Discover the transformative journey of overcoming addiction with Cesar Wurm, author of "The Powers of Addiction: Finding Freedom in Acceptance and Recovery." This latest episode delves into Cesar's raw and personal struggle with alcoholism, a battle intensified by the loss of his mother and the pressure of emotional stoicism in his family.  The story unfolds as he recounts a relapse marked by deception at a go-karting event, highlighting the depths of his secret life. Yet, it's through...

Are you making changes but feeling stuck in your recovery journey? It could be because you're focusing on first-order changes. These are the surface-level adjustments we make – quitting a substance, changing routines – but they don't address the root of the problem. That's where second-order change comes in. This is about digging deeper into your anxieties, past traumas, and the underlying beliefs that drive addictive behaviors. It's a transformation, not just a tweak. Think of it like this:...

When healing takes center stage, hope is never far behind. Dr. Mark Lasko joins Duane as they step into the conversation space with a heart full of empathy and a wealth of knowledge on the intricate dance of addiction treatment and recovery. Mark’s journey, touched by the struggles of addiction within his own family, has fueled a passion that's evident as we navigate the subject of client-focused care. Mark's insights, derived from his hands-on experience in the criminal justice system, bring...

Join hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind as they explore the profound impact of internal dialogue on recovery and mental wellness in this insightful episode of the Addicted Mind Plus. Discover how the words we tell ourselves can either hinder or help our journey toward healing. Learn practical tips on reshaping self-talk to foster resilience, overcome addiction, and enhance overall well-being. Whether you're looking to break free from negative thought patterns or simply seeking a mental boost,...

In this exciting episode of Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the fascinating world of the Johari Window, a powerful tool for enhancing self-awareness and understanding in relationships. They explore how this simple yet profound model can illuminate the various aspects of ourselves—what we know, what we don't know, and what others see in us. From discussing how to navigate personal blind spots to the significance of revealing hidden strengths, this episode is packed...

Join us as Emmy award-winning writer and director Topaz Adizes unveils the art of creating deep, human connections through conversation. In this discussion, Duane sits down with Topaz who shares his journey with the documentary series {The And} – revealing how authentic dialogues between various pairs, from family members to romantic partners, can transform our understanding of communication.  By spotlighting the powerful effect of listening and the role of the listener, we're invited to...

Welcome to an eye-opening episode that could change how you face life's big moments. Today, we're exploring the idea that when you hit a tough spot, you actually only have four choices. Sounds simple, right? But it's a game-changer. Imagine feeling stuck, like you're at a crossroads with no clear direction. It happens to all of us. We overthink, get overwhelmed, and just feel more and more stuck. But what if you could see your options clearly and make a choice that really fits? We dive into...

Struggling with love and sex addiction can feel like an isolating battle, but this recent conversation with Lacy Bentley and Heather Cronemiller casts a ray of hope on this often-shadowed topic. Lacy, a relationship and recovery coach, and Heather, a seasoned therapist, join Duane to shed light on their personal journeys and their book, "Going Deeper for Women: How the Inner Child Impacts Your Love and Sex Addiction." Their stories are a testament to the power of understanding the inner child...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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:...

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...