The Addicted Mind Podcast

Latest Episodes:

TAM+ EP 29: Escaping The Happiness Trap: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Goals Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic goals and how they affect our well-being. Have you ever felt the high of achieving a big goal, only to have that happiness fade away? This episode explores why that happens and introduces the concept of the "hedonic treadmill." You'll learn how extrinsic goals, like money and status, give short-term happiness but don't last. In contrast, intrinsic goals, like personal growth and meaningful relationships, bring deeper and more lasting joy. Duane and Eric share practical tips on how to shift your focus to these intrinsic goals, cultivate gratitude, and build stronger, more fulfilling connections. They also discuss the importance of mindfulness, personal growth, and serving others in achieving true contentment. Tune in to discover how you can step off the hedonic treadmill and find real, sustainable happiness in your life.

Download: INTRINSIC VS. EXTRINSIC GOALS

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Key Topics

The difference between extrinsic and intrinsic goals
Understanding the hedonic treadmill
How extrinsic goals lead to temporary happiness
The importance of intrinsic goals for lasting fulfillment
Practical tips to shift focus and cultivate intrinsic goals

Timestamp List

[00:01:06] Introduction to the topic: Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Goals

[00:03:08] Explanation of the hedonic treadmill

[00:04:20] The impact of extrinsic goals on happiness

[00:07:33] Defining and understanding intrinsic goals

[00:11:00] How to step off the hedonic treadmill

[00:16:04] Practical tips for cultivating intrinsic goals

[00:19:00] Summary and closing thoughts

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292: Personalized Recovery Paths for Atheists with Jeffrey Munn Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

What happens when the traditional 12-step recovery program doesn’t quite fit your belief system? Licensed marriage and family therapist Jeffrey Munn joins Duane to share his deeply personal journey through addiction and recovery, which led him to author "Staying Sober Without God: The Practical 12 Steps to Long-Term Recovery from Alcoholism and Addiction." Jeffrey opens up about his battles with isolation and internal turmoil and highlights the crucial support from his parents that helped him navigate this challenging path. His story underscores the necessity of individualized recovery approaches and shines a light on the often-overlooked needs of atheists and agnostics in recovery.

Jeffrey discusses the integration of traditional 12-step programs with personalized mental health approaches, emphasizing the importance of addressing trauma, unresolved grief, and boundary-setting. He candidly recounts his own experience with the pressure to adopt a belief in a higher power within 12-step meetings and how this led to a temporary setback. Through his narrative, you'll learn about the significance of merging the wisdom of 12-step programs with modern psychological insights to create a more rational and personalized recovery journey. They also delve into the specifics of how inpatient rehab focusing on mental health practices played a pivotal role in his recovery.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as they examine the challenges and benefits of faith-based recovery for those who struggle with blind faith. Jeffrey provides a logical and practical perspective on the concept of "letting go and letting God," drawing parallels to principles in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

In this episode, you will hear:

Finding personal recovery path without God
Psychology-based recovery approaches
Personal recovery and finding meaning
Exploring alternative higher powers in recovery
Navigating integrity and personal belief systems
Challenges with faith-based addiction recovery

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Supporting Resources:

https://www.practicallysane.org/

Staying Sober Without God: https://www.amazon.com/Staying-Sober-Without-God-Alcoholism-ebook/dp/B07MBVCS29

NovusMindfulLife.com

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+ EP 28: Perfectly Imperfect: Overcoming Perfectionism in Recovery Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Addicted Mind podcast, Eric and Duane dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of perfectionism and its profound impact on recovery journeys. They explore different dimensions of perfectionism, from self-imposed standards to societal expectations, revealing how these can lead to self-criticism and hinder progress. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, they offer practical strategies for overcoming perfectionism, such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and seeking professional support. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has felt the weight of unattainable standards and seeks a path to greater peace and acceptance in their recovery.

Download: OVERCOMING PERFECTIONISM WORKSHEET

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Key Topics:

Types of perfectionism: self-oriented, other-oriented, socially prescribed
Psychological impacts of perfectionism in recovery
Practical steps to combat perfectionistic tendencies
Connection between perfectionism and substance use disorders
Importance of mindfulness and self-compassion in recovery

Key Moments:

00:01:14 - Introduction to the topic of overcoming perfectionism in recovery

00:04:24 - Historical and psychological perspectives on perfectionism

00:09:00 - Link between perfectionism and substance use disorders

00:11:25 - Practical steps for fighting perfectionism

00:16:22 - Invitation to join the deep dive and community for support

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291: REPLAY: Figuring It Out – The Power Of Psychological Assessments with Dr. Tracy Zemansky Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

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:

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http://www.drtracyzemansky.com/

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Episode Credits

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TAM+ EP 27 Celebrating the Little Things: How Micro Wins Drive Your Recovery Journey Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the importance of celebrating micro wins in the journey of recovery. They discuss how small victories, often overlooked, play a crucial role in maintaining motivation and building resilience. By focusing on these tiny achievements, you can create a positive mindset that fuels your progress toward larger goals. Whether it's putting on your shoes for a walk or writing a single sentence in your journal, these micro wins can significantly boost your emotional well-being and keep you moving forward. Tune in to learn practical tips and hear inspiring insights on how to make the most of your daily successes.

Download: MICRO WINS WORKSHEET

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Key Topics

The significance of micro wins in recovery
How small victories boost motivation and resilience
Practical examples of celebrating micro wins
The impact of savoring positive experiences
Strategies for incorporating micro wins into daily life

Key Moments

[00:01:05] - Introduction to micro wins and their importance

[00:02:24] - Discussion on the nihilistic mindset and its impact on recovery

[00:03:00] - The role of small victories in building momentum

[00:04:00] - Research findings on savoring and its benefits

[00:06:55] - Practical examples of micro wins in fitness and personal development

[00:09:23] - Strategies for recognizing and celebrating micro wins

[00:14:00] - Encouragement to start celebrating micro wins and available resources

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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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290: Embracing Resilience: Lauren Sisler’s Journey Through Family Tragedy and Healing Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

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

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Supporting Resources:

https://www.laurensisler.com/

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Episode Credits

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TAM+ EP26 From Wounded to Whole: Nurturing Your Inner Child for Lasting Recovery Jul 04, 2024

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, 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 WORKSHEET

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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, CPCS

https://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/4bmlezH

Going Deeper: How the Inner Child Impacts Your Sexual Addiction - Eddie Capparucci, LPC, C-CSAS, CPCS https://amzn.to/45LAQLX

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289: How Nutrition Can Transform Your Recovery Journey with Dr. Brooke Scheller Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

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

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Supporting Resources:

https://www.brookescheller.com/

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Episode Credits

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TAM+ EP 25: Happiness Unlocked: Exploring the Four Archetypes of Happiness in Recovery Jun 27, 2024

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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Click 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.

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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288: Humor, Recovery, and the World of Playwriting with Gregg Ostrin Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

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: