In this episode, Duane speaks with Andrew Drazan and Dr. Edmond Hakimi to discuss the pressing topic of addiction and addiction research. 
Andrew Drazan is the founder and current chairman of Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research, which has been providing personalized care to individuals struggling with addiction for over a decade. Dr. Edmond Hakimi, the medical director of Wellbridge, brings his extensive expertise in addiction treatment to the conversation. 
Today, delve into the medical model of treating addiction, the importance of research in this field, and the individualized care approach taken by Wellbridge. We will also address topical issues such as the opioid epidemic and the growing prevalence of synthetic drugs. 
In this episode, you will hear:

The medical model of treating addiction

Bringing research into the addiction space

How to measure the outcome of addiction treatment

The importance of individualized care in the field of addiction

Addressing the opioid epidemic in the United States

Are synthetic drugs becoming even more addictive?

The importance of a weekly dose of medication

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.
Supporting Resources:
https://wellbridge.org/
http://www.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

235: Exploring Addiction and Addiction Research with Dr. Hakimi and Andrew Drazan

"The Addicted Mind Podcast" offers hope, understanding, and guidance for those dealing with addiction, with real stories and research to inspire and show the journey to recovery is worth it.
We're here to do more than just talk about addiction. 
We want to show you how to heal and recover.
Our talks with experts and people who have beaten addiction give you important insights into how addiction affects the mind and how recovery can happen in many ways. Whether we're looking at new treatment ideas or sharing stories that inspire, "The Addicted Mind Podcast" is all about understanding the complex world of addiction recovery and showing that recovery is possible.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with the challenges of addiction, let "The Addicted Mind Podcast" be your friend and guide. We aim to give you the knowledge you need, share stories that inspire you, and show you that the journey to recovery is worth it.
Subscribe now to be part of a community focused on learning, healing, and changing for the better. Your journey to a healthier mind and life begins right here.

Medicine

Science & Medicine

Health & Fitness

Mental Health

In this episode of The Addicted Mind, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore the profound connection between grief and addiction recovery. Using Elizabeth Kübler-Ross' five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—they discuss how these stages apply to the emotional process of giving up an addiction. Many people don't realize that overcoming addiction involves grieving the loss of the substance that has been a significant part of their lives. By understanding and embracing these stages, individuals can move more effectively through their recovery journey. Tune in to learn how recognizing and processing grief can lead to a deeper sense of acceptance and a more fulfilling life in recovery.

Download here “NAVIGATING GRIEF AND LOSS IN RECOVERY”

Join us and register for our Q&A Deep Dive session here.

Key Topics

The five stages of grief and their application to addiction recovery

The hidden grief of giving up addiction

Emotional challenges and identity loss in recovery

The non-linear nature of the grief process

Tools and support for navigating grief in recovery


Key Moments
1. [00:01:00] Introduction to the topic of grief in recovery
2. [00:02:00] Discussion on the grief of giving up an addiction
3. [00:04:00] Explanation of the five stages of grief
4. [00:06:30] Deep dive into the anger stage and its impact
5. [00:09:00] Exploring the depression stage and identity loss
6. [00:11:30] Moving towards acceptance and its significance in recovery
7. [00:14:10] Announcement of the worksheet and deeper dive session

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:
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

TAM+ Episode 20: From Denial to Acceptance: The Emotional Journey of Addiction Recovery

When the cheering crowds and the stadium lights fade, what remains for a former NFL superstar? Dominique Easley’s meteoric rise to football fame was rivaled only by the depth of his personal struggles. From Staten Island to the heights of Super Bowl victory, Dominique's narrative is a stark reminder of the thin line between professional success and personal turmoil. 
On this episode, Duane speaks with Dominique who shares his powerful journey through addiction, mental health battles, and a profound spiritual awakening. This episode offers an unflinching look at the burdens of public perception, as Dominique candidly discusses the significance of embracing vulnerability and the transformative impact of spirituality on his life. His conversion to Islam during his NFL career marked the beginning of an intensive internal quest that challenged him to confront intergenerational trauma and seek healing. Dominique's willingness to share his story opens up a much-needed dialogue on mental health awareness, especially within the black community – emphasizing empathy and honest communication as pathways to understanding and resilience. 
Dominique also delves into the complexities of navigating racism in America, reflecting on his transition from the diversity of New York to the overt bigotry he encountered in the South. His experiences, shared with raw authenticity, not only chart a path of personal growth but also offer valuable insights for listeners grappling with similar issues, underscoring the importance of treating others with thoughtful consideration and respect.
In this episode, you will hear:

Struggles with mental health and addiction

Transformation through football passion

Struggle with success and isolation

Breaking the cycle of generational trauma

Impacts of systemic racism on individuals


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:
https://www.instagram.com/easie91 

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

284: Beyond the Game: Dominique Easley's Journey from NFL Stardom to Personal Enlightenment

In this episode of “The Addictive Mind Plus,” hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the transformative power of the Three Circle Plan, a vital tool for those battling both substance and behavioral addictions. They discuss the importance of defining sobriety, identifying risky behaviors, and incorporating positive activities into daily life. By creating a clear and personalized plan, listeners can navigate their recovery journey with greater clarity and confidence. The episode also highlights the launch of a new course designed to help individuals create their own Three Circle Plan, providing step-by-step guidance and support.

Get the Course -> Circles of Sobriety: Mastering Your Recovery With the Complete Circle Plan
Key Topics

Understanding the Three Circle Plan for Addiction Recovery

Defining sobriety with the inner circle (red zone)

Recognizing warning signs in the middle circle (yellow zone)

Incorporating positive behaviors in the outer circle (green zone)

Adding a relational component with the fourth circle (blue zone)


Timestamp

[00:01:00] Introduction to the Three Circle Plan

[00:03:00] Defining sobriety with the inner circle

[00:07:26] Recognizing warning signs with the middle circle

[00:10:04] Incorporating positive behaviors with the outer circle

[00:13:58] Importance of writing down your plan

[00:15:08] Introducing the fourth circle for relational impact

[00:16:46] Details about the new course on creating a circle plan


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:
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

TAM+ EP 19: From Chaos to Clarity: Creating Your Circle Plan for Lasting Sobriety

How does one confront the silent battles of sex addiction within the LGBTQ community? Brandon Simpson, an associate marriage and family therapist from Novus Mindful Life Institute, joins this conversation to unravel this complex issue, sharing not just professional insights but personal experiences as a gay man. Together, Duane and Brandon shed light on the intersection of intimacy and identity, especially the uphill struggle against a heteronormative bias in therapy that too often overlooks the nuances in gay relationships. Get a glimpse of the shadows where shame and sexuality intertwine, offering a beacon of understanding for those navigating these often-misunderstood waters. 
The weight of homophobia on the shoulders of gay men can be crushing, driving many towards sex as a coping mechanism and, potentially, into the throes of addiction. This candid discussion with Brandon uncovers the layers of this reality, diving into the internalized homophobia and the consequent shame that propels an individual into the depths of secrecy. They also tackle the daunting world of dating apps like Grindr, dissecting their role in the complex search for meaningful connections amidst a culture saturated with sexual expectations – a conversation that's as revealing as it is necessary for anyone yearning to grasp the full picture.
This episode is not just an examination of the challenges faced by the gay community, but it also celebrates the courage it takes to set boundaries and the transformation that comes with self-discovery. By sharing stories of resilience and change, this episode underscores the importance of supportive networks and the quest for alignment with personal values. It's a conversation that doesn't just affirm the experiences of individuals within the LGBTQ spectrum but also champions the journey towards a more authentic and fulfilling life. Join today’s discussion to affirm the beauty of personal truth – in a world still learning to embrace the full spectrum of human connection.

In this episode, you will hear:

Challenging heteronormative standards in sex ed

Internalized homophobia in the LGBTQ community

Navigating stereotypes in gay therapy

Navigating pressure in LGBTQ community

Navigating friend group boundaries


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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

283: Embracing Personal Truths Amidst the Struggles of LGBTQ Sex Addiction with Brandon Simpson

In this engaging episode of "The Addictive Mind Plus," hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore the transformative concept of meaning-making. Following up on their previous discussion about values, this episode dives deeper into how understanding and aligning with our deepest values can energize our life's journey. The hosts discuss practical strategies from dialectical behavior therapy and insights from Thomas Marra to illustrate how individuals can reshape their lives around what truly matters. Whether you're battling addictions, anxiety, or just seeking deeper fulfillment, this episode offers valuable insights into overcoming life's psychological hurdles through intentional living.

Download: THE CREATING MEANING MAKING WORKSHEET
Key Topics

Integration of Values and Meaning: How values serve as a compass and meaning provides the momentum.

Role of Meaning in Mental Health: Exploring its impact on recovery, anxiety, and depression.

Strategies for Meaning Making: Practical approaches to integrate meaningful actions into daily life.

Challenges to Meaning Making: Common obstacles like fear and disapproval, and how to navigate them.

Empowerment through Meaning: Using meaning making to lead a more intentional and satisfying life.


Timestamps

[00:01:00] Introduction to Meaning Making

[00:02:00] How Meaning and Values Interact

[00:05:00] Meaning in Relation to Mental Health (Addiction and Depression)

[00:08:00] Practical Strategies for Applying Meaning

[00:10:00] Discussing Supreme Concerns and Everyday Integration

[00:13:00] Overcoming Obstacles in Meaning Making

[00:15:00] Conclusion and Resources


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:
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

235: Exploring Addiction and Addiction Research with Dr. Hakimi and Andrew Drazan

Download our free app to listen on your phone