The Addicted Mind Podcast

Latest Episodes:

TAM+ EP3: Navigating the Next Steps: Thriving Beyond Sobriety Jan 25, 2024

Show notes

Are you feeling stuck or uncertain about your next steps after achieving sobriety? In the latest episode of "The Addicted Mind Plus," hosts Duane Osterlind and Eric Osterlind dive into this crucial yet often overlooked aspect of recovery. They explore four foundational pillars designed to guide you towards a fulfilling life beyond sobriety. This episode is a treasure trove of personal insights and practical advice on the importance of reflection, setting meaningful personal goals, building supportive communities, and seeking professional help. Whether you're newly sober or have been on this path for a while, you'll find a roadmap for thriving in your newfound life, emphasizing joy, connection, and personal growth. Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that promises to inspire and equip you to navigate the next steps in your recovery journey.

Main Points:

1. Reflecting on the Journey: Emphasizing the power of journaling and gratitude to assess progress.

2. Setting Personal Goals: Aligning goals with personal desires, not just societal expectations.

3. Building Community: Encouraging the formation of supportive relationships and communities based on shared interests.

4. Seeking Professional Help: Utilizing therapy or specialized coaching to navigate feelings of stuckness and further personal development.

Time Stamps:

- [00:01:14]: Introduction to the episode's main topic: What to do after achieving sobriety and feeling stuck.

- [00:01:56]: Discussion of the four main pillars to address the feeling of being stuck.

- [00:02:34]: Pillar 1 - Reflection: Importance of journaling and acknowledging both positive and negative aspects of the past year.

- [00:05:16]: Pillar 2 - Setting Goals: Creating personal goals and ensuring they align with true personal desires rather than societal expectations.

- [00:08:16]: Pillar 3 - Building Community: Importance of investing in communities and relationships that bring joy and support.

- [00:11:24]: Pillar 4 - Seeking Professional Help: Advantages of therapy or coaching, especially when feeling secure in recovery.

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268: Unveiling the Success of Cold Laser Therapy in Addiction with Meridee Hlokoff Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

The moment Meridee Hlokoff realized she'd driven hours without the faintest whisper of a craving was nothing short of miraculous. In this episode, Meridee recounts her incredible transition from a habitual smoker to a smoke-free champion, all thanks to the somewhat mystifying world of cold laser therapy. The conversation peels back the veil on addiction, examining how deeply physical cravings and psychological triggers are intertwined, and how Meridee's skepticism turned to awe-inspiring affirmation of this unconventional treatment's effectiveness.

Victory over addiction rarely comes easy or without its own set of battles, and Meridee's tale is a testament to this truth. Through her narrative, they explore the reality that even after conquering physical dependency, the mental chains of addiction can linger, presenting their own hurdles. Her personal anecdotes shed light on the strategies she employed to navigate through the common triggers of boredom and stress, offering hope to those still fighting the psychological war that persists even after the physical need has subsided.

Bringing a blend of science and personal experience to the table, they uncover the surprising success rates behind cold laser therapy and acupuncture. Meridee doesn't just share her story; she provides a beacon of hope, illuminating the journey for others by acquiring the business that once freed her from her own addiction. Together, they examine how support systems and strategic interventions can pave new neural pathways, reinforcing that recovery is a comprehensive journey of both body and mind.

In this episode, you will hear:

Exploring cold laser therapy for addiction
Understanding addiction and breaking habits
Cold laser therapy success rates and discovery
Effectiveness of tongue rings in treatments
Cold laser therapy for addiction
Overcoming addiction with new neural pathways

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Supporting Resources:

LaserQuit Therapies: https://laserquittherapy.ca/

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+ EP2: Unpacking Primary vs. Secondary Emotions: A Path to Improved Mental Health Jan 18, 2024

Show notes

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 Strategies

Understanding 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”

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267: Joseph Eisele’s Journey from Addiction to Biochemical Restoration Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

Unlock the secrets of biochemical restoration with Joseph Eisele, a true authority on the subject, as he joins us to shed light on the profound connection between our body's chemistry and the road to recovery from addiction. Joe's poignant narrative of his own battles with social anxiety and addiction, sparked by an early encounter with codeine cough syrup, sets the stage for a riveting discussion on the power of a tailored approach to recovery. Our episode journeys through Joe's life, from the depths of his struggles to the heights of his achievements in helping others break free from the chains of addiction, all the while emphasizing the pivotal role of individual biochemistry in fostering a life of purpose and connection.

Explore the holistic realm of addiction treatment where traditional methods meet their match against a comprehensive strategy that harmonizes the mind, body, spirit, and environment. Delving into Joe's personal insights and professional expertise, we dissect the impact of histamine on mental health and addiction, and the limitations of one-size-fits-all treatments. We navigate through the complexities of conditions like pyroluria and hypoglycemia, and the importance of biochemical restoration and nutritional interventions, providing a compelling case for a more nuanced, all-encompassing approach to healing.

In this episode, you will hear:

Biochemical restoration in addiction recovery
Codeine cough syrup and euphoria
Impact of drinking on socialization
Addiction and seeking solutions
Desperate journey to sobriety
Health in recovering from alcoholism
Journey of healing from addiction

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Supporting Resources:

https://innerbalancehealthcenter.com/

NovusMindfulLife.com

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TAM + EP1: The Addicted Mind Plus: Introduction to a New Series Jan 11, 2024

Show notes

Join us on an inspiring journey with "The Addicted Mind Plus," a podcast series hosted by Duane Osterlind, alongside his brother Eric Osterlind, a seasoned psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This series, crafted with heart and expertise, offers a beacon of hope and practical guidance for those navigating the path of addiction recovery. In each concise 15-minute episode, we delve into simple yet powerful steps to transform your life. Our mission is to empower you with profound insights, valuable knowledge, and real-world strategies that foster healing and resilience. Drawing from a wealth of professional experiences and enriched by diverse expert perspectives, every episode is a step toward self-discovery and empowerment. Whether you are taking your first step towards recovery or seeking to strengthen your journey, "The Addicted Mind Plus" is your companion in exploring effective, life-enhancing practices. Tune in every Thursday for episodes that not only answer your deepest questions about recovery but also illuminate the path to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Subscribe now to "The Addicted Mind Plus" and together, let's embrace the journey towards becoming our best selves.

Our mission with The Addictive Mind Plus is to provide you with insights, knowledge, and real-world strategies to support your path to healing.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:01 - Introducing the Addicted Mind Plus

00:00:47 - Practical Steps for Recovery

00:01:39 - Expert Insights and Guidance

00:02:14 - Weekly Release Schedule

00:02:39 - Conclusion and Next Steps

Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes, where we'll delve into the first of many steps towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.

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266: REBROADCAST: Pregnancy and Addiction with Dr. Charles Schauberger Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

Patients with substance use disorder have every right to be pregnant and have children as much as anyone else. Some people look at it as being irresponsible but who are we to judge? In fact, our guest today explains how certain medications for substance use disorders could have played a part in improving the hormonal milieu of patients enough that a pregnancy might occur.

On this episode, Duane speaks with Dr. Charles Schauberger, an OB/GYN and Addiction Medicine doctor who specializes in helping women who are struggling with substance use disorder go through pregnancy. This is an issue that doesn't get talked about or thought about a lot unless someone is in this situation.

A strong advocate for addiction treatment and compassionate care, Charles shares his story of getting into this specialty and how women dealing with substance use disorder can have a very healthy and successful pregnancy if they’re given the right support.

His motivation for helping these women comes from recognizing the discrimination against this group of underserved people who have limited resources, not to mention the stigma associated with their drug use which makes their pregnancy even harder.

Charles started practicing as an obstetrician in 1982 and has delivered about 5,000 babies over the course of his career. In 2008, he experienced burnout, left his clinical practice, and became a hospital administrator. After two and a half years, he went back into practice again because he missed patient contact.

Charles points out that patients are better off if they are stable in their treatment and recovery before achieving a pregnancy. However, he never talks down to anyone who gets pregnant while they're still actively using. Instead, he uses it as an opportunity to help them achieve recovery.

In this episode, you will hear:

Charles’ journey into medicine
Some myths around pregnancy and substance use
The stigmas that pregnant women struggling with substance abuse have
Using MAT during pregnancy
The real treatment for recovery

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Supporting Resources:

Women and Substance Use Disorders Action Group of the American Society of Addiction Medicine

NovusMindfulLife.com

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265: The Metamorphosis of Marci Hopkins from Addiction to Advocacy Jan 01, 2024

Show notes

Embark on a powerful journey with Marci Hopkins, renowned TV host and recovery expert, as she shares the raw and transformative story of her battle with alcoholism and her road to clarity and purpose. With eight years of sobriety under her belt, Marci talks candidly about the trials of navigating a childhood mired in trauma and addiction and how the pressures of her dream job in the limelight only fueled her struggle. Her compelling narrative, chronicled on "Wake Up with Marci" and in her insightful book "Chaos to Clarity," serves as a beacon of hope, affirming that even from the depths of despair, one can rise to a life of fulfillment and joy.

This episode doesn't just chronicle a story; it's an exploration of the tangible steps towards healing that many face in the anonymity of their own battles with addiction. As we discuss the critical role of the 12-step program, Marci opens up about the importance of surrender, spirituality, and gratitude in her own journey. We tackle practical matters too – the signs of a drinking problem, the dangers of an unsupervised detox, and the wealth of resources available, from online meetings to telehealth services. Most importantly, we shine a light on the crippling effect of shame and how the strength of community can dispel it, underlining the profound truth that sharing one's story can be the lifeline that someone else desperately needs.

In this episode, you will hear:

Struggling with drinking and seeking alternatives
Transformation and healing in recovery
Overcoming shame and finding support
Shift in perception and acceptance
Finding purpose and joy in life

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

“Chaos to Clarity” by Marci Hopkins: https://www.amazon.com/Chaos-Clarity-Seeing-Breaking-Cycles/dp/1955272115

NovusMindfulLife.com

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264: Initiating Change in the Corporate World for Recovery and Support with Cheryl Brown Merriwether Dec 25, 2023

Show notes

Unlock the secrets to transforming your business into a haven for employee well-being with insights from Cheryl Brown-Merriwether, a trailblazer in marrying corporate HR with addiction recovery education. As we navigate the post-pandemic world, Cheryl lays out the stark realities and innovative solutions needed to foster recovery-friendly workplaces. This episode is a beacon of hope for businesses striving to support their employees' mental health and addiction recovery journeys, featuring discussions on government and institutional advancements, as well as practical initiatives that encourage seeking help.

Step into a conversation that breaks down the barriers between addiction, mental health, and professional success. With Cheryl's expertise, we examine the integral role of empathy, peer support, and HR departments in creating a work culture where recovery is not just supported but celebrated. The dialogue traverses the significance of the Surgeon General's recent framework for mental health in the workplace, offering a roadmap to navigate the complexities of these intertwined challenges. This exchange is a testament to the power of inclusive leadership in initiating a substantial shift within workplace environments to prioritize employee health.

Prepare to be part of a revolutionary movement as Cheryl details the upcoming national launch of an institute designed to promote recovery-friendly workplaces. This landmark initiative aims to arm employers, particularly those leading small businesses, with the tools necessary to build supportive environments while also exploring the benefits awaiting businesses that commit to this cause. We also shine a light on the burgeoning role of recovery coaches in the workplace—not just as a source of support but as a beacon that guides individuals towards a more fulfilling professional and personal life. Join us for a journey through the heart of corporate compassion, where the well-being of each employee is the cornerstone of business success.

In this episode, you will hear:

Supporting workplace addiction awareness
Preventing substance use disorder in workplace
Responders and support for substance misuse
Leadership supporting systems development
Recovery-friendly workplaces made exciting and easy
Creating safe and accessible hr programs
Professional recovery coaches in the workplace
Connecting people for support and resources

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263: REBROADCAST Understanding Behavioral Addiction with Amanda Giordano Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

There are a lot of negative consequences that can come from behavioral addictions. They include everything from financial problems to legal repercussions to health issues. Whether it’s gambling, gaming, sex, or pornography, it’s important to understand why some people are susceptible to certain behaviors. In fact, the same mechanism that influences chemical addiction could be responsible for behavioral addiction as well.

On this episode, Duane speaks with Amanda Giordano, a licensed professional counselor and associate professor at the University of Georgia, who specializes in addiction counseling both in chemical addiction and behavioral addiction. Amanda is the author of a clinical reference book titled A Clinical Guide to Treating Behavioral Addictions.

Today, she imparts her expertise in this field, explaining how the changes in the brain associated with behavioral addictions are actually very similar to the changes associated with chemical addictions.

In other words, instead of becoming addicted to a chemical that originates outside of the body, the body is addicted to the release of its own neurochemicals (dopamine in particular). Once the brain’s reward system is activated, it releases neurotransmitters which can become very difficult for some people to abstain from as they become their primary means of regulating their emotions.

Hence, for some susceptible individuals, a rewarding behavior can become an addiction where there’s a loss of control over that behavior. The behavior is continued despite negative consequences and it becomes compulsive for that individual. They experience cravings or a mental preoccupation with the behavior when they're not engaging in it.

When we understand the neuroscience behind it, we can have a lot more empathy for people with addiction because we can now understand that their experience might be very different from the experience of someone who is not genetically predisposed to addiction.

Amanda also talks about how to distinguish behavioral addiction from just a high involvement in the behavior by looking for the 4 C’s of addiction.

In this episode, you will hear:

How a rewarding behavior can become an addiction
Different types of behavioral addiction
Resetting the brain takes time
The 4 C’s of addiction
The behavior becoming the salient part of their life
Proven effective methods of treatment
Factors that influence the susceptibility to behavioral addiction
Positive reinforcement vs. negative reinforcement
The three circles technique to identify the warning signs

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

NovusMindfulLife.com

Email: amanda.giordano@uga.edu

Amanda’s blog:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/contributors/amanda-l-giordano-phd-lpc

A Clinical Guide to Treating Behavioral Addictions:

https://www.amazon.com/Clinical-Guide-Treating-Behavioral-Addictions/dp/0826163165

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5):

https://www.amazon.com/Diagnostic-Statistical-Manual-Mental-Disorders/dp/0890425558

Irresistible by Adam Alter:

https://www.amazon.com/Irresistible-Addictive-Technology-Business-Keeping/dp/1594206643

Episode Credits

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262: The Hero's Journey Through Recovery with Dr. Michael Cowl Gordon Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

In a world grappling with addiction, every pathway to recovery is sacred. As we navigate the tumultuous terrain of our own recovery, we find solace and strength in shared stories.

Such as this journey of transformation and discovery by Dr. Michael Gordon, author of "The 12-Step Pathway: A Heroic Journey of Recovery." With insights gained from personal experience and expertise, Michael explores the power of the 12-step program and its symbiotic relationship with the concept of the hero's journey.

In this episode, Duane and Michael also take a deep dive into Joseph Campbell's philosophy, unraveling the profound significance of the hero's journey in the realm of addiction recovery. Highlighting the call to adventure and the subsequent refusal of the call, they provide a comprehensive breakdown of the hero's journey, as well as discuss the courage it takes to face one's dark side and make amends, illustrating the potent parallels between the 12-step recovery process and the hero's journey.

As they navigate through the intricate stages of the hero's journey and link them to the recovery process, you'll gain a deep understanding of the emotional evolution that accompanies addiction. While the journey to recovery may be arduous, it's a journey within reach for anyone. Tune in and bear witness to the universal struggle for recovery, and the hero within us all – just waiting to emerge.

In this episode, you will hear: