The Beyond Addiction Show

CMC Foundation for Change

Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Inside Rehab: The Surprising Truth About Addiction Treatment—and How to Get Help That Works, by Anne M. Fletcher

Tweetables and Quotes:

“Between 21 to 22 million people in the United States qualify as needing a substance use treatment and only 1.4% receive treatment.” — @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing [3:29]

“Two out of five people who perceive they have a substance use disorder, do not get treatment because they feel ambivalent and are not sure if they want to stop; one out of three could not afford treatment.” — @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing [5:38]

“One out of three people who need treatment for substance use won’t get it because of the social stigma associated with substance use disorder and treatment.” — @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing [8:22]

“There is a significant correlation between having mental health diagnosis and a substance use related disorder.” — @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing [14:50]

“If you are trying to take care of somebody else, you have to take care of yourself first.” — @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing [22:39]

“When we reduce isolation, we can get support.” — @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing [28:27]

Compassionate Parenting with Catherine Taughinbaugh Jun 15, 2022

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode of The Beyond Addiction Show

Today, Dr. King is talking about the very peculiar matter of how different people handle difficult situations in their lives, some would want to never experience the hardships they went through, and others might have come through traumatic situations with great scars, and yet, they consider each moment a lesson from which they learned.

Dr. King is accompanied in this episode by Catherine Taughinbaugh, who had a daughter who struggled with substance use, and after coming to the other end, she decided she needed to help other parents. Cathy is now a blogger and Certified Parent Coach who has coached parents all over the U.S. on how to help their children. She is also the author of The Compassion Antidote: A Path to Change for You and Your Child Struggling with Substance Use.

Key Takeaways:

[4:09] What is it like to be a Parent Coach?

[7:01] Cathy shares her experience with the coaching parents of children struggling with substance use commonly receive until she met the CRAFT approach.

[8:42] What does Cathy do as a Parent Coach?

[9:42] What can parents expect to do in a session with Cathy?

[14:11] Cathy shares her training on top of her lived experience as a mother helping her child who struggled with substance use.

[18:10] Cathy speaks about the most effective approach from her perspective.

[20:18] Why did Cathy write her book The Compassion Antidote?

[25:34] What does compassion have to do with helping someone facing substance use?

[29:55] Dr. King explains how parents trying to gain more control over their children simply does not work.

[31:34] Cathy says in her book that parents can retrain themselves to think about substance abuse not so much as a moral failing but rather as a chronic disease.

[34:35] How does Cathy help families shift to a more compassionate approach?

[39:01] Cathy suggests to parents how they can start helping their children by changing the conversation.

[43:30] How can parents start to change the conversation with their children?

Mentioned in this Episode:

Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Learn more about CathyTaughinbaugh

Tweetables and Quotes:

“CRAFT allows parents to help their children in the way they would normally support them, parents want to help their kids.”— Catherine Taughinbaugh @_TheCMC (7:43)

“Trying to gain more control over your children won’t work in helping them with their substance use problem.”— @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing (29:58)

“Parents are just scared and want to get their kids on a better path but they have their own lives and you can’t control everything that is going on.” — Catherine Taughinbaugh @_TheCMC (30:31)

“Think about your child when he or she was younger, that beautiful kid is still there.” — Catherine Taughinbaugh @_TheCMC (33:09)

“Change the conversation, try to stay away from the negativity, and focus on the ways your child is doing well.” — Catherine Taughinbaugh @_TheCMC (39:50)

Harm Reduction vs. Abstinence-Only Approaches with Dr. Andrew Tatarsky Jun 08, 2022

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode of The Beyond Addiction Show.

Today, Dr. King is accompanied by Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, one of the pioneers of Harm Reduction Therapy and the Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy developer.

In this discussion, Dr. King plays the role of “skeptic” to really push Dr. Tatarsky on why Harm Reduction is the way to go over abstinence-only approaches, Dr. Tatarsky also provides some tips and skills on how you can try harm reduction now.

Key Takeaways:

[2:50] Dr. Tatarsky shares why this is the moment for Harm Reduction Therapy.

[5:43] Does Harm Reduction encourage people to keep using substances?

[6:52] Dr. Tatarsky explains the meaning of compassionate pragmatism.

[9:15] Harm Reduction offers support to anyone who is ready to start a positive change journey.

[10:33] Dr. Tatarsky shares the definition of addiction to explain why Harm Reduction is effective even though it doesn’t stop the use.

[12:52] What happens when we increase suffering for those struggling with substance abuse?

[14:03] Dr. Tatarsky talks about the supervised injection sites as safe spaces that saved millions of lives around the world.

[16:14] Some people believe that what works in Europe does not necessarily have to work in the U.S. Dr. Tatarsky dives deep into his work around the world.

[21:01] Dr. Tatarsky shares some eye-opening statistics.

[22:08] What happens when someone goes to a supervised injection site?

[24:01] Dr. Tatarsky compares the harm reduction approach to the traditional.

[25:33] Submit or rebel? Dr. Tatarsky talks about the consequences of assuming one or the other as a response to traditional treatments for substance abuse.

[27:10] Harm Reduction opens a safe place, where people can feel respected and heard.

[30:35] Dr. Tatarsky once said “I don’t want to see anyone addicted to substances but that doesn’t mean that if that is where someone is I can’t accept it.”

[32:04] Dr. Tatarsky shares an analogy that greatly exemplifies why serving each unique individual is a much better approach than expecting everyone to follow the same path in regard to substance abuse.

[34:49] Why is it valuable to meet people where they are?

[39:56] Offering alternative strategies is part of the Harm Reduction approach.

[40:55] Dr. Josh and Dr. Tatarsky talk about the statistics on the effectiveness of the traditional approach.

[44:44] There is no straight line to success.

[46:16] We cannot control the people we love, nor our clients or patients.

[47:10] Dr. Tatarsky explains what Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy is about.

[51:46] Assessment as treatment.

[54:11] “Better is better.”

[56:07] Treatment trauma is real, some people are ignored when seeking help.

[57:42] Dr. Tatarsky shares some specific skills and strategies to empower clients to achieve the changes they want to make in their lives: Urge Surfing, Unwrapping the Urge, Find 18 Alternative Choices, and Game Planning.

[1:11:24] Dr. Tatarsky shares why having a plan is crucial.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Center for Optimal Living

Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

6 Step Guide to Positive Change

Tweetables and Quotes:

“Harm Reduction emerges in response to the limitations of traditional treatment.” — Dr. Andrew Tatarsky @_TheCMC (3:21)

“The overwhelming majority of people that struggle with drugs and alcohol have not been helped by traditional treatments.” — Dr. Andrew Tatarsky @_TheCMC (3:32)

“We don't have to know the outcome to start supporting people on their healing journeys” — Dr. Andrew Tatarsky @_TheCMC (8:51)

“It is not effective to ask people to just give up their life-saving, coping mechanism before they have an alternative that works better.” — Dr. Andrew Tatarsky @_TheCMC (35:27)

Remember the Joy with Sharon Salzberg Jun 01, 2022

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode and a new season of The Beyond Addiction Show.

Today, Dr. King is accompanied by Sharon Salzberg again after two years. At that time, she and Dr. King were both in shock while seeing what was happening in the world with the strike of the pandemic. In today’s episode, Sharon is sharing how her practice has changed as a result of COVID-19, how to practice everyday mindfulness and meditation in an uncertain environment, and if you listen up til the end, you will get the chance to participate in a full guided meditation with Sharon.

Key Takeaways:

[1:54] Sharon talks about the confusion she experienced at the beginning of the pandemic.

[4:36] How did the pandemic change Sharon?

[9:30] Some are longing for the moment of pause that the lockdown brought… what are the lessons we can learn from the lockdown period?

[15:03] Sharon and Dr. King talk about the time to pause people acquired during the pandemic.

[18:15] Gratefulness and appreciation were also brought by the pandemic.

[18:57] Sharon shares about the fragility and uncertainty people are experiencing today.

[20:40] Sharon talks about the benefits of practicing meditation and mindfulness in tough times.

[23:54] Sharon gives tips to use meditation to face the lack of control.

[26:53] Sharon shares her favorite definition of mindfulness.

[29:56] There is an interdependency between your resources and the conditions you are under.

[33:04] Sharon speaks about love and kindness.

[39:15] Everybody is grieving and we haven’t been taught how to grieve.

[41:27] Sharon introduces the principles of meditation.

[46:44] Sharon leads us into a guided meditation.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Listen to Mindfulness in Times of Corona with Sharon Salzberg

Tweetables and Quotes:

(8:29) “It is more convenient to practice a skill when you still really don’t need it.” — @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Mindfulness snuck up into our lives in an interesting way through the pandemic.” — @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing (15:02)

“There is such an epidemic of loneliness.” — Sharon Salzberg @_TheCMC (21:45)

“Another benefit of mindfulness is wisdom and understanding.” — @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing (22:30)

“We tend to blame ourselves, unfairly, unjustly for not being able to control things.” — Sharon Salzberg @_TheCMC (24:13)

“Look at people instead of through them.” — Sharon Salzberg @_TheCMC (35:48)

“Everybody is grieving and we don’t know how to grieve.” — Sharon Salzberg @_TheCMC (39:17)

Tackling Systemic Racism with L.J. Lumpkin May 25, 2022

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode of The Beyond Addiction Show

Today, Dr. King is accompanied by L.J. Lumpkin, a marriage and family therapist based in Southern California, who wrote Climbing Out of The Box: A Path of Healing From Systemic Racism and shares in an insightful conversation the meaning of systemic racism and how it shows up in everyday life for many people causing great rage and trauma.

The work that L.J. is doing in his community is really amazing; stick around until the end of today’s episode to see what he is doing in barbershops.

Key Takeaways:

[2:10] L.J. talks about the vulnerability implied in writing his book.

[4:12] L.J. shares how he found the motivation to write his book.

[7:33] L.J. explains how his role as a therapist combined with his own experience as a black man led him to have a deeper insight in regards to systemic racism.

[11:25] Everyone can relate in some way with L.J.’s story and theory about systemic racism, after all, we are all human first.

[13:01] L.J. talks about his experience working for treatment centers.

[15:05] What is systemic racism?

[19:26] L.J. shares several examples of systemic racism.

[25:22] L. J. recognizes the rage in him when he was younger and confronted with systemic racism.

[27:40] L.J. shares how he was impacted by going to a school where there were only 1% of black students (who also were athletes).

[33:16] Peace begins with me.

[36:51] We need to defy those categories imposed on us.

[39:47] L.J. speaks about intergenerational trauma.

[46:14] Systemic racism is subtle and complex, it isn't always obvious.

[47:19] First we need to acknowledge the trauma, and once we can name it, then we can actually start solving it.

[48:23] Dr. King and L.J. talk about the unique experience at barbershops.

[55:30] L.J. talks about the importance of normalizing the feelings resulting from systemic racism.

[56:27] L.J. does specific work with barbers teaching them how to allow others to cultivate their own process.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Nomad Healing Practices

Tweetables and Quotes:

“Let’s start to humanize our oppositions or the people who we can’t agree with, this way we can start to look at things through their perspective.” — L.J. Lumpkin

@_TheCMC @DocJoshKing (12:00)

“Systemic racism is a set of rules or beliefs that have been compartmentalized through our systems, in government, law, education, setting a standard for what is considered ‘normal’ and anyone outside of that box, there are preconceived notions about it.” — L.J. Lumpkin @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing (15:30)

“When we are in a fear state, we are not curious.” — L.J. Lumpkin @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing (29:01)

“When it comes to trauma, we do certain things to keep ourselves safe and then we don’t question them anymore, because we feel safe.”— L.J. Lumpkin @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing (37:10)

Picky-Eating Children: Parents Are Not To Blame with Dr. Katherine Dahlsgaard May 18, 2022

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode of The Beyond Addiction Show

Today, Dr. King is accompanied by Dr. Katherine Dahlsgaard who is a psychologist specializing in anxiety disorders. She is also the founder and director of Brave Is Better Consulting and Therapy, located in Philadelphia PA where she works with children and adults who have anxiety and related disorders. including helping children with picky eating habits.

Key Takeaways:

[2:30] Dr. Katherine specializes in picky-eating children.

[3:15] Dr. Katherine explains the suffering of parents of picky eaters.

[4:55] Children who are insightful about the limitations imposed by their eating habits have a better prognosis than those who lack that awareness.

[6:00] Dr. Katherine shares how she works with unmotivated children with picky eating habits.

[8:15] Dr. Katherine talks about the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

[10:18] Dr. Katherine explains what choking phobia is about.

[14:22] Picky eaters avoid food that is safe and healthy.

[18:05] Parents are not to blame for their picky-eating children.

[21:32] Dr. Katherine explains why we shouldn’t blame parents for picky eating.

[24:43] How does Dr. Katherine improve the child’s motivation to change?

[26:48] Dr. Katherine talks about disgust as a very primary emotion.

[32:08] Dr. Katherine explains why a “new” food can be suspected.

[36:30] When do children turn into picky eaters?

[38:07] American food culture really supports picky eaters and that is both bad and good, Dr. Katherine explains why.

[41:46] What is a good food culture?

[44:26] What can parents do at home?

[52:58] You can’t be happy and fulfilled as a picky eater if you are underweight.

[58:34] Grazers eat fewer calories than children who eat at meals.

[59:43] Parents should check their children’s growth curves.

[1:01:45] How can parents motivate children to try new foods?

[1:05:03] It is totally OK to reward your child for eating new foods.

[1:07:30] What to do if your child won’t try new food even when offering rewards?

[1:10:46] Parental attitude is crucially important.

[1:14:13] Don’t ask your picky-eating child if he liked the food, he doesn’t have to like it, if he is far less bothered by disgust that is progress.

Mentioned in this Episode:

French Kids Eat Everything: How Our Family Moved to France, Cured Picky Eating, Banned Snacking, and Discovered 10 Simple Rules for Raising Happy, Healthy Eaters, Karen Le Billon

Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Tweetables and Quotes:

(13:52) “With exposure therapy, children learn quickly that what they have been avoiding does not have to be avoided.” — Dr. Katherine Dahlsgaard @_TheCMC

(18:15) “Picky eating is highly determined by genetics, it is not a parenting problem.” — Dr. Katherine Dahlsgaard @_TheCMC

(27:48) “Disgust is powerful, and just as any painful emotion it serves an evolutionary purpose, saying ‘Do not eat that!’” — Dr. Katherine Dahlsgaard @_TheCMC

(38:07) “American food culture really supports picky eaters.” — Dr. Katherine Dahlsgaard @_TheCMC

(45:44) ”Children need to come to the table hungry.” — Dr. Katherine Dahlsgaard @_TheCMC

(1:05:03) “ It is totally OK to reward your child for eating new foods.” — Dr. Katherine Dahlsgaard @_TheCMC

Self-Compassion: Learn to Embrace Your Feelings with Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer May 11, 2022

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode of The Beyond Addiction Show

Today, Dr. King is accompanied by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer, the authors of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive. They share in this episode on self-compassion: how to incorporate it into our daily lives and what fierce self-compassion is.

Key Takeaways:

[1:47] Kristin and Chris talk about how their lives are now.

[3:58] Does self-compassion really help?

[5:07] Self-compassion is about opening up to whatever it is that you are feeling.

[6:38] Kindness is one important component of compassion and Chris explains why.

[8:14] There are both cultural and psychological barriers to self-compassion.

[10:14] Dr. King asks about the dangers of being kind to ourselves, giving ourselves permission to indulge in order to practice kindness with ourselves.

[12:25] Chris explains the concept of behavioral self-compassion.

[16:43] Kristin shares practical ways to exercise self-compassion for those who struggle the most.

[17:30] How can you pause when you are being too hard on yourself?

[22:25] Kristin shares the power of a soothing touch as a way of practicing compassion.

[25:34] Kristin talks about fierce self-compassion.

[31:33] Chris models how to be self-compassionate even when you are not ready to practice it.

[33:45] Everything starts with giving ourselves permission.

[35:00] Chris explains why sometimes practicing self-compassion can make us feel worse.

[37:48] Practicing self-compassion over time heals wounds.

[39:20] Kristin talks about how as humans we tend to avoid pain, how most of the time, we fail, and why.

[41:34] Chris presents the two paradoxes of self-compassion.

[44:55] The golden practice is simply to be a compassionate mess.

[46:53] Kristin talks about her book Fierce Self Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Learn more about the Center for Mindful Self Compassion

Tweetables and Quotes:

“Self-compassion doesn’t judge whether you should or shouldn’t be feeling how you do.” — Kristin Neff @_TheCMC (4:09)

“Self-compassion can be trained.” — Kristin Neff @_TheCMC (9:17)

“Ask yourself: Is this behavior really helping me? If it is not, then is not self-compassion.” — Kristin Neff @_TheCMC (14:56)

“You can unconditionally accept yourself without unconditionally accepting human behaviors.” — Kristin Neff @_TheCMC (27:00)

“If it is a struggle, it is not self-compassion.” — Christopher Germer @_TheCMC (30:41)

“When you start being compassionate with yourself, old wounds come up.” — Christopher Germer @_TheCMC (35:04)

The Awe Experience: A State of Evoked Mindfulness with Dr. Michelle “Lani” Shiota May 04, 2022

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to a new season of The Beyond Addiction Show

Today, Dr. King is accompanied by Dr. Michelle “Lani” Shiota, who is a researcher at the University of Arizona where she studies emotions, particularly the awe emotion, which is a uniquely mind-opening experience that inspires us to put aside our pre-conceived schemas about the world and approach new situations accurately, with calm and curiosity.

Dr. Shiota shares in today’s episode her vast knowledge in the field of emotions, explaining what they are and why they are crucially important for human expression and interactions. Dr. Shiota dives deep into the meaning of the awe emotion, how they work, what we do for ourselves, and how we can make these awe moments more frequent in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

[2:35] What are emotions?

[6:13] There are behaviors and psychological changes linked to emotions.

[8:30] Dr. Shiota discusses the inadequacies of the current theories about emotions.

[9:30] What do emotions do for us?

[10:30] Emotions help us understand our own and others’ feelings and the behaviors resulting from feeling a certain way.

[12:08] What is the connection between the spoken emotion and the experience of it?

[13:52] Dr. Shiota shares an example of some feelings that are processed in a very ancient way.

[18:02] Dr. Shiota talks about the immense way that humans cooperate with each other.

[20:21] Dr. Shiota gives the definition of the emotion of awe: An emotional response to a certain kind of situation that short circuits our capacity to relate prior knowledge to it.

[25:10] At the heart of the awe state there is the recognition that what we know is not sufficient to explain what we are looking at.

[26:30] What does an awe experience do for us?

[32:02] Can we do something to create an awe experience?

[34:45] Dr. Shiota explains how anyone can experience awe.

[37:02] Dr. Shiota and Dr. King talk about how seeking an awe moment can help deal with the anxiety related to substance abuse.

[43:07] When is the right time to seek an awe experience? Before or during a triggering situation?

[45:50] Dr. Shiota talks about a pilot study they did with smokers.

[52:16] Anything that you can do to bring rewards into the moment will be helpful and Dr. Shiota explains why.

[55:06] How do you apply the awe experience to substance use disorder?

[57:30] Dr. Shiota shares the White Bear Phenomenon.

[59:31] Dr. Shiota speaks of her role as Director for the Substance Use and Addiction Translational Research Network.

[1:06:47] Dr. King shares his thoughts after a mind-opening conversation with Dr. Shiota.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Tweetables and Quotes:

“When we talk about emotions we usually talk about an indicator of an internal state” — Dr. Michelle Shiota @_TheCMC [4:40]

“Emotion is clearly a result of both nature and nurture.” — Dr. Michelle Shiota @_TheCMC [7:17]

“We simply don’t have an existing theory that satisfactorily accounts for everything we know about emotion and how it works.” — Dr. Michelle Shiota @_TheCMC [8:43]

“Emotions help in binding us together, connecting our internal worlds.” — @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing [16:23]

“Emotions help us navigate relationships with each other.” — Dr. Michelle Shiota @_TheCMC [18:29]

“At the heart of the awe state, there is the recognition that what we know is not sufficient to explain what we are looking at.” — Dr. Michelle Shiota @_TheCMC [25:10]

“When people are in an awe state they are taking in information without being biased or influenced by what they are expecting to see.” — @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing [30:34]

“We cannot change through subtraction, we change through addition.” — @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing [56:53]

Three-Year Anniversary Episode with Dr. Josh King Dec 08, 2021

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode of The Beyond Addiction Show, this episode is the one marking the third anniversary of this podcast an important time to be grateful to all the audience and the incredible smart guests that had taken part in these conversations, the feedback from all of you who are listening are simply invaluable and work as the fuel to get this space going.

Today, Dr. King is sharing the highlights from past episodes where the experts share about addiction, PTSD, anxiety, and the different therapeutic approaches developed to support and help people struggling with their (physical, mental and spiritual) health.

Key Takeaways:

[2:08] Dr. King shares highlights from past episodes.

[2:16] Listen to a part of the episode with David Yusko on the Treatment of Addiction and PTSD where he talks about exposure therapy and its benefits.

[10:12] David Yusko talks about the overlap between trauma and substance use.

[13:32] How does David Yusco treat substance abuse and trauma?

[17:45] Daniel Lieberman talks about the role of dopamine in the brain and its relationship with substance use.

[18:24] Your Brain on Dopamine with Daniel Lieberman

[19:10] What role does dopamine play in evolution?

[20:17] Daniel Lieberman gives examples of how dopamine works.

[23:36] Daniel Lieberman explains why anticipating something is very different of having it.

[24:29] What are the chemicals that give people sustained enjoyment?

[27:09] Are people naturally born with either more dopamine or the”here and now” chemicals?

[28:23] Is there something that can be done to change the ratio of dopamine and ”here and now” chemicals?

[30:16] Is Addiction a Learning Disorder with Maia Szalavitz

[31:58] Maia and Dr. King talk about how punishing substance users do not work.

[33:00] Addiction can be considered a learning disorder.

[38:18] Addiction does not get worse with time.

[39:22] Shining a New Light on ADHD with Dr. Ned Hallowell

[40:04] Dr. Hallowell describes what ADHD is.

[43:04] ADD can take you to the hights or to the depths.

[44:35] The ADD mind is endlessly curious.

[46:22] Dr. Hallowell talks about the great problem with addiction and ADHD.

[48:44] Distraction vs curiosity.

[51:10] Bathing in Nature with Florence Williams

[51:23] Florence williams talks about nature deficit disorder

Mentioned in this Episode:

Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity--and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race, Daniel Z. Lieberman and Michael E. Long

Tweetables and Quotes:

(16:30) “You need to treat trauma and PTSD at the same time”— David Yusco @_TheCMC

(18:52) “The dopamine circuits in our brain are absolutely esencial for our survival.”— Daniel Lieberman @_TheCMC

(20:05) “Dopamine is the chemical that coordinates the behavior to pursue things that we want but do not have”— Daniel Lieberman @_TheCMC

(22:38) “Anticipation sometimes exceeds realization” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

(32:12) “In order to recover you have to learn the coping skills you didn’t have, that is why punishing people for not having those skills does not really teach them.” — Maia Szalavitz @_TheCMC

(38:18) “Addiction does not get worse with time, actually the longer you are addicted the more likely you are to potentially recover.” — Maia Szalavitz @_TheCMC

(40:50) “ADHD can be an amazing asset or a terrible curse, that depending on how you manage it” — Dr. Ned Hallowell @_TheCMC

(41:37) “ADHD is the entrepreneurial trait.” — Dr. Ned Hallowell @_TheCMC

(45:06) “Creativity is impulsivity going right.” — Dr. Ned Hallowell @_TheCMC

Live Your Fullest Life (Even WIth Fear and Anxiety) with Dr. Jarell Myers and Dr. Julie Jarvis Nov 24, 2021

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode and a new season of The Beyond Addiction Show. The pandemic has certainly brought anxiety in different shapes and forms to many (if not to most) of us. Anxiety can be the force that drives and motivates as but it can also work against us by shutting us down and keeping us from engaging in our lives.

Today, Dr. King is accompanied by Dr. Jarell Myers and Dr. Julie Jarvis to talk about how we can engage in our own lives even with anxiety and fear present. They break down what exposure therapy is, providing tools for us to be able to create our own exposure to help us cope with our fears and anxiety and to really live our fullest lives.

Key Takeaways:

[3:18] What is and isn’t OCD? How can you tell if the behavior is compulsive?

[7:50] OCD is fear-based.

[8:52] When can something be considered a normal feeling or a problematic one?

[10:48] What happens when the person is totally OK with his or her symptoms but everyone around can’t take them anymore?

[12:21] Dr. Jarvis talks about exposure therapy.

[13:39] Dr. Myers shares what drew him to work with patients suffering from anxiety.

[16:40] Dr. Myers talks about the fun part of being a therapist dedicated to helping patients struggling with anxiety.

[18:46] Dr. Jarvis explains what exposure and response prevention really is.

[22:45] Exposure therapy is not about throwing the patient into the deep end; the patient needs to be guided through a process where he or she is able to build up a tolerance.

[25:36] Dr. Jarvis speaks about how some patients come up with their own ways of exposure and also how the therapist plays a key role in helping the patient go through the process successfully.

[29:31] Therapists who have been treating anxiety might be aware of things that you have not noticed.

[30:55] Dr. King shares statistics about how the pandemic has caused a significant increase in substance use.

[31:30] How can exposure therapy be used to improve people’s lives in times of pandemics?

[35:16] What are the things that you wish you could get back to?

[37:25] Dr. Jarvis talks about the relationship between anxiety and certainty.

[41:21] Facing your anxiety is a way of enhancing your life.

[42:26] It feels great to do the things you are afraid of; it’s worth the short-term pain.

Mentioned in this Episode:

International OCD Foundation

Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Harm Reduction Therapy with Maia Szalavitz Nov 17, 2021

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode and a new season of The Beyond Addiction Show and this time he is exploring the Harm Reduction Movement launched as a different approach to HIV and AIDS and which ended up impacting the way of approaching substance use treatment in general.

Today, Dr. King is accompanied by Maia Szalavitz, author of Undoing Drugs: The Untold Story of Harm Reduction and the Future of Addiction, where she shows how Harm Reduction in the U.S. began with HIV treatment and evolved to include substance use disorders.

Key Takeaways:

[2:12] Maia shares about Harm Reduction Therapy and its beginnings.

[10:35] None of the drug policies that are being enforced in the USA are based on evidence.

[12:38] Maia explains the power of providing life-saving information to people.

[14:10] When you are kind to people they will be kinder to themselves.

[15:33] People need to learn skills in order to get better.

[16:30] Why do people get upset with Harm Reduction?

[20:01] People’s health gets worse when they are not left alone with their substance abuse, while research shows that their health improves when the health system acts compassionately.

[24:40] Maia talks about the case of antidepressants and opioids.

[26:25] Maia explains why she calls Harm Reduction “radical empathy.”

[29:58] People with substance abuse issues should be the ones who take the lead; counselors who believe they have control over someone’s life are prompt to develop abuse.

[32:40] Maia and Dr. King talk about the application of Harm Reduction.

[37:15] Maia gives advice to families who are dealing with someone with antisocial traits.

[40:22] Antisocial traits are more about impulsivity than social malice.

[43:19] Focus on the progress that people are making instead of punishing what is going wrong.

[48:39] People do better when they believe they are in control.

[51:55] Maia talks about the challenges she went through while writing her latest book.

[55:06] A little spoiler alert about one of Maia’s personal experiences that can be found in the book.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Undoing Drugs: The Untold Story of Harm Reduction and the Future of Addiction, by Maia Szalavitz

The Brain-Body Connection with Thomaz Bastiaanssen Nov 10, 2021

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode and a new season of The Beyond Addiction Show. Currently, just by visiting any food store, you can see products that state that they’ll help you promote your microbiome or that a certain product is probiotic. Do you actually know what it means?

Today, Dr. King is accompanied by Thomaz Bastiaanssen. An expert in the field of the microbiome, he has conducted much research exploring the connection between the gut and the brain and it turns out that both are intimately related.

Key Takeaways:

[2:30] There are approximately 30 trillion microbes living in your gut.

[3:18] What is a microbiome?

[3:50] Thomas describes the gut microbiome.

[5:45] We are intrinsically linked with our microbiome.

[7:01] The most important work of the microbiome happens during birth.

[8:16] The microbiome is diverse and adaptable.

[9:40] Why don’t we talk more about the importance of the microbiome?

[11:55] Does taking medicines wipe out your microbiome?

[13:23] Antibiotics are an assault on the microbiome.

[15:03] Thomas explains the several direct connections between the gut and the brain.

[16:30] Thomas describes the connection between the microbiome and depression.

[19:15] How can you regulate a microbiome?

[19:46] What is a “responsible diet”?

[23:40] Thomas talks about the meaning of prebiotics and probiotics.

[28:25] Are there any particular foods that are especially helpful to your microbiome?

[30:00] Does eating raw food help your microbiome?

[31:15] Thomas suggests everyone check their fiber intake and stay away from processed sugars and saturated fats.

[34:35] How closely related is depression to the microbiome?

[38:01] Thomas explains why it can be frustrating to be at this stage of the research about the role of microbiomes on our overall health.

[39:45] Thomas talks about fecal transplants.

[44:03] Research has shown that fecal transplants can alleviate the symptoms of aging.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Owning Your Story Is a Way of Healing with Erin Khar Nov 03, 2021

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode and a new season of The Beyond Addiction Show. There are plenty of memoirs about how substance use has impacted someones’ life, but Erin Khar’s memoir stands apart not only for her writing ability, but also for her vulnerability throughout the book; reading her book is an invitation to her life, her personal experiences, and struggles, accompanying her to the multiple trips to rehab until she finally walked herself out of substance use.

Today, Dr. King and Erin Khar are diving deep into the importance of finding the right treatment, because especially when it comes to therapy, one size does not fit all.

Key Takeaways:

[2:31] Erin talks about what it was like to write her book.

[5:28] Erin embraced the fact that she was going to be unlikable in some parts of the story.

[6:11] Specificity makes things look more universal; that is the reason why the details in Erin’s memoir make her a reliable narrator.

[7:10] Erin talks about her early experience with substance use.

[11:11] Erin explains how she dealt with her suicidal thoughts by using heroin.

[11:50] Erin’s parents sent her to therapy for the first time.

[13:35] Traditional models of treatment can facilitate a vicious circle for some people struggling with substance abuse.

[16:30] There is an ambivalence lying behind any addiction.

[18:01] There are belief systems that we create about ourselves from a very young age.

[19:58] When you are a drug addict, your whole life is organized around drug usage and you know how that is going to make you feel; changing that creates a terrifying fear of the unknown.

[21:30] How did writing a book help Erin?

[23:23] Erin talks about becoming a parent and how that changed her point of view about making mistakes.

[25:47] Erin talks about how her life changed when she stopped living with the stigma.

[28:14] Our justice system believes in maintaining a punishment for life even after serving time in prison.

[29:15] Erin talks about her experience in different types of treatment.

[34:15] Erin talks about the public health policy towards harm reduction.

[35:28] What does Erin think about rehabs?

[37:53] People do relapse, let’s normalize it!

[39:29] Erin explains why we need to reclaim the term recovery.

[43:16] How can a parent help their kids to learn how to regulate their emotions?

[46:16] Mental and physical health are just health!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Learn more about Erin Khar

Strung Out: One Last Hit and Other Lies That Nearly Killed Me, Erin Khar

Parenting a Child Struggling with Substance Abuse with Brenda Zane Oct 27, 2021

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode and a new season of The Beyond Addiction Show.

Today, Dr. King is accompanied by Brenda Zane, a mother who decided to do something to support other fellow mothers in the difficult journey of parenting a child struggling with substance abuse. Brenda is a certified Health and Wellness Coach, and the host of Hopestream, a podcast for parents of kids who are misusing drugs or alcohol or are in treatment or early recovery.

Key Takeaways:

[2:53] Brenda talks about the feeling of being alone when you are a parent of a child that is abusing drugs or alcohol.

[4:15] Brenda talks about the feeling when a parent wonders how he/she will be able to balance all their responsibilities plus a child struggling with addiction.

[6:10] Brenda shares the journey that brought her where she is today.

[8:30] When doing “everything” is not enough.

[9:12] Brenda did not really understand addiction and she felt she just had a bad kid who was doing bad things and just needed to stop.

[11:10] Addiction is a way to cope, but the user might not know this.

[12:09] Things got worse.

[14:40] Brenda built a community of people that she could relate to (mostly moms).

[15:57] When you don’t have enough information, searching on Google is so scary.

[17:37] Brenda describes The Stream, an online community for mothers with children struggling with substance abuse, where they can get support and resources.

[22:01] Brenda shares how her life has changed as a result of what they went through together with her son and turned that into something she could use to support other people going through the same.

[26:48] How did Brenda pass the feelings of guilt and shame and finally reach self-care?

[29:54] Brenda talks about how the abnormal can become normal.

[31:13] Everyone’s story is a little different.

[32:25] Brenda talks about the first steps: Take care of yourself and get educated.

[34:18] Brenda explains why you should have NARCAN in your house if your daughter or son are abusing substances.

[40:40] Stigma prevents parents from looking for resources and moving quickly to help their children.

[42:36] Shame does not work, it does not motivate anyone to change.

[44:36] Find a therapist, you will need one on your team!

[45:09] What does it look like to come to The Stream for the first time?

[48:57] The Stream is a community meant to support parents.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

The Stream

Harm Reduction Therapy with Patt Denning Oct 20, 2021

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode and a new season of The Beyond Addiction Show.

Today, Dr. King is accompanied by Patt Denning, who is a licensed clinical psychologist, one of the primary developers of Harm Reduction Therapy, and a nationally recognized expert in dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorders). Her work in the bay area is so amazing and the story she has about how this treatment was developing over time is really inspiring. Patt is sharing in today’s episode her amazing professional journey that transformed the way in which we see substance use treatment.

Key Takeaways:

[2:15] Patt has transformed the world of substance use therapy.[3:08] Patt talks about the evolution of Harm Reduction Therapy.[10:14] Patt shares about her professional experience with the burst of the HIV epidemic which brought an epidemic of drug abuse.[12:00] Patt decided to stop referring the patients struggling with drug abuse and instead, treating them with her teams.[15:37] Patt tells when she heard about Harm Reduction for the first time.[19:16] Patt explains how Harm Reduction Therapy started.[21:30] Therapy needs to feel like a conversation, where people feel free to open up about their lives and the difficult experiences they experienced.[25:06] Patt and Jeannie decided to go non-profit.[28:37] Patt shares how they needed to rethink how they have been structuring therapy.[30:40] Patt describes the reason for therapist’s burnout.[34:25] Patt talks about how she admits to be enabling people to talk openly about their abuse and observing without judgment the harms that they are suffering.[35:58] What is driving the use or misuse of drugs?[36:58] Addiction is not a brain disease.[38:33] Patt talks about how she wrote Loving Someone Who Loves Drugs and Alcohol and how it is intended to reduce harm also in the families of those abusing drugs.[41:52] Suffering is not generally motivating.[43:35] Patt talks about the innovations that were imposed by COVID-19 but had a beginning two years before the pandemic.[49:00] Shifting the therapeutic frame had amazing results (but also brought challenges).[53:45] PPE (Personal protective equipment) was instituted in early February 2019.[57:13] Helping people meet their basic needs is also therapy. When people’s basic needs are met, they are not in survival mode anymore.[59:30] What is Patt’s plan for retirement?

Mentioned in this Episode:

Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Harm Reduction Therapy

Over the Influence, Second Edition: The Harm Reduction Guide to Controlling Your Drug and Alcohol Use, Patt Denning and Jeannie Little

Raising Awareness About Athletes’ Mental Health with Mark Hilinski Oct 15, 2021

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode and a new season of The Beyond Addiction Show. As the football season starts, each week hordes of people sit and watch the players get to the field and perform amazing feats of physical strength and ability, but how often do people stop and think about the toll that this has on their mental health? Is their mental health considered at all? Are we paying enough attention to the emotional well-being of our athletes?

Today, Dr. King is accompanied by Mark Hilinski whose son, Tyler, a college quarterback, took his own life. Mark is sharing in today’s episode his efforts in trying to bring athletes’ mental health to the center of the scene. He talks about the foundation they set up in Tyler’s memory and the work they are doing to raise awareness of athletes’ mental health.

Key Takeaways:

[1:58] Mark shares about Hilinski’s Hope Foundation.

[5:25] Mark explains why he does not use the expression “committed suicide” anymore.

[6:55] We have to allow each other to ask for and receive help.

[8:50] Mark talks about the pressure his son was feeling as a college quarterback.

[11:30] Everyone needs to know that depression and anxiety are treatable.

[12:55] Mark talks about Tyler.

[20:41] What is your image of mental illness?

[22:59] Mental health problems are much more prevalent than we think.

[24:28] Mark shares a memory of when Tyler was in junior high school.

[27:50] Athletes are at particular risk to develop mental health issues as a result of the pressure put on them and also for really struggling to ask for support due to the stigma around it.

[29:32] Many athletes and coaches do not really understand mental health.

[32:05] Our athletes need a supportive community.

[33:07] What message does Mark want to share with other parents? Follow your gut instinct.

[36:03] It is not about mental health; it is just about health.

[38:00] Mark talks about Simone Biles and her healthy and courageous decision during the Olympics.

[39:30] Mark talks about H3H work on campus.

[43:48] H3H is a program that does not require any new resources and intends to help as many people as possible.

[46:40] H3H provides tools to help someone going through depression and anxiety.

[50:19] Mark and Dr. King talk about how important the campaign was to raise awareness about breast cancer and how H3H is trying to follow the same steps.

[52:19] Mark shares the results of research about children and adolescents who survive suicide attempts: Kids don‘t want to die, they can’t stand the pain they are in.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Hilinski’s Hope Foundation

Center for Motivation and Change on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Questions and Answers on Substance Abuse with Dr. Jeff Foote Mar 17, 2021

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode of The Beyond Addiction Show. After receiving over 150 emails from listeners, Dr. King has picked out a few for the first “mailbag” episode, and he will answer those questions along with Dr. Jeff Foote, co-founder of the Center for Motivation and Change and a regular guest on this show.

Listen to this episode to learn about the following topics and much more:

How to approach someone who seems not to be interested in his/her recovery
How to stop drinking
Is substance abuse a disease?
How to draw a cost-benefit chart in regards to substance use

Key Takeaways:

[1:59] Question 1: How do you accept the fact that no matter how many trips to rehab and the emergency room, your loved one is not interested in getting well?

[4:40] There is an opportunity in being aware of our own feelings towards someone who does not seem to care about getting better.

[8:09] Focusing on self-care and self-compassion.

[9:44] It is often not the case that someone that constantly fails in his or her attempts to get better, is really not interested in his or her health, they might have no idea how to change.

[11:02] Dr. King and Dr. Foote talk about the “apparent” cure that substances offer to emotional suffering.

[13:43] What is really going on with someone who is abusing substances?

[14:13] Simply listen!

[15:33] How do I create conditions for change?

[16:33] Try to understand the person’s motivations behind substance abuse.

[17:08] The differences between a reason and an excuse.

[18:10] Question 2: How can I stop drinking?

[19:55] What will you be giving up if you stop drinking?

[21:32] What am I going to gain?

[25:18] Question 3: Do you teach that substance abuse is a disease?

[27:43] Calling substance abuse a disease leaves a lot of the complexity of addiction out of the picture.

[31:22] Question 4: What is the best approach when a client says that being sober is boring and no fun?

[33:14] What are you missing from your old habits?

[35:16] Dr. Foote describes how to make a cost and benefits chart.

[39:51] Dr. Foote talks about an approach called “Invitation to Change.”

Mentioned in this Episode:

CMC Foundation for Change

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Tweetables and Quotes:

“Substance abuse is a way of not dealing with the shame and suffering someone is experiencing.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Try to simply listen, without judgment, without prejudice; just listen.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Ask yourself why do you do what you do, what is your motivation behind your substance abuse.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“It is not a good deal if you are considering change, to trade something for nothing.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Calling substance abuse a disease is a very inadequate way to describe a complex set of human behaviors.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

The Struggle of Finding the Right Recovery Coach with Rev. Jan Brown Mar 10, 2021

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode and a new season of The Beyond Addiction Show.

Trying to find a therapist can be a pretty hard thing to do. Even though there are plenty of online resources, finding the right therapist for you is not always an easy endeavor. If you are looking for help in regards to substance use disorders it often feels impossible to navigate the many different names, job titles, and recommendations that you find along the way.

Today, Dr. King is accompanied by Reverend Jan Brown, Founding/Executive Director of SpiritWorks Foundation Center for the Soul and she is helping to set the standard for training recovery and peer coaches.

Key Takeaways:

[2:15] Jan talks about Spirit Works Foundation.

[3:15] Jan explains the differences between the several approaches to help patients through their recovery.

[4:14] Rev. Jan talks about the best way to start when looking for help for recovery.

[5:23] What do sober coaches do?

[6:10] What can you expect from a sober coach?

[7:05] What is the role of a recovery coach vs. a peer recovery coach?

[9:37] What can you expect from a professional recovery coach?

[10:37] What can a peer recovery coach do to help a patient?

[12:47] How can you tell the difference between a professional and a peer recovery coach?

[14:04] Rev. Jan explains what a peer recovery support specialist does.

[16:17] What are sober companions?

[18:37] Can all these roles replace therapy?

[21:25] Not all recovery coaches have to be in recovery themselves.

[23:01] Is it OK to encourage someone to be a recovery coach?

[25:35] Rev. Jan and Dr. King talk about the problems that can be generated by the lack of standardization in this field.

[30:40] Rev. Jan talks about her efforts in nationalizing standards.

[33:30] Rev. Jan talks to those who feel too confused and uncertain about what could be the right help for them.

[34:27] No one engages better than a peer.

[38:10] There is a place for every specialty.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Faces and Voices of Recovery

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Learn more about Rev. Jan Brown

Spirit Works Foundation

Tweetables and Quotes:

“A coach’s lived experience needs to be accompanied by the right training.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“A sober coach primarily does transfers; is the one that makes sure that someone arrives safely from treatment to their home or from one treatment center to another.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“A recovery coach must go to some form of life coach training and might be part of an association.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“A peer recovery coach is someone who has lived experience of addiction and recovery and may or may not have received training.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“A peer recovery support specialist has credentials and some training that can be proved.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Sober companions can guarantee that a person is sober.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“None of the recovery coaches and peer coaches are clinical services, they cannot replace therapy.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“From an engagement point of view, no one engages better than a peer.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

All You Need to Know About Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy with Dr. Brian Pilecki Mar 03, 2021

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode and a new season of The Beyond Addiction Show

Today, Dr. King is going to dive deep into the topic of psychedelic-assisted therapy, an approach that is growing in both popularity and in research. Dr. King is accompanied by Dr. Brian Pilecki who answers all of your questions regarding psychedelic-assisted therapy, since it may be the therapeutic approach you choose in the future.

Dr. Brian Pilecki is a clinical psychologist at Portland Psychotherapy that specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders (OCD, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder), trauma, and PTSD, and matters related to the use of psychedelics. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and practices from an orientation based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He has been studying psychedelics for over 20 years, including earning an M.A. in East-West Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies and attending numerous trainings and conferences. At Portland Psychotherapy he is involved in several research studies on psychedelics, such as a clinical trial investigating the use of MDMA to treat social anxiety, and has published in the area of psychedelics and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He is also involved in public education and advocacy to reduce the stigma associated with psychedelic use.

Key Takeaways:

[2:19] Dr. Pilecki talks about the decriminalization of psychedelics for assisted therapy.

[2:39] Psychedelic assisted therapy is not new.

[3:58] Many cultures used psychedelics differently.

[6:05] There was a wave of research that started in the ’60s and ’70s.

[7:49] There is research that supports that psychedelics have medicinal qualities.

[9:46] Dr. Pilecki talks about recent research that proves that psychedelic-assisted therapy contributes to the reduction of depression, PTSD, and anxiety symptoms significantly.

[11:02] Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy is also proven to be effective with substance abuse disorders even though there is research to be done in the field.

[12:42] Dr. Pilecki shares his knowledge about the doubts of using psychedelics with people prone to addiction behaviors.

[14:38] People with a history of psychosis or bipolar disorder have been excluded from the trial with psychedelics.

[15:48] What does Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy’s process look like?

[19:45] Part of the work done during a session of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy is putting in words the experience the patient has as well as processing the emotions and feelings resulting from it.

[20:53] Are there any common features that patients can experience during Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?

[23:20] The range of potential experiences during Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy is hard to describe since it is very wide.

[25:36] Dr. Pilecki talks about the spiritual experience a patient might feel under DMT.

[26:47] Dr. Pilecki shares his point of view about the science behind psychedelics.

[31:56] Dr. Pilecki explains why psychedelics are beneficial.

[33:25] It is necessary to have an open conversation about the pros and cons of using psychedelics.

[34:57] Dr. Pilecki explains the differences between recreational and therapeutic uses of psychedelics.

[36:18] What is harm reduction?

[39:00] Dr. King and Dr. Pilecki talk about the influence of Michael Pollan’s book: How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence

[40:40] Psychedelics require the patient to engage in therapeutic work.

[43:45] Dr. Pilecki talks about the public policy aspect of using psychedelics for therapy.

[49:28] Balancing psychedelic safe use with increasing its access to as many people who could benefit from them.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Portland Psychotherapy

Tweetables and Quotes:

“Psychedelics have been used in indigenous cultures for thousands of years.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Psychedelics were used by indigenous cultures to achieve healing, growth, connection to higher powers and even sometimes to approach community disagreements.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“There is scientific research that supports that psychedelics have medicinal qualities.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Psychedelic-assisted therapy is proven to be two to three times more effective than traditional therapy and medications.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Psychedelics involve therapeutic work.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

How to Grow Independent Adults with Jessica Lahey Feb 24, 2021

For those listeners who have children, you know they are your biggest source of joy as well as your biggest source of worry and it has never been more true than during this pandemic since we have been closer to our children than we ever expected to be. How do we know if we are handling situations right? In today’s episode, Dr. Josh King welcomes Jessica Lahey, a teacher, writer, and speaker, to talk about what is the best practice to helping your children grow into independent adults during the pandemic and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

[2:15] Jessica shares how her family has been doing during the pandemic.

[4:50] Are children getting what they need during the pandemic?

[6:58] Learn to parent in a more effective way.

[10:20] The pandemic brought teachers into every child’s home.

[11:30] Jessica talks about her book The Gift of Failure.

[15:07] Allowing your kids to struggle is tough work for parents.

[18:12] Helping your children to develop positive adaptive responses to failure.

[20:04] How does it look to let your kids struggle? Explain the why, show how to, and let them do it their way.

[25:20] Shifting parents from a punish paradigm to a reinforcement style, how can parents use praise to help change behaviors?

[27:43] Focus more on the process and less on the product.

[28:56] Jessica talks about the research on extrinsic motivation.

[30:04] We should aim for intrinsic motivation, but how to achieve it?

[31:30] Online learning is a learned skill.

[35:10] Jessica shares her opinion about parents and control.

[38:30] Parents need to find a new way of engaging.

[41:00] Jessica talks about parenting children struggling with substance abuse.

[46:30] Parents need to learn to sit with their own anxiety.

[48:46] Jessica explains why shutting down your child’s friendships never turns out the way that is expected.

[50:11] How to find natural consequences?

[53:38] Jessica talks about her new book that is about to be launched.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Jessica Lahey on Instagram

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed, by Jessica Lahey

Jessica Lahey

Jessica Lahey on Twitter

Jessica Lahey YouTube Channel

Tweetables and Quotes:

“Extrinsic rewards affect children’s motivation and learning.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“If you smooth the path for your children it limits their way to become autonomous.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Giving children extrinsic motivators over the long term does not boost motivation; on the contrary they undermine it.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Online learning is a skill that needs to be learned.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Align yourself with your children, get to know about their feelings.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

Is Online Therapy As Effective As In-Person Therapy? with Dr. Ashley Batastini Feb 17, 2021

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode and a new season of The Beyond Addiction Show.

One year ago, our lives changed dramatically as our society moved online, as our work moved online, our therapy did it as well, and since that happened many people have wondered if therapy done over the internet is as effective as therapy done in person.

Today, Dr. King is accompanied by Dr. Ashley Batastini, a teacher and a researcher at the University of Memphis who shares her research about the efficacy of online therapy.

Key Takeaways:

[2:43] Dr. Batastini has been researching online therapy for over a decade.

[5:25] What are the misconceptions about online therapy?

[7:41] Teletherapy is not that new, it actually began in 1997.

[14:20] Dr. Batastini talks about her research.

[16:46] Research shows that online therapy works as well as in-person therapy.

[18:21] Dr. Batastini explains why women have better outcomes having online therapy.

[22:01] Who are the people that would benefit the most from online therapy?

[25:30] Online therapy can help to shorten the wealth and power gap in regards to access to treatment.

[28:42] Teletherapy has played a key role during the pandemic.

[31:15] Dr. Batastini talks about the case of the agoraphobic patient benefiting from online therapy.

[35:25] The I-don’t-have-time-for-therapy kind of person can also benefit from online therapy.

[38:56] Dr. Batastini talks about The Batastini Psych Lab.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Learn more about Dr. Ashley Batastini

Email Dr. Batastini at ashley.batastini@memphis.edu

Tweetables and Quotes:

“Research shows that online therapy works as well as in-person therapy, in even in some cases it shows to be a better way on a patient engagement aspect.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Online therapy can be not the best approach for people that are psychotic, have delusions, or paranoia.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Most people can use online therapy and get benefits from it.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Online therapy can help to shorten the wealth and power gap in regards to access to treatment.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

How COVID-19 Is Impacting Our Adolescents with Dr. Shannon Caspersen Feb 10, 2021

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode and a new season of The Beyond Addiction Show. The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on everyone and has caused an alarming rise in substance use among adults, but what about our adolescents? has the increased time at home around their parents prevent them from using substances?

Today, Dr. King is accompanied again by Dr. Shannon Caspersen who is an adolescent psychiatrist, to talk about the impact that COVID-19 has had on adolescents’ substance use. In today’s episode, Dr. Caspersen walks us through a case so you get to look at it through the eyes of a psychologist.

Key Takeaways:

[2:18] Did adolescents’ alcohol and substance use decrease as a result of the pandemic?

[3:26] How did adolescents find their way to get drugs?

[4:18] What is driving the adolescents’ use at this point of the pandemic?

[5:37] The role of academic stress on adolescents’ substance use.

[6:38] There has been a rise in anxiety in general since the strike of COVID-19.

[7:48] The challenges of the remote learning experience.

[8:30] Dr. Caspersen explains what a case presentation is about.

[10:45] Dr. Caspersen presents a very typical case of adolescent substance use.

[13:37] The benefits of being diagnosed with ADHD: medication and extra time for tests.

[15:05] Dr. Caspersen talks about the subculture of stimulants as performance-enhancing medication even though the data does not support this concept.

[18:20] Cannabis used to treat sleeping problems.

[19:04] The perceived pros of marijuana use for an average adolescent.

[21:47] ADHD is associated with substance use.

[24:08] Dr. Caspersen describes marijuana withdrawal symptoms: nausea, anxiety, excessive sweating, and even fever.

[26:10] Dr. Caspersen talks about the many ways that adolescents find to get drugs.

[28:43] A high use of marijuana can cause ADHD-like symptoms.

[30:15] Exploring the negative sides of using marijuana.

[31:14] Dr. Caspersen talks about contingency management: behavioral rewards and consequences that parents can provide to their adolescents struggling with drug use.

[34:01] Dr. Caspersen extends her suggestion to all parents who have their children at home: Take advantage of this time to get to know your kids’ behaviors.

[36:30] COVID-19 has set boundaries that parents have difficulty imposing on their children.

[37:44] Parents have to model the behaviors that they expect out of their children.

[41:43] Why are case studies so useful?

Mentioned in this Episode:

Dr. Shannon Caspersen on Twitter

Email Dr. Josh King at beyondaddiction@motivationandchange.com or tweet him at @DocJoshKing

Learn more about Dr. Shannon Caspersen

Dr. Shannon Caspersen on Instagram

Tweetables and Quotes:

“Adolescents usually don’t deal directly with a dealer, but get the drugs from a friend that can have contact with another friend who deals with the dealer.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Adolescents are more dependent on substances than what they or their parents realized.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“In regards to academics, since the pandemic has started, it is absolutely harder to stay engaged and feel that you know where you stand in the remote learning experience.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Adolescents tend to think that if they take stimulants they would perform better on exams, even though research does not support this idea.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“People who have a diagnosis of ADHD are more prone to substance use.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“High use of marijuana can cause ADHD-like symptoms.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Get the time to know your kids’ behaviors.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

“Parents have to model the behaviors that they expect out of their children.” @_TheCMC @DocJoshKing

Self-Compassion During a Global Pandemic with Dr. Christopher Germer Feb 03, 2021

Dr. Josh King welcomes you to another episode and a new season of The Beyond Addiction Show which comes with a new format to deliver the best interviews with leaders in the field of mental health and substance use disorders.

Today, Dr. King is accompanied by Dr. Christopher Germer, the co-author of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive, and a leader in the field of self-compassion therapy. Dr. King and Dr. Germer dive deeply into the subject of self-compassion in the midst of a global pandemic and how it is now more important than ever to be compassionate to ourselves.

Key Takeaways:

[2:50] Why is the pandemic the right moment for more self-compassion?

[5:01] We haven’t been taught to love ourselves.

[6:11] We are not instinctively kind to ourselves; we need to learn.

[6:53] Dr. Germer talks about the evolutionary aspect of our lack of self-compassion.

[9:03] How is COVID-19 triggering our threat and nervous systems?

[11:28] Living with uncertainty.

[12:20] Dr. Germer talks about Zoom fatigue.

[15:01] What is self-compassion? How can you be more compassionate to yourself?

[19:20] How can self-compassion help to choose better daily habits?

[23:45] How to begin paying more attention to what you need to feel and choose better?

[28:20] Shame is not a motivator!

[29:40] Start self-compassion by first connecting and then motivating through encouragement.

[32:31] How can you use self-compassion against the tendency to look for the instant gratification drugs and alcohol offer?

[36:35] How can you get out of the cycle of using substances to avoid feeling terrible and then feeling shame for doing it? Begin to BE KIND to YOURSELF!

[41:10] Dr. Germer talks about being in the process of writing a book about shame.

Mentioned in this Episode: