guiding our actions
How values serve as your "North Star" during challenging times
A practical worksheet for reconnecting with your values when struggling
Small, intentional actions that can realign you with your values
How community support can help you live according to your values

Timestamps

[00:01:48] Introduction to the importance of values in recovery

[00:03:24] How emotional pain disconnects us fromrom our values

[00:05:02] Values as ongoing qualities that give life meaning

[00:07:08] The question: "What kind of person do I want to be in pain?"

[00:08:37] The difference between values and feelings

[00:11:51] Step-by-step walkthrough of the values worksheet

[00:15:32] How values become your guide when the path is unclear

Support TAM+ Subscribe 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 Center.

NovusMindfulLife.com

We want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind

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330: From Faith to Fortune: Dean Patrick's Journey Through Addiction, Cryptocurrency, and Zen Meditation Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

Raised with dreams of becoming a missionary, Dean Patrick's journey took an unexpected detour following a fateful encounter with cocaine in high school. This pivotal moment diverted him from a path of faith toward one of ambition and excess, eventually leading to Stanford and the cutthroat world of cryptocurrency. On this episode, Dean shares his battle with substance abuse and the profound lessons he learned through the chaos of addiction and the healing power of Zen meditation.

Dean's story is a raw exploration of the intoxicating pursuit of wealth and the harsh realities it veils. Influenced by his brother's secular views, Dean shifted from his Christian upbringing to atheism, which set the stage for his descent into stimulant use as a means to boost academic performance. The allure of fast money and status through cryptocurrency seemed promising until the 2018 crash thrust him into despair. Through candid reflections, Dean reveals how embracing pain instead of fleeing from it became his gateway to recovery, and how quieting the mind through meditation reshaped his understanding of success.

In this episode, you will hear:

Dean Patrick's transformation from a Christian upbringing to atheism and later embracing Zen meditation.
His battle with addiction starting from a high school encounter with cocaine and escalating during his time at Stanford.
The rise and fall of his cryptocurrency hedge fund, culminating in the 2018 market crash.
The importance of embracing pain for personal healing and growth.
Reflections on the value of community and connection over wealth and status.

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TAM+ EP65 From Wounded to Whole: Nurturing Your Inner Child for Lasting Recovery Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

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. Start your practical steps to 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 WORKSHEET

Click Here to Join the TAM + Community. 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

Supporting Resources:

If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy, please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center.

NovusMindfulLife.com

We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind

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REPLAY:EP 329 Decoding the Mysteries of the Brain: A Conversation with Neuroscientist Alex Korb Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Ever felt like you're stuck in a downward spiral of negative thoughts and emotions? Well, you're not alone. Join us as we converse with the spectacular Alex Korb, eminent neuroscientist and author of 'The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time.' Our exchange pivots around his life-changing journey from probing the depths of neuroscience to uncovering the profound understanding of depression.

You're in for a treat as Alex reveals the intricate workings of our brains, drawing an engaging comparison between tuning our minds to adjusting the volume on a speaker. Debunking the conventional belief in a one-size-fits-all treatment, Alex emphasizes the necessity of a personalized approach to mental health. Be ready to reframe your understanding of mental health as we traverse this enlightening conversation.

Wrapping up our talk, Alex underlines the empowering nature of comprehending the human brain and the sheer potential of minor modifications leading to massive changes in our lives. This absorbing conversation is sure to offer a fresh perspective on mental health and equip you with practical ways to navigate it.

In this episode, you will hear:

Personalized approach to mental health as opposed to a one-size-fits-all treatment
The role of minor changes in transforming our lives and creating an upward spiral of positivity
His journey from being a neuroscience student to understanding depression at a deeper level
The importance of physical activity in enhancing neuroplasticity and the sensitivity of brain circuits
Understanding the brain's function to empower oneself and instigate positive change
Exploration of how small positive changes can lead to a powerful upward spiral in our lives
The complexities of depression, and the importance of recognizing it as a biological, not moral, failing
Neuroscience as a tool to better understand and manage depression
The interaction between depression and addiction, and how understanding the brain can aid in managing both.

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The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time

https://www.amazon.com/Upward-Spiral-Neuroscience-Reverse-Depression/dp/1626251207

NovusMindfulLife.com

Episode Credits

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TAM+ EP64 The Game of Recovery: Why Living Your Values Beats Hitting Goals Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

Imagine this: You're about to play the biggest game of your life when someone offers to just put the final score on the board—you win! No sweat, no struggle, no game. Would you take that deal?

In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore why most of us would actually turn down this seemingly perfect offer. They introduce the powerful "Scoreboard Metaphor" from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that helps separate goals from values in addiction recovery.

Many people in recovery focus solely on hitting milestones—30 days sober, 90 days sober—only to feel empty when they reach them or completely defeated if they relapse. This episode flips that thinking on its head by showing that while goals (the score) matter, how you play the game (your values) matters far more.

The hosts break down why people often relapse after reaching milestones. When we chase outcomes without connecting to the values behind them, we create an emptiness that no achievement can fill. The scoreboard might say "win," but without the journey—the struggle, the growth, the connection—it feels hollow.

Through practical examples and personal insights, Duane and Eric show how this mindset shift transforms recovery. If you're living each day with honesty, courage, and connection, each day is a success—regardless of whether you've hit your sobriety goal yet. And if you do relapse, you haven't lost everything. The values-based actions you took still matter, and the game isn't over.

Download The Worksheet

The episode concludes with five simple steps to apply this metaphor to your own recovery journey, helping you identify your true values, clarify meaningful goals, and build resilience when facing setbacks. The hosts also invite listeners to download a free worksheet and join their supportive community where these concepts can be explored further.

Whether you've felt lost chasing empty goals or you've hit recovery milestones but still feel unfulfilled, this episode offers a refreshing perspective that could change how you view your recovery journey—and maybe even your life.

Join our TAM+ Community

Feeling stuck in your recovery and wondering what’s next? Ready to take the next step toward becoming your best self? Join the TAM+ community, where we dive deep into practical tools and worksheets designed to guide you toward the life you want. With evidence-based strategies and actionable steps, we’re here to help you unlock your potential and achieve your goals.

theaddictedmind.com/community

Supporting Resources:

If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy, please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center.

NovusMindfulLife.com

We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind

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