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 affirma...
Jan 22, 2024•43 min•Ep. 268
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 strateg...
Jan 18, 2024•19 min
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 ...
Jan 15, 2024•41 min•Ep. 267
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...
Jan 11, 2024•3 min
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 helpin...
Jan 08, 2024•40 min•Ep. 266
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 insigh...
Jan 01, 2024•39 min•Ep. 265
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 discu...
Dec 25, 2023•55 min•Ep. 264
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...
Dec 18, 2023•47 min•Ep. 263
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....
Dec 11, 2023•37 min•Ep. 262
What if the solution to America's opioid crisis is right under our noses, but fear and misinformation are keeping it out of reach? In today’s episode, Duane speaks with Dr. Arun Gupta, a primary care physician and addiction doctor, and they tackle the question head on. Dr. Gupta brings his wealth of on-the-ground experience to light the reality of addiction and the urgent need for change. From the criminalization of addiction treatment to the heart-rending impact on individuals and communities, ...
Nov 27, 2023•38 min•Ep. 261
Are you ready to challenge your preconceived notions about addiction? What if we told you that addiction is not just about behavior, but it significantly impacts one's identity? See addiction in a whole new light after listening to Duane’s conversation with Dr. Paula Hall, a highly esteemed sexual and relationship psychotherapist. Dr. Hall brings her vast experience to the table, opening up about the often stigmatized and misunderstood world of sex and porn addiction. She underscores the vital e...
Nov 20, 2023•37 min•Ep. 260
Do we truly understand substance use disorder? How can we dismantle the barriers to treatment? Join this latest episode with Duane as he interviews Susan Herrick and Dr. Arun Gupta tackle the stark realities of substance use disorder. Susan, a mother turned advocate, opens up about her son Luke's poignant battle with addiction, underscoring the heartrending struggle to access effective, science-based treatment. Dr. Gupta, contrasting Susan's narrative, brings his clinical expertise honed in Indi...
Nov 13, 2023•51 min•Ep. 259
When you're grappling with life's toughest struggles, it can be incredibly hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our guest, Halima Anderson, knows this all too well. As a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), Halima faced the challenges of alcohol addiction and survived an abusive relationship. Yet, through these trials, she discovered her true self and the strength within. Her candid narration of her personal journey serves not just as inspiration, but as a beacon for anyone out there enduri...
Nov 06, 2023•36 min•Ep. 258
Are you hesitant to confront the unseen impacts of sexual trauma? Are you unsure about how to navigate sexual health and reclaim your pleasure? Armed with insights from Dr. Holly Richmond, a somatic psychotherapist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and certified sex therapist, we venture into an enlightening journey of discovery and healing. Together with Dr. Richmond, we demystify the profound effects of sexual trauma and the addictive processes birthed from it. We navigate through the t...
Oct 30, 2023•41 min•Ep. 257
Have you ever wondered how a person can turn adversity into triumph, and then use their victory to uplift others? Today’s today, Randall Bowman, has an incredible story of resilience that you cannot miss. An Indigenous business owner, woodworker, and a living testament to the power of recovery, Randall takes us on a journey from his near-fatal car accident and addiction battles to his awe-inspiring recovery. From a tender age, Randall grappled with substance abuse as a way to manage anxiety. He ...
Oct 23, 2023•41 min•Ep. 256
What does it take to overcome life's grueling trials? On today’s episode, Duane sits down with Todd Crandell, an elite athlete and founder of Racing for Recovery, who transformed his life's trajectory by battling and conquering addiction. Discover the powerful tools of mindset as Todd shares his journey from the depths of addiction and trauma to a thriving life, fueled by compassion and commitment to wellness. Join Duane and Todd as they explore the role of community and support systems in recov...
Oct 16, 2023•40 min•Ep. 255
Why is addiction so hard to control? Does that mean addiction can’t be treated? On today’s episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, Duane talks to Dr. Paul Kaloostian. Dr. Paul Kaloostian is a neurosurgeon in Los Angeles as well as an author. His books include The Young Neurosurgeon: Lessons from My Patients and two different poetry books, From The Eyes Of A Doctor and My Surgical Cases Told In Poems. As a neurosurgeon for 17 years now, Dr. Kaloostian has dealt with thousands of cases of people wit...
Oct 09, 2023•43 min•Ep. 254
As we navigate the trials and tribulations of life, it's essential to remember that we're not alone. Like many of us, our guest for this episode, Elizabeth Cirrito, has journeyed through the dark tunnels of addiction, grief, and trauma. However, even in the bleakest of times, Liz found her guiding light in the power of community, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit. Liz's story resonates with the shared human experience, the fear of vulnerability, and the formidable 'shame monster' ...
Oct 02, 2023•53 min•Ep. 253
The fear of abandonment is universal. The problem is – we try to medicate that feeling with whatever gives us instant gratification (drugs, alcohol, food, television, sleeping, social media, shopping, etc.) Whatever that looks like, addiction can stem from an unhealed abandonment wound. And when you fail to take care of that wound, it can lead to self-sabotage. So how do we heal our abandonment issues? On today’s episode, Duane speaks with Susan Anderson, founder of Abandonment Recovery, a progr...
Sep 25, 2023•46 min•Ep. 252
Today, let’s journey through the realms of neuroscience, addiction research, and the promising future of treatment strategies for substance use disorders. On this episode, Duane speaks with Dr. Paul Kenny, a distinguished figure in neuroscience and addiction research. He unravels his research on signaling cascades in rodents' brains, providing fascinating insights into addiction-like behaviors. The discussion turns engaging as Paul illuminates his groundbreaking work with certain treatments and ...
Sep 18, 2023•46 min•Ep. 251
What does a data-driven approach to addiction recovery look like? Allow Dr. Jared Dempsey and Hunter Williams, the brilliant minds behind TRAC9, to guide you through their innovative platform. Drawing from personal encounters with addiction, they've developed a solution that goes beyond conventional treatments, utilizing the power of data collection, monitoring symptoms, and scientifically validated assessments. Their work emphasizes the importance of ethics in patient data collection, creating ...
Sep 13, 2023•55 min•Ep. 250
In a society where the realms of justice, recovery, and public policy intersect in myriad ways, understanding these intersections and how they impact individuals is crucial. There are barriers, often intertwined with justice system involvement, which can pose significant challenges. For instance, minor offenses can escalate into arrest warrants, posing a significant challenge for those already grappling with recovery and housing insecurity. Join Duane in this riveting conversation with Meghan M....
Sep 05, 2023•57 min•Ep. 249
Get ready to be moved by the story of our remarkable guest Gigi Langer, as she takes us through her raw and insightful journey to sobriety. Gigi's story begins in the Midwest, where her self-worth was initially tied to academic achievements and later, relationships. She opens up about her struggles with alcohol and drugs, the series of consequent failures, how she ended up becoming a functioning alcoholic, and her life-changing decision to quit drinking on January 11th, 1986. Gigi didn't just st...
Aug 28, 2023•50 min•Ep. 248
Walking through the uncharted territories of life, we all carry our burdens and battle our demons. One such journey is that of our guest, Courtney Collier, whose teenage curiosity led him down the path of alcohol addiction. In this candid conversation, Courtney bares his soul, recounting how alcohol became more than just a social activity but rather an integral part of his life narrative. His decision to confront his addiction and transform his life is a testament to his indomitable spirit. Cour...
Aug 23, 2023•41 min•Ep. 247
Surviving disaster is a testament to human resilience, the will to live, and the courage to heal. Today, we welcome a truly extraordinary guest, Geralyn Ritter, whose story is an inspiring manifestation of this spirit. As an executive vice president, board director, and author of the memoir 'Bone by Bone,' she recounts her journey of survival, recovery, and acceptance after a deadly train derailment in 2015. Listen in, as Geralyn shares the profound physical and psychological impact of the accid...
Aug 14, 2023•43 min•Ep. 246
Ever felt like you're stuck in a downward spiral of negative thoughts and emotions? Well, you're not alone. Join us as we converse with the spectacular Alex Korb, eminent neuroscientist and author of 'The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time.' Our exchange pivots around his life-changing journey from probing the depths of neuroscience to uncovering the profound understanding of depression. You're in for a treat as Alex reveals the intr...
Aug 07, 2023•58 min•Ep. 245
Can we navigate the turbulent waters of personal loss and addiction using the compass of 'Conscious Bravery'? Meet Pamela Brinker, a psychotherapist of 32 years, who has had a firsthand experience with these channeling circumstances. Pamela generously shares her deeply moving journey marked by the tragic loss of her second husband and her son’s struggle with substance misuse. A voyage that has taught her the significance of slowing down, showing tenderness, and steering through the maelstrom wit...
Aug 02, 2023•36 min•Ep. 244
Are you shackled by the chains of a traumatic past? Meet Brooke Bralove, Licensed Clinical Social Worker who shines a light on the path towards healing, with the therapeutic technique known as Accelerated Resolution Therapy, or ART, a therapy to help with trauma stored in the brain and body. Brooke masterfully guides us through how ART aids in processing traumatic memories and emotions trapped within our minds and bodies, offering an escape from emotional pain and distress. Plunge into the trans...
Jul 24, 2023•42 min•Ep. 243
Are you ready to unravel the complexities of eating disorders? Explore the challenging journey of overcoming eating disorders as Duane sits down with Scarlett O'Connor, a London-based therapist specializing in eating disorder recovery. Scarlett shares her personal struggle with eating disorders that began at nine, starting with binge eating and then developing into anorexia. She discusses how her sense of self changed as she began to lose weight and receive positive feedback from society, and th...
Jul 18, 2023•47 min•Ep. 242
Every day, we put on our armor and head out into the world, often unaware of the battle some are waging within. In today's conversation, Duane sits down with Nadia Davis, a warrior whose story of redemption and recovery is nothing short of awe-inspiring. She takes us through her life story – from her struggles with addiction to her triumph over the odds, all peppered with lessons of love, courage, and the power of human resilience. This conversation between Duane and Nadia took us through the la...
Jul 10, 2023•41 min•Ep. 241
