Recovery from addiction doesn’t just stop there. People in recovery could still be struggling with depression. While addiction and depression are somewhat correlated, both of them should still be addressed individually. In this episode, Duane speaks with Amy Law and Jeff Deck, authors of the book, “We Got This, Kids: A real-time and raw glimpse of alcoholism, depression, and loss during a search for more sunrises.” Amy shares the story of her brother, Andy, who committed suicide after a struggle with alcoholism and depression.  At that time, Andy was writing his memoirs but never got to finish them. Amy's courage to share Andy's story and to let people into that is truly inspiring. In the book, Amy also shares her perspective of taking Andy’s memoirs and how she collaborated with Jeff Deck to bring their beautiful message to completion and share it with the world. If you're struggling or contemplating suicide, please reach out for help call 988 or 1-800-273-8255 if you're in the United States. If you're outside of the United States, search for a suicide hotline, reach out for help, and get the support that you need.   In this episode, you will hear: Andy’s addiction story Why Amy decided to share Andy’s story Why Jeff decided to collaborate in writing the book The reason behind the title of the book Normalizing the topic of addiction and mental illness Key Quotes: [11:33] - " Depression lies... It lied to my brother. And as a result, it robbed him of the rest of his life." - Amy Law [19:08] - "Andy's story was so immediate and raw that I felt like the value that I could provide to other people suffering in similar situations was potentially immense." - Jeff Deck [25:51] - "Our intention is to help other families and everybody who's suffering from addiction and mental illness… It's time to normalize some of these conversations. It's overdue." - Amy Law [29:37] - "The small things can be so helpful. Even if it's just helping with loneliness and feeling you're alone in mental illness or depression or alcoholism. You're not." - Amy Law [30:49] - "A temporary decision leads to irreversible consequences. We hope people see that in this book and recognize if they are having a really dark moment, it's a temporary thing.” - Jeff Deck [31:44] - "Hang on. Seek out the help. No matter how small you think that help is, it probably has the potential to move mountains. Make that call." - Amy Law [32:07] - "To families, if you have even the slightest, barely audible alarm going off in your mind, pay attention to it. Pay very close attention to that. If it's present, act on it." - Amy Law Subscribe and Review Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.  We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at www.theaddictedmind.com to download it. Supporting Resources: NovusMindfulLife.com “We Got This, Kids: A real-time and raw glimpse of alcoholism, depression, and loss during a search for more sunrises” https://www.amazon.com/Got-This-Kids-alcoholism-depression/dp/B09TDSCCB5  Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Addicted Mind, Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the powerful concept of the inner child. They explore how past traumas influence our present reactions and behaviors. Understanding and healing your inner child can lead to profound personal growth and recovery. Learn about the history of the inner child concept, its impact on addiction and recovery. Start your practical steps to your healing journey. Join us as we provide compassionate insights and actionable advice to help you nurture your vulnerable inner child and create a healthier, more balanced life. Download: THE INNER CHILD WORKSHEET Click Here to Join the TAM + Community. Get the support you need. Key Topics What is the inner child and its historical background How past traumas influence current behaviors The connection between inner child work and addiction recovery Practical steps to heal your inner child The importance of community and professional support in healing  Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction to the topic of the inner child [00:01:06] - Overview of the inner child concept and its importance [00:03:32] - Signs of a wounded inner child [00:04:45] - Historical background: Carl Jung and John Bradshaw [00:06:21] - The impact of a wounded inner child on adult life [00:09:55] - How inner child work aids in addiction recovery [00:13:15] - Practical steps and resources for inner child healing Support TAM+ Subscribe and Review: We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy, please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center. NovusMindfulLife.com We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 intricate workings of our brains, drawing an engaging comparison between tuning our minds to adjusting the volume on a speaker. Debunking the conventional belief in a one-size-fits-all treatment, Alex emphasizes the necessity of a personalized approach to mental health. Be ready to reframe your understanding of mental health as we traverse this enlightening conversation. Wrapping up our talk, Alex underlines the empowering nature of comprehending the human brain and the sheer potential of minor modifications leading to massive changes in our lives. This absorbing conversation is sure to offer a fresh perspective on mental health and equip you with practical ways to navigate it.  In this episode, you will hear: Personalized approach to mental health as opposed to a one-size-fits-all treatment The role of minor changes in transforming our lives and creating an upward spiral of positivity His journey from being a neuroscience student to understanding depression at a deeper level The importance of physical activity in enhancing neuroplasticity and the sensitivity of brain circuits Understanding the brain's function to empower oneself and instigate positive change Exploration of how small positive changes can lead to a powerful upward spiral in our lives The complexities of depression, and the importance of recognizing it as a biological, not moral, failing Neuroscience as a tool to better understand and manage depression The interaction between depression and addiction, and how understanding the brain can aid in managing both. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time https://www.amazon.com/Upward-Spiral-Neuroscience-Reverse-Depression/dp/1626251207 NovusMindfulLife.com Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Imagine this: You're about to play the biggest game of your life when someone offers to just put the final score on the board—you win! No sweat, no struggle, no game. Would you take that deal? In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore why most of us would actually turn down this seemingly perfect offer. They introduce the powerful "Scoreboard Metaphor" from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that helps separate goals from values in addiction recovery. Many people in recovery focus solely on hitting milestones—30 days sober, 90 days sober—only to feel empty when they reach them or completely defeated if they relapse. This episode flips that thinking on its head by showing that while goals (the score) matter, how you play the game (your values) matters far more. The hosts break down why people often relapse after reaching milestones. When we chase outcomes without connecting to the values behind them, we create an emptiness that no achievement can fill. The scoreboard might say "win," but without the journey—the struggle, the growth, the connection—it feels hollow. Through practical examples and personal insights, Duane and Eric show how this mindset shift transforms recovery. If you're living each day with honesty, courage, and connection, each day is a success—regardless of whether you've hit your sobriety goal yet. And if you do relapse, you haven't lost everything. The values-based actions you took still matter, and the game isn't over. Download The Worksheet The episode concludes with five simple steps to apply this metaphor to your own recovery journey, helping you identify your true values, clarify meaningful goals, and build resilience when facing setbacks. The hosts also invite listeners to download a free worksheet and join their supportive community where these concepts can be explored further. Whether you've felt lost chasing empty goals or you've hit recovery milestones but still feel unfulfilled, this episode offers a refreshing perspective that could change how you view your recovery journey—and maybe even your life. Join our TAM+ Community Feeling stuck in your recovery and wondering what’s next? Ready to take the next step toward becoming your best self? Join the TAM+ community, where we dive deep into practical tools and worksheets designed to guide you toward the life you want. With evidence-based strategies and actionable steps, we’re here to help you unlock your potential and achieve your goals. theaddictedmind.com/community Support TAM+ Subscribe and Review: We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy, please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center. NovusMindfulLife.com We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

On this episode of the Addicted Mind podcast, our guest is Tom Horvath, founder of Practical Recovery and co-founder of Smart Recovery. Smart Recovery is a non-12-step approach to addictive behavior problems that provides an alternative to programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. While both methods provide new communities and relationships to build on as well as specific examples of individuals who are models of success, AA is based on the idea that you must give yourself up to a higher power because “you are powerless” and must rely on your sponsor and meetings in order to recover. 12-step programs can be helpful to some, but they can be ineffective for others, so the demand for alternative programs is continuing to increase. Smart Recovery integrates any methods that have been supported by scientific evidence, are self-empowering and are applicable in a mutual help group, including CBT, DBT, and ACT. They recognize that there are multiple pathways to recovery and that great results occur in a community. Smart Recovery takes a self-empowering approach to recovery, relying on the individual to set their own limits and establishing a 4-point program for people to work through: Maintaining motivation Coping with craving Identifying and resolving other problems Achieving a greater lifestyle balance Smart Recovery emphasizes “ideal” recovery, rather than “real” recovery as is expected in 12-step programs. Ideal recovery may not be complete abstinence, but rather staying within the limits that each person sets (and potentially changes along the way) for themselves, which is the point of the accountability of attending meetings. Tom encourages those struggling with addictive behaviors or searching for a recovery group to be persistent in finding what works for you. Most people are able to resolve their problems with treatment, so just don’t give up. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-addicted-mind-podcast/donations Episode Credits Follow and Review: We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: NovusMindfulLife.com   If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center NovusMindfulLife.com We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Have you ever felt anxiety, grief, or shame bubbling up and immediately reached for your phone, a drink, or a distraction? That instinct to push away painful feelings is completely normal – but what if that very avoidance is keeping you trapped in unhealthy patterns? In this illuminating episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric dive into the world of emotional avoidance and reveal why our natural tendency to escape discomfort might be sabotaging our mental health and recovery. When we avoid emotions, we get temporary relief. But those pushed-down feelings don't disappear – they intensify and return stronger than before. This creates a dangerous cycle where we need more and more avoidance behaviors, which can easily develop into addiction. Our brains learn that emotions are dangerous rather than what they truly are: valuable information to help us navigate life. By facing our emotions instead of running from them, we can access our "Wise Mind" – the balanced place where intellect and emotions work together to make better decisions. WORKSHEET: Avoiding Emotions Worksheet The hosts share six practical steps to break free from emotional avoidance patterns: Recognize your avoidance patterns (Do you binge-watch TV when lonely? Overwork to avoid feelings of inadequacy?) Name your emotions (Simply labeling feelings as "sadness" or "anxiety" can reduce their intensity) Practice mindfulness (Learn to sit with discomfort instead of running) Shift to acceptance-based coping (Experience emotions without judgment) Try opposite action (Do the opposite of what avoidance urges) Seek support (Connect with professionals, friends, or community) The good news? With awareness and practice, emotions become less overwhelming over time. You don't have to be controlled by your feelings or constantly run from them. Instead, you can learn to navigate them with courage, make aligned life choices, and experience the richness that comes from emotional wellbeing. Whether you're in recovery, struggling with compulsive behaviors, or simply want to improve your emotional health, this episode offers transformative insights and practical tools to help you face life's challenges with greater resilience. Follow and Review: We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center NovusMindfulLife.com We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Join us on an enlightening journey with award-winning author and journalist Julia Hotz, who shares her insights into the world of social prescribing. Julia's groundbreaking book, "The Connection Cure," reveals the transformative power of community activities like art classes and fishing clubs, which foster meaningful connections crucial for tackling addiction and mental health challenges. Inspired by the UK's Minister of Loneliness, Julia highlights the immense health risks of isolation, comparing it to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and explores how structured opportunities for connection can be a lifeline for those often lost in superficial interactions. We explore the profound difference between meaningful and superficial connections. Julia shares real-life stories demonstrating how shared activities can nurture rich, rewarding relationships that promote personal growth much like a nourishing meal, in contrast to the empty calories of superficial online interactions. Vulnerability and shared experiences, she notes, are keys to deepening these bonds, offering listeners a fresh perspective on the value of engaging with others in meaningful ways. In this episode, you will hear: Exploration of social prescribing and its impact on health and healing with insights from Julia Hotz's book, "The Connection Cure" Discussion on the health risks of loneliness, likened to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and the role of the UK's Minister of Loneliness Distinction between meaningful connections and superficial "junk food" connections, referencing Dr. John Cacioppo's theory of self-expansion The five core ingredients of effective social prescriptions: movement, nature, art, service, and belonging Influence of environment on addiction recovery, inspired by Bruce Alexander's Rat Park Study and Dave Lyons' "Tackling Minds" fishing club Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: NovusMindfulLife.com https://www.instagram.com/hotzthoughts/ https://x.com/hotzthoughts?lang=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-hotz-06510161/ https://www.socialprescribing.co/ Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Have you ever experienced something so painful that you just wanted to erase it from your memory forever? Those "never again" moments that feel too heavy to carry? We all have them – whether it's a relapse, a toxic relationship, or a betrayal that left us wounded. In this powerful episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, hosts Duane and Eric explore the practice of "benefit finding" – a transformative approach to mining our painful experiences for growth and wisdom. Instead of pushing away difficult memories, they suggest we might find our greatest lessons within them. This isn't about toxic positivity or pretending everything happens for a reason. It's about recognizing our remarkable human capacity to make meaning from suffering. As Viktor Frankl discovered in the concentration camps, "suffering ceases to be suffering the moment it finds a meaning." Modern psychology calls this "post-traumatic growth" – the ability to find positive changes in five key areas: appreciation of life, relationships, new possibilities, personal strength, and spiritual change. When we intentionally reframe negative experiences, we're actually rewiring our brain through neuroplasticity. The hosts provide a practical four-step process to transform your pain into wisdom: Identify the negative experience you never want to repeat Understand why you want to avoid it Extract the valuable lessons within it Create a document of your "new learnings" Through this process, your darkest moments can become sources of inspiration and light – not just for yourself, but for others around you. As Brené Brown reminds us, "Our wholeness actually depends on the integration of all of our experiences, including the falls." Whether you're in recovery or simply navigating life's challenges, this episode offers a compassionate roadmap for turning pain into purpose. Download the accompanying worksheet to begin your journey of transformation today. Download the Worksheet Key Topics The natural tendency to want to forget painful experiences vs. the value of mining them for wisdom  Post-traumatic growth and the five areas where people can grow through difficult experiences  How neuroplasticity allows us to rewire our brains when we reframe negative experiences  The difference between benefit finding and toxic positivity • Viktor Frankl's insights on finding meaning in suffering  A practical four-step process for transforming pain into wisdom  How to create a living document of "new learnings" from painful experiences Timestamp [00:00:54] Introduction to the topic of painful experiences we wish we could erase  [00:04:00] Explanation of benefit finding and transforming pain into growth  [00:07:40] Discussion of Viktor Frankl and making meaning from suffering  [00:08:29] The five areas of post-traumatic growth  [00:09:12] How reframing negative experiences rewires our brains  [00:13:00] Step 1 & 2: Identifying and understanding your painful experience  [00:15:22] Steps 3 & 4: Extracting lessons and creating new learnings Follow and Review: We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Counseling and Recovery Center NovusMindfulLife.com We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Our guest on this episode of the Addicted Mind podcast is Jack Bloomfield, a specialist in the ARISE model of interventions. This model is an alternative to the “traditional” form of confrontational interventions created in the 1960s by Dr. Johnson. In this confrontational model, the focus is very much on the addict, usually involving an ambush-type situation where several family members trick the addict into coming to a certain location where they are presented with some type of “go to rehab tomorrow or else…” ultimatum. Due to the heartfelt emotions in this situation, addicts are likely to agree to go to rehab, but 70% of them will leave rehab within 2 weeks because they didn’t make the decision to enter on their own terms. They usually feel anger and resentment towards their family which proves to be counterproductive to the family’s original desires and plan. The ARISE model of intervention is different and successful in 3 areas: It is an invitation model. The addict is invited to a “family meeting” where they likely know what will be discussed. The dialogue changes from “you have a problem” to “we, as a family, have a problem.” 80% of addicts will come when they are invited. 50% of those happen because they recognize that they have a problem 50% will go because they don’t think they have a problem and want to defend themselves The focus is on the family. The family indicates that they recognize that they all have things they need to work on in themselves, and they have reached out to someone who can help them all as a family. The addict does not feel singled out. The interventionist works with the family for 6 months. By committing to continuing care, the family creates a safe place for all of them to work on and discuss their issues and their progress during weekly accountability phone calls. This timeframe empowers the addict to make their own choices and not feel forced or pressured into action. They may decide that rehab, intensive outpatient treatment, or just consistent AA meetings are their best option. During and after the addict addresses their issue, the family is all on the same page and speaking the same language because they have all been on a healing journey together. The incredible statistic is that while 70% of addicts who enter rehab as a result of a confrontational intervention will leave within 2 weeks, only 2% of addicts who enter rehab as a result of an ARISE intervention will disappear within 30 days. This gives so much hope to the families waiting for a breakthrough in the life of their loved one who struggles with addiction. To Connect with Jack: www.adesignforliving.com For more information about the ARISE intervention model, visit www.arise-network.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, Duane and Eric dive deep into the unspoken roles that families often fall into, especially when dealing with addiction. They explore how these roles—like the hero, caretaker, scapegoat, mascot, and lost child—can perpetuate dysfunction and hinder recovery. By understanding and identifying these roles, you can begin to break free from the cycles that keep you stuck. Tune in to learn practical steps for recognizing these dynamics, fostering open communication, and setting boundaries that support your journey toward recovery and authentic living. Download: UNMASKING FAMILY ROLES WORKSHEET Join Our Deep Dive, where we discuss this episode in depth. Register Here: https://theaddictedmind.com/deepdive Click Here to Join the TAM + Community Waitlist. Get the support you need. Key Topics Understanding common family roles in addiction The impact of these roles on personal well-being Historical context and development of family therapy Practical steps for changing dysfunctional family dynamics Importance of self-care and therapeutic support Timestamp [00:01:00] - Introduction to the episode and topic [00:02:16] - Explanation of family roles and their impact [00:05:23] - Historical background of family therapy and roles [00:11:00] - Detailed discussion of each family role [00:20:11] - Practical steps for identifying and changing roles [00:23:00] - Importance of self-care and boundary setting [00:24:03] - Information about additional resources and deep dives  Follow and Review: We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center NovusMindfulLife.com We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind Disclaimer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.