Picture yourself staring in the mirror at 3 AM, promising yourself that tomorrow will be different, while that familiar voice whispers "you're weak" and "what's wrong with you?" If this sounds familiar, you need to hear this episode.

Host Duane Osterlind delivers a solo episode that completely destroys the most dangerous myth about addiction - that it's a moral failing or character flaw. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has personally walked through addiction, Duane brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this life-changing conversation.

This isn't another "just try harder" message. Instead, Duane shares groundbreaking brain science that proves addiction is a chronic brain disorder, not a weakness. You'll discover how your brain's reward system gets hijacked, why willpower alone isn't enough, and why shame actually makes recovery harder.

Drawing from leading researchers like Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. Nora Volkow, and Dr. Anna Lembke, Duane explains the three stages of addiction and how genetics, environment, and brain chemistry all play crucial roles. More importantly, he provides practical steps to move from shame to self-compassion.

If you've ever felt broken, weak, or alone in your struggle with addiction, this episode will give you a new understanding of what you're really dealing with - and hope for genuine healing. You'll learn why connection is the opposite of addiction and how curiosity can replace judgment in your recovery journey.

This episode includes a free worksheet called "Reframing Your Addiction Story" to help you put these insights into practice immediately.

Download The Worksheet

Key Topics

Addiction as Brain Disease - Understanding the neurological changes that occur in addiction 

The Shame Cycle - How moral failure myths keep people trapped in addiction 

Brain Science Breakdown - Dopamine, prefrontal cortex, and the three stages of addiction 

Genetics vs. Choice - Why addiction risk is 40-60% genetic 

Self-Compassion Practices - Practical steps to move from shame to healing 

Connection as Medicine - Why isolation feeds addiction and relationships heal 

Rewriting Your Story - Separating who you are from what you've done

Timestamps

[00:01:00] - The 3 AM mirror moment: Breaking the shame cycle 

[00:03:00] - What addiction really is: Brain disorder vs. moral failing 

[00:05:00] - How your brain gets hijacked: The dopamine flood explained 

[00:06:00] - Historical perspective: From moral failing to medical condition 

[00:08:00] - The damage of shame: Why stigma makes addiction worse 

[00:10:00] - Practical healing steps: Self-compassion and education 

[00:12:00] - Recovery is possible: Brains heal and neural pathways rewire

If you live in California, Idaho, Virginia, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center.

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We want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Legendary musician Dion DiMucci joins us to share his extraordinary journey of recovery and growth, shedding light on the transformative power of spirituality and mentorship. Known for timeless hits like "Runaround Sue" and "The Wanderer," Dion candidly discusses his battle with addiction and his path to over 57 years of sobriety. He reveals how faith and a 12-step recovery program changed his life, offering profound insights from his co-authored book, "Dion the Rock and Roll Philosopher." Dion's stories are more than just tales of survival; they are lessons in finding purpose and inner peace through a connection with a higher power.

Mentorship takes center stage as we explore its profound impact on personal growth and emotional resilience. Sharing personal anecdotes and wisdom from his mentor, Dion emphasizes the irreplaceable value of genuine human connections over the pursuit of external validations like wealth and power. This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of surrounding oneself with people who can offer perspective and guidance during life's challenges, highlighting that true fulfillment often thrives in the warmth of meaningful relationships and shared wisdom.

In this episode, you will hear:

Dion DiMucci's journey from addiction to over 57 years of sobriety through faith and a 12-step recovery program.

The transformative role of spirituality and mentorship in personal growth and recovery.

Insights from Dion's book "Dion the Rock and Roll Philosopher," emphasizing wisdom, faith, and philosophical reflections.

The significance of genuine human connections and mentorship over material success and external validations.

Exploring the quest for fulfillment beyond professional achievements through self-reflection and humility.

Dion's profound spiritual awakening experience and its impact on his life and relationships.

Follow and Review:

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Supporting Resources:

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.

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Have you ever felt completely stuck when facing a difficult situation? Like you're drowning in endless possibilities and can't find your way forward? You're not alone. Most of us get trapped in decision paralysis, overthinking every angle until we're more anxious than when we started.

In this powerful episode, Duane and Eric Osterlind break down a life-changing framework that can transform how you handle any problematic situation. Based on Marshall Linehan's Dialectical Behavior Therapy work, they reveal that no matter how complex your challenge feels, you actually only have four choices available to you.

Download The Worksheet

Whether you're struggling with addiction recovery, facing a major life transition, or simply feeling overwhelmed by daily stressors, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward. The hosts share practical examples of how to apply each choice, including how to reframe withdrawal symptoms as signs of healing and how to use acceptance as a tool for reducing suffering rather than avoiding it.

You'll discover why "staying miserable" is sometimes the right choice and how recognizing this can actually empower you. More importantly, you'll learn how to break free from the endless cycle of "what-ifs" and take meaningful action in your life.

This isn't just theory – it's a practical roadmap that puts you back in the driver's seat of your own life. By the end of this episode, you'll have a simple but powerful tool that can help you navigate any challenge with greater confidence and less overwhelm.

Download The Worksheet

Supporting Resources:

If you live in California, Idaho, Vermont, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We want to hear from you. Please 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

Mike Long, the brilliant physicist-turned-writer and co-author of "The Molecule of More," joins us for a riveting conversation on the Addicted Mind Podcast. Together, we dissect the fascinating world of dopamine and its powerful influence over our behavior and experiences. We take a closer look at how this neurotransmitter's relentless push for future rewards often clouds our present joys, impacting everyday actions from gambling to excessive use of social media. Mike's unique perspective bridges natural patterns with human habits, offering profound insights into the mind's complex workings.

In our discussion, we unravel the dual nature of dopamine, painting a vivid picture of its role as both motivator and alert system. Through engaging analogies, like the excitement of Christmas morning, we explore how dopamine shapes our desires and decision-making, propelling us toward imagined futures. Yet, the episode doesn't shy away from recognizing the challenges posed by dopamine's influence, especially in the context of modern technology and its overstimulation. By diving into the science behind neurotransmitters, we underscore the importance of balance in navigating this chemical-driven landscape.

In this episode, you will hear:

Mike Long's exploration of dopamine's dual nature as both a motivator and an alert system

The impact of dopamine on future-focused behaviors and the overshadowing of present joys

Practical strategies to balance dopamine's influence and promote mindful living

Discussion on GLP-1 drugs' potential in curbing cravings and treating addiction

The role of technology in amplifying dopamine-driven habits and solutions for managing screen time

Techniques for fostering personal growth and relationships through intentional living

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

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

Do you ever feel stuck, like something is silently holding you back from achieving your goals in recovery? You’re not alone. On today’s episode of Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind tackle a subject that hits close to home for many of us: those sneaky, unhelpful thought patterns called cognitive distortions.

These tricky mental habits can silently sabotage progress and keep us locked in cycles of addiction. From all-or-nothing thinking to blaming yourself for what’s outside your control, these thoughts can feel overwhelming—but they don’t have to define you.

Duane and Eric break down the seven most common cognitive distortions and provide actionable tips to help you challenge and reframe your thinking. Their insights are your roadmap to building a healthier, more empowered mindset.

Why you should listen to this episode:

Whether you’re working through recovery yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about how our minds work, this episode is packed with powerful lessons to inspire hope and growth.

Don’t miss out on the free companion resource! Download the 7 Sneaky Thoughts Holding You Back Worksheet Here to start reshaping your mindset today.

It’s not just about what’s happening in your life; it’s about how you think about it. And when you approach challenges with clarity and compassion, the path forward becomes clearer.

Tune in now to take the first step toward breaking free!

Key Topics:

The impact of cognitive distortions on addiction

Overcoming all-or-nothing thinking

The power of challenging negative thoughts

Recognizing and reframing mental filters

The importance of acknowledging positive steps in recovery

Timestamps:

[00:01:00] Introduction to cognitive distortions

[00:03:48] Discussing "all or nothing" thinking

[00:05:58] Exploring mental filters and their impact

[00:07:40] Addressing the habit of discounting the positive

[00:09:23] How jumping to conclusions affects us

[00:11:24] The problem with labeling ourselves

[00:13:48] The importance of challenging cognitive distortions

Supporting Resources:

If you live in California, Idaho, Vermont, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center.

⁠⁠⁠⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

We want to hear from you. Please 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

Mark Lucia, Director of Programming at the KindBridge Research Institute, brings his exceptional experience from being a special forces medic to mastering public health and behavioral health program design. Join us as we uncover the systemic barriers that hinder service members and veterans from accessing help for gambling addiction, a problem exacerbated by deeply ingrained institutional stigma. Mark’s relentless efforts to reshape policies and heighten awareness, evidenced by groundbreaking state-level campaigns in Colorado, are crucial steps towards fostering hope and healing within military communities.

Gambling is not just a pastime; within military settings, it reveals its darker side, with slot machines on overseas bases raising concerns about institutionalized gambling. The stigma surrounding mental health care in the military often prevents service members from seeking necessary support, driven by fears of negative career repercussions. This episode sheds light on the surprising prevalence of gambling addiction among veterans, encouraging a dialogue about classifying it as a health issue and finding the appropriate interventions.

In this episode, you will hear:

Exploring the hidden epidemic of gambling addiction within military communities

Insights from Mark Lucia on systemic barriers and stigma preventing service members from seeking help

Examination of gambling facilities on overseas military bases and their impact on mental health

Discussion on reclassifying gambling addiction as a health issue and necessary interventions

Challenges faced by the Department of Defense in recognizing and addressing gambling disorders

Highlighting successful awareness campaigns and policy changes led by Mark Lucia

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

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

The Liberation of Letting Go: Finding Joy in What You Choose to Miss

Have you ever felt that nagging anxiety when you miss a social gathering, decline an invitation, or don't immediately respond to a text? That feeling has a name—FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)—and it might be silently sabotaging your recovery journey.

In this enlightening episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore a powerful mindset shift from FOMO to JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). They reveal how the constant pressure to be everywhere and do everything can lead to overwhelm, anxiety, and disconnection from our true values.

The hosts share how social media intensifies this fear by showing everyone's highlight reels, making us feel like we're falling behind or missing crucial experiences. This comparison trap hits especially hard during recovery, whispering lies that rest equals laziness or declining invitations means losing connection.

But there's hope in embracing JOMO—the conscious choice to find peace in saying no and truly meaning it. Unlike FOMO, which research links to lower life satisfaction and poor self-esteem, JOMO helps build emotional resilience and alignment with personal values.

Through six practical steps, Duane and Eric guide listeners on how to recognize FOMO's presence, identify what they're truly afraid of missing, and shift perspective to see what they gain by setting boundaries. This isn't about avoidance—it's about intention and making choices from clarity rather than fear.

The hosts emphasize that recovery doesn't mean you're behind; you're exactly where you need to be. Sometimes the most powerful action is choosing peace over pressure and stillness over striving. JOMO isn't disconnection—it's reconnection to yourself, your needs, and what truly matters.

For those ready to practice this transformative skill, the episode points to a downloadable worksheet and invites listeners to join The Addicted Mind community for deeper support. Because recovery isn't something you have to face alone—and sometimes, the quiet joy of letting go is exactly what your healing journey needs.

Download: FROM FOMO TO JOMO WORKSHEET

Join our Deep Dive in the TAM+ Community.

Click Here to Join TAM + Community. 

Key Topics

Understanding the difference between FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)

How social media intensifies FOMO and impacts recovery

Research showing FOMO's connection to lower life satisfaction and poor self-esteem

Six practical steps to shift from FOMO to JOMO mindset

Making choices based on values rather than fear

The importance of community in recovery

Finding peace in intentional choices rather than reactive decisions

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, Idaho, Vermont, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center.

⁠⁠⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠⁠⁠

We want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind⁠⁠⁠

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After facing the unimaginable heartbreak of losing a child, Stephanie Marquesano transformed her grief into a powerful mission to advocate for individuals battling co-occurring disorders. Her son Harris's struggle with mental health and substance use inspired the creation of The Harris Project, an initiative focused on holistic care. Stephanie's journey from personal tragedy to activism underscores the critical need for integrated approaches to mental health and addiction treatment, offering hope and insight to families and professionals dealing with similar challenges.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the intricate link between mental health issues and substance misuse, uncovering the root causes like genetics and trauma. Highlighting the societal shift required to address these challenges, we draw attention to the disparity in care and perception compared to other illnesses. By advocating for early intervention and education, we aim to inspire communities to challenge the stigma surrounding these issues, ultimately leading to better outcomes for youth and adults alike.

In this episode, you will hear:

Stephanie Marquesano's journey from personal tragedy to founding The Harris Project

The importance of integrated mental health and addiction care for co-occurring disorders

Harris's story: early anxiety, substance misuse, and systemic failures in treatment

Advocating for early intervention and education to combat stigma and improve outcomes

Collaborative efforts like the "You Don't Know the Half of It" PSA to reshape public perception

The role of media and partnerships in changing narratives around mental health and addiction

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

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

Ever felt like recovery is a mountain that's just too steep to climb? You're not alone. In this powerful episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, host Duane Osterlind tackles the most damaging myths that keep people trapped in cycles of addiction and shame.

Drawing inspiration from Johan Hari's profound insight that "the opposite of addiction isn't just sobriety, it's connection," Duane explores how recovery isn't about perfect willpower or never making mistakes – it's about reconnecting with yourself, your values, and others who support your journey.

Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed by shame, or convinced you're "too broken" to heal, this episode offers a compassionate roadmap forward. Duane breaks down six harmful myths that create invisible barriers to recovery and provides practical strategies to move beyond them.

You'll discover why slip-ups aren't total failures but opportunities for growth, why your addiction doesn't define your identity, and why the trust you think you've permanently lost can actually be rebuilt over time. Most importantly, you'll learn that healing isn't linear – it moves in waves, with highs and lows that are all part of the journey.

Through challenging negative thinking patterns, reconnecting with your values, developing healthy coping strategies, and practicing self-compassion, you can rewrite your recovery story. The path isn't about perfection or living up to others' expectations; it's about choosing actions that align with your values each day, even in small steps.

As Duane reminds us, recovery is possible for everyone. Your story is still being written, and it has the potential to unfold in ways you can't yet imagine. This episode includes a downloadable worksheet to help you identify and rewrite the myths holding you back on your journey to healing and connection.

Download: THE BEYOND WILLPOWER WORKSHEET

Join our Deep Dive in the TAM+ Community.

Click Here to Join TAM + Community. 

Get the support you need.

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, Idaho, Vermont, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center.

⁠⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠⁠

We want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: ⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind⁠⁠

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After enduring the chaos of addiction and the devastation of personal loss, Dr. Devin Effinger emerged with a new perspective and a mission to explore the healing potential of neuroscience. At just 15, a traumatic brain injury set the stage for a tumultuous journey through substance abuse, but also inspired a relentless pursuit of recovery and scientific discovery. Join us as Devin courageously shares his story, from the darkest moments marked by addiction and tragedy to the pivotal breakthroughs that spurred his remarkable transformation.

We venture into the intricate world of addiction, examining the neurological pathways that reinforce such destructive habits and the powerful influence of early trauma on our mental health. Devin unpacks the complex interplay of trauma, addiction, and the brain, offering insight into how substances can hijack our reward systems and why recovery is such a daunting endeavor. With raw honesty, he recounts his own battles with addiction, including the tragic consequences that forced him to confront the need for change.

In this episode, you will hear:

Dr. Devin Effinger's transformative journey from addiction and trauma to recovery and scientific exploration.

Insights into the neurological pathways that contribute to addiction and the role of early trauma.

Exploration of the promising potential of psychedelic medicine in promoting neuroplasticity and aiding recovery.

The complex interplay between trauma, addiction, and the brain's reward systems.

The challenges and breakthroughs in embracing a 12-step recovery process.

Devin's advocacy for restorative justice and trauma-informed care in addiction treatment.

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

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