In this episode of "The Addicted Mind Plus," hosts Duane and Eric Osterlund dive into the power of a curious mindset in recovery and emotional stability. They explore how curiosity can shift our nervous system from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest, leading to less stress and more emotional resilience. The discussion covers the simple yet profound ways asking questions about ourselves and the world can open up new possibilities and foster a fulfilling life. By embracing curiosity, we can improv...
Mar 21, 2024•18 min
Our guest on this episode of the Addicted Mind podcast is Maureen Cavanagh, author and founder of Magnolia New Beginnings. Maureen’s family had a long history of addiction, but since she was not personally prone to addiction, she thought that she knew the formula to help keep her kids away from addiction as well. However, her world was suddenly shaken when one of her daughters came to her to admit that she had been experimenting with heroin. Even living in an upper middle-class neighborhood, opi...
Mar 18, 2024•28 min
Today's episode dives into the essential topics of goal setting and habit formation, especially focusing on how they can help break the cycle of addiction, anxiety, and depression. Duane Osterlind and Eric Osterlind guide us through understanding the critical role of setting realistic goals and forming positive habits to steer our lives in the direction we desire. They highlight the importance of reflection in goal setting, using SMART goals as a tool for clarity and action. Moreover, they discu...
Mar 14, 2024•20 min
The echoes of a troubled past can often linger long into our future, but for Kelly Wallace, they became the stepping stones toward a life of resilience and healing. As she recounts the harrowing experiences of childhood sexual abuse and the complex aftermath of addiction, we are reminded of the power of human spirit. Kelly's story unfolds, revealing the injustices she faced, not only from her abuser but also from the very systems designed to protect her. Yet, this is not just a story of despair;...
Mar 11, 2024•38 min•Ep. 275
In this eye-opening episode of TAM+, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the transformative concept of radical acceptance. They explore how embracing reality as it is—without avoidance or escape—can break the vicious cycle of addiction, anxiety, and depression. The discussion begins with an introduction to the concept's roots in Buddhist teachings and its development into a key component of Dialectical Behavior Therapy by Marsha Linehan. The hosts share personal anecdotes and practical advi...
Mar 07, 2024•21 min
Struggling with mental health can feel like a solitary battle, but there's profound strength in shared experiences. In this episode, Duane speaks with Derek DuChesne and Dr. Zaid Fadul of Better U, a company that provides safe, affordable, clinically-guided at-home ketamine treatments for anxiety and depression. Walk through Derek's raw and poignant narrative, from grappling with identity loss and suicidal thoughts to finding a renewed sense of purpose – highlighting that even from the depths of...
Mar 05, 2024•49 min•Ep. 274
In this episode of "The Addicted Mind," hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the transformative world of mindfulness meditation and its incredible ability to combat rumination. If you've ever found yourself stuck in a loop of repetitive thoughts, replaying past events, or worrying about future conversations, this episode is your first step towards breaking free. Duane & Eric explain how rumination can drain our energy, leaving us feeling depressed, anxious, and stuck. But there's hope! B...
Feb 29, 2024•19 min
In this episode of "The Addicted Mind" podcast, we dive into the inspiring world of Ronnie Marmo, a talented actor, director, and writer with a 25-year journey through addiction, recovery, and the arts. Ronnie opens up about his personal battle with addiction, finding solace and salvation through Alcoholics Anonymous at a young age, and how this experience has profoundly influenced his career in the entertainment industry. He shares behind-the-scenes insights into his work on plays like "I'm Not...
Feb 26, 2024•32 min
In this eye-opening episode, Duane and Eric dive into the often painful topic of shame and how it can trap us in cycles of addiction, anxiety, and self-criticism. They introduce the concept of the shame compass, a tool developed by Donald Nathanson in 1992, which helps us understand the four main ways we deal with shame: withdrawal, attacking self, avoidance, and attacking others. By recognizing these patterns, we can start to navigate our way out of shame and build resilience. The hosts emphasi...
Feb 22, 2024•15 min
Discover a more empathetic approach to addiction care with Ian McLoone, a therapist whose personal battle with substance use offers a unique and insightful perspective. Throughout this discussion, Ian brings forth the importance of understanding the complex humanity behind addiction, advocating for personalized treatment plans that go beyond the traditional one-size-fits-all mentality. Ian shares the promise of harm reduction strategies for those not ready to take on full rehabilitation, and the...
Feb 19, 2024•47 min•Ep. 272
Today's episode of Addicted Mind Plus is a game-changer for anyone feeling stuck in their journey toward sobriety. Hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive deep into the world of cognitive distortions - those tricky thought patterns that keep us from achieving our fullest potential and lock us in cycles of addiction. They shine a light on the top seven distortions, from all-or-nothing thinking to personalization and blame, and offer practical tips for challenging and changing these thoughts. Whether ...
Feb 15, 2024•18 min
Discover resilience and hope as Chris Dreisbach takes us on his harrowing yet uplifting journey from heroin addiction to recovery and entrepreneurial triumph. His narrative illuminates the power of a compassionate justice system and the profound influence it had on his life, leading him to establish sober living homes and the Second Chance PA program. It's not just Chris's story that will captivate you, but also how his dedication to paying it forward has created a beacon of possibility for thos...
Feb 12, 2024•41 min•Ep. 271
In this episode of TAM+, hosts Duane and Eric delve into the concept of rumination, shedding light on its impact and providing practical strategies to navigate it. They define rumination as repetitive thought patterns, often negative, that loop incessantly in our minds. Through insightful conversation, they dissect different types of rumination, such as brooding, intrusive, reflective, and deliberate, each with its own nuances and effects. They discuss how rumination can lead to anxiety and depr...
Feb 08, 2024•21 min
Embark on a transformative journey with Jason VanRuler, a therapist who's turned his own battles with trauma and addiction into a roadmap for healing. Together, Duane and Jason unravel the profound impact of rewriting our inner narratives, a process that Jason has not only lived but also lays out in his latest work, "Get Past Your Past." His story is a testament that even the deepest wounds can lead to a future bright with wholeness and well-being. Listen as they delve into the steps that can li...
Feb 05, 2024•38 min•Ep. 270
This episode dives into the Stages of Change Model, a powerful tool for understanding and navigating personal growth. Hosts Duane and Eric explore the six stages: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse. They emphasize the model's humanistic approach, acknowledging that change is a non-linear journey with room for setbacks and restarts. Learn how to identify your current stage, overcome obstacles, and move towards lasting positive change. Download: Stages ...
Feb 01, 2024•18 min
Embark on a transformative journey through the landscapes of hope and despair with the esteemed Robert Hilliker, whose expertise in addiction and mental health frames our latest episode. Discover the vital role hope plays in recovery, and how it intertwines with the darkest moments to create a fertile ground for growth. With Robert's guidance, examine the genetic and environmental threads that weave the tapestry of addiction, the indispensability of early intervention, and why a strong community...
Jan 29, 2024•45 min•Ep. 269
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 suppo...
Jan 25, 2024•18 min
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
