The Addicted Mind Podcast

The Addicted Mind Podcast

By Duane Osterlind, LMFTMedicineHealth & FitnessMental Health
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The Addicted Mind Podcast episodes

  • Episode 389: Bridging the Recovery Gap: How AI is Transforming Treatment Admissions with David Sichel

    In this episode, host Duane Osterlind sits down with David Sichel —entrepreneur, founder of Blue Shirt Media, and creator of Sober Transport. David shares his personal journey through addiction, multiple relapses, and long-term recovery, alongside how those experiences led him to innovate within the treatment ecosystem. The conversation explores how AI voice agents and text-based re-engagement tools can support overworked admission departments, capture lost leads, and ensure vulnerable individuals get immediate help during critical moments of sanity.


    Key Discussion Highlights

    1. David Sichel's Recovery Story

    • Early Sobriety & Relapse: David first got clean at age 16 and maintained 17 years of continuous sobriety before relapsing after convincing himself he could smoke marijuana. After getting clean a second time for five years, he experienced a similar relapse.
    • Achieving Long-Term Recovery: David entered treatment for a third time over 12.5 years ago (February 17). He emphasizes the importance of staying humble, attending meetings, and engaging in service work rather than relying on past accomplishments.
    • Navigating Mental & Physical Health: David discusses his gastric bypass surgery (losing 145 lbs), surviving a severe bout of depression at 10 years sober through medication and a strong support network, and recent heart surgery (pacemaker placement).
    • Giving Back: David hosts a long-standing home group celebrating 12 years and carries recovery meetings into local prisons weekly.

    2. The Evolution of "Sober Transport"

    • Identifying the Need: While driving Uber in early recovery, David noticed high individuals taking rides to rehab facilities, sparking the idea for a safe, empathetic transit option.
    • Building the Business: David became a certified recovery specialist and interventionist, launching a personalized transport service accompanied by his dog to build rapport with clients. He safely escorted individuals across the country into care until operations paused during COVID-19.

    3. Modernizing Treatment Admissions with AI Voice Solutions

    • The After-Hours Problem: Unanswered calls or automated voicemails at 2 AM leave vulnerable people without immediate support, often resulting in lost opportunities for care.
    • Empathetic AI Intake: David developed an AI intake assistant tailored specifically for treatment centers to answer calls 24/7.
    • Key Features & Workflows:
    • Fully transparent: Discloses to callers that it is an AI assistant.
    • Knowledge Base: Trained on specific treatment center websites and standard intake questions.
    • Live Transfers: Conducts immediate 24/7 transfers for qualified, urgent leads if requested by the facility.
    • CRM Integration: Captures intake data, creates CRM lead records, and sends immediate text follow-ups to the caller.
    • HIPAA Compliant: Fully adheres to healthcare privacy laws and signs Business Associate Agreements (BAAs).

    4. Re-Engaging Inactive Leads via Automated Text Messaging

    • The "Inactive File" Problem: Facilities spend upwards of $200 per call through digital advertising, yet many leads go cold after 2–3 follow-up attempts.
    • Meeting People Where They Are: Most individuals under 50 prefer text messages over phone calls from unknown numbers.
    • Automated Text Campaigns: Using AI text automation, treatment centers reach out to inactive leads, alumni, or past inquiries with supportive check-ins ("Hey, just checking in to see how you're doing").
    • Performance: David's text re-engagement case studies demonstrate up to a 22% response rate, qualifying leads before handing them directly back to live admissions representatives via click-to-call.

    Key Quotes

    "When you're sitting in the dark and ready for help, a voicemail is dead. We need to meet people where they are, when they're at that moment of sanity."

    — David Sichel 

    "If you have a chance to do any recovery service work... do it. We need you, because that's where our people are, and we have to meet them where they're at."

    — David Sichel 

    Guest Advice for Anyone Struggling

    If you or a loved one are in a dark place and struggling with addiction:

    • Reach out immediately. Call anyone—a priest, a treatment center, a helpline, or a friend in recovery.
    • There is no shame or judgment waiting for you; the recovery community wants to help you get well.

    Connect & Resources

    • Website: BlueShirtMedia.com (Explore AI demos, case studies, and scheduling options)

    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

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    34 min
  • TAM+ EP 113 The 4 Essential Boundaries That Will Transform Your Recovery Journey

    Download:   The 4 Essential Boundaries Worksheet


    Are you constantly saying "yes" to everyone else's needs while your recovery takes a backseat? In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, host Duane Osterlind and Eric Osterlind dive deep into the four fundamental types of boundaries that can revolutionize your recovery journey. Many people struggle with feeling selfish about setting boundaries, but as this episode reveals, boundaries aren't just about saying "no" – they're about creating a protective space where your healing can flourish.


    The hosts break down each type of boundary – physical, emotional, intellectual, and time – providing practical examples and real-world applications. They explore how these boundaries work together to create a strong foundation for long-term recovery success. Whether you're dealing with maintaining sobriety, protecting your personal space, or managing relationships, this episode offers clear, actionable insights for setting and maintaining healthy boundaries.


    The discussion includes practical tips for implementing these boundaries in daily life, along with strategies for overcoming the guilt that often accompanies boundary-setting. The hosts also share how joining a supportive community can help strengthen your boundary-setting skills and enhance your recovery journey.


    Key Topics

    • Understanding the difference between physical, emotional, intellectual, and time boundaries
    • Why setting boundaries isn't selfish and actually helps relationships flourish
    • How to protect your recovery space without feeling guilty
    • The importance of community support in maintaining boundaries
    • Practical steps for implementing boundaries in daily life


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    16 min
  • Episode 388: The Power of "I Get To": Surviving a 130 MPH Crash and Finding Purpose with Christian Struthers

    In this powerful episode of The Addictive Mind, host Duane Osterlind sits down with Christian Struthers to discuss his incredible journey from an ego-driven lifestyle of addiction to surviving a catastrophic, near-fatal car accident. Christian shares how a simple shift in perspective saved his mental health, how a German Shepherd named Millie helped him heal, and how he turned his trauma into a mission to give back.


    Key Takeaways From This Episode

    • The Illusion of "Superman": From the outside, Christian had it all—athletic talent, college baseball scholarships, and a supportive family. However, a lack of consequences fueled a massive ego, leading him down a dark path of alcohol, party scenes, and using prescription pills (like Xanax and painkillers) to regulate his extreme lifestyle.
    • The Crash That Changed Everything: On August 3, 2016, Christian was the passenger in a vehicle traveling 130 mph that flipped end-over-end for a football field and a half. The driver tragically did not survive. Christian suffered catastrophic injuries, including a broken neck, two strokes, a punctured lung, and a shattered pelvis. He survived by a thread, stopping his internal bleeding on the very last available bag of his rare O-negative blood type.
    • The "I Get To" Mindset: Facing the reality of being bedridden and told he might never walk again, Christian fell into deep depression. A profound piece of wisdom from a hospital nurse flipped a switch for him: "Christian, you don't have to do this. You get to do this." This shift from obligation to gratitude changed the trajectory of his recovery.
    • Millie and the Genesis of Dog Dash 3K: Promised a dog by his parents if he survived the coma, Christian bonded with a German Shepherd named Millie. She became his ultimate motivation to heal. To honor her unconditional love, he started Dog Dash 3K, a community event that now donates 100% of its profits to animal shelters.
    • Recovery is a Work in Progress: Christian opens up about the painful loss of Millie to heart disease years later, which triggered a brief relapse into drinking. He shares a vulnerable, vital reminder that sobriety and healing are never linear, and that addiction is often a coping mechanism for underlying pain.

    Memorable Quotes

    "My ego—they called me Superman... it started with ego, went to bad choices with no consequences, and then it went to addiction." — Christian Struthers

    "A nurse looked at me and she said, 'Christian, you don't have to do this. You get to do this.' That right there switched for me... That's what changed my life." — Christian Struthers

    "Addiction isn't necessarily the problem... it's our answer to the problem. There's an underlying pain." — Christian Struthers

    "You're one good decision away from completely changing your life. And you get to make that good decision today, right now." — Christian Struthers

    Resources & Links Mentioned

    Connect with Christian Struthers:

    • Websites: christianstruthers.com | dogdash3k.com
    • Social Media (Dog Dash 3K): Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
    • Social Media (Personal/Vlog): Christian Struthers Real Life Rambles (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube)


    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

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    31 min
  • TAM+ EP 112 Breaking Down Walls: The Healing Power of Self-Disclosure in Recovery

    Download:   Self-Disclosure in Recovery Worksheet

    Ever feel like you're carrying a secret that's too heavy to share? In this powerful episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore why sharing our authentic stories is crucial for lasting recovery. They dive into how keeping parts of ourselves hidden can actually deepen our isolation, while taking careful steps to share with trusted others can create profound healing. Drawing from the wisdom of pioneering psychotherapist Carl Rogers, they discuss how genuine connection and unconditional acceptance can transform recovery from a lonely journey into a shared path of growth. The hosts offer practical strategies for breaking down the walls of shame and secrecy, while emphasizing the importance of choosing safe people and spaces for self-disclosure. Whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, this episode provides valuable insights into building the authentic connections that make lasting change possible. 


    Key Topics:

    • Understanding the relationship between isolation and addiction
    • The role of unconditional positive regard in healing
    • How to identify safe people for self-disclosure
    • Practical steps for sharing your story
    • The importance of starting small with vulnerability
    • Using journaling to explore sharing readiness
    • Creating a self-disclosure plan


    Timestamps

    [00:01:04] Introduction to self-disclosure and authentic connection

    [00:02:00] The impact of keeping secrets in recovery 

    [00:04:08] Carl Rogers' insights on understanding and acceptance

    [00:08:35] Practical steps for building vulnerability 

    [00:11:55] Understanding your comfort level with sharing 

    [00:13:21] Journaling prompts for self-reflection 

    [00:14:30] The power of community in recovery



    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    17 min
  • Episode 387:Brain Rescue: Rewiring the Addictive Mind Through Neuroplasticity with Dr. Brody Miller

    In this episode of The Addictive Mind Podcast, host Duane Osterlind sits down with Dr. Brody Miller, a brain rehabilitation researcher and author of Brain Rescue. Dr. Brody shares his incredible journey from suffering a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and deep addiction to uncovering the life-changing power of Neuroplasticity.

    They dive into the invisible link between brain trauma and substance abuse, how mindfulness physically rewires brain structures, and why massive life transformation actually starts with tiny, everyday "pinky moves."


    Key Takeaways

    • The TBI & Addiction Connection: Research shows that individuals who experience brain injuries or trauma have a significantly higher propensity toward addictive behaviors. When the brain isn't functioning properly, it struggles to produce stable mood-regulating neurotransmitters (like dopamine and serotonin), leading individuals to self-medicate.
    • The Power of 56 Days: Dr. Brody highlights a Harvard study demonstrating that just 56 days of consistent meditation can physically alter the structure of the brain, lowering stress and improving concentration.
    • The Brain Only Cares About Repetition: The brain doesn’t differentiate between positive or negative habits; it simply reinforces whatever path you repeat. Whether it's taking pills or going for a walk, repetition builds neural superhighways.
    • Accountability Over Shame: Healing requires looking honestly at your current reality without letting shame keep you stuck. Swallowing the hard pill of accountability is the first step toward building a new identity.


    Neuroplasticity in Practice: The Power of "Pinky Moves"

    If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of changing your life, Dr. Brody emphasizes taking micro-steps rather than trying to climb the mountain in one day.

    • Interrupt the Default Mode Network: Humans have a natural negativity bias wired for survival. You can begin to interrupt these automatic negative thoughts simply by shifting your internal self-talk.
    • Combine Thought with Action: True neural change requires backing up your thoughts with behavior. Your brain will "call BS" on positive thinking if it isn't paired with action.
    • Start Small: Dr. Brody recommends James Clear’s Atomic Habits. Committing to a simple 10-minute walk or 5 minutes of breathing exercises daily creates an upward spiral of positive momentum.

    Words of Wisdom

    "Just because you feel this way today does not mean that you have to feel this way for the rest of your life. If you start to make small changes, I promise you—from someone who has lived exactly what you're going through—you can start today and make a big change over time." — Dr. Brody Miller

    Resources & Links Mentioned

    Books

    • Brain Rescue by Dr. Brody Miller
    • Atomic Habits by James Clear
    • Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza
    • The Biology of Belief by Dr. Bruce Lipton
    • The Answer by John Assaraf

    Programs & Connect

    • Addiction Rescue Course: Addiction Rescue Team (A neuroscience-backed recovery program co-created with Sean David Cohen).
    • Website: Dr. Brody Miller Official Website
    • Instagram: @Dr.BrodyMiller


    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

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    36 min
  • Episode 386: How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes with Eric Zimmer

    The Addicted Mind Podcast: How a Little Becomes a Lot with Eric Zimmer

    In this episode, Duane welcomes back Eric Zimmer, host of The One You Feed podcast, behavior coach, and author of the new book, How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life.

    Eric shares his profound journey from being a homeless heroin addict facing 50 years in prison to building a deeply meaningful life in long-term recovery. Together, Duane and Eric break down why massive life transformations don't happen overnight, but are instead built on thousands of microscopic daily decisions. They explore how to navigate behavioral "choice points," overcome the trap of perfectionism, and beautifully balance the duality of acceptance and change.

    Key Takeaways from the Episode

    • The Fallacy of the "Big Moment": While "moments of clarity" are real and pivotal, they only matter if they are backed up by small, daily actions over time.
    • Change is a Skill: Struggling to change a habit is not a character flaw or a sign of laziness; it is a skill set that must be practiced and learned.
    • The Autopilot Pitfall: Many of our worst habits occur completely outside of our conscious awareness. Learning to slow down and introduce deliberation is key to making better choices.
    • The 80% Rule: Except for active substance addiction, striving for 80% consistency in life (exercise, meditation, healthy eating) protects you from the self-sabotage of perfectionism.
    • Puzzles Over Problems: Shifting your perspective from "I have a problem" to "I have a puzzle" opens the door to curiosity and solutions rather than shame.


    In-Depth Discussion Topics

    At 24 years old, Eric was a homeless heroin addict, weighing 100 pounds, jaundiced from Hepatitis C, and facing severe prison time. When he finally agreed to long-term treatment, it wasn't his first attempt. Eric explains how his previous "failures" to stay clean were actually an essential part of his learning process.

    Mastering "Choice Points"

    A choice point is that exact split-second where you either move toward your best self or fall back into old behaviors. Eric notes that relying purely on willpower at a choice point is a losing game. Instead, behavior change requires two distinct layers:

    1. Structural Elements: This includes your support system, clear protocols, accountability partners, and removing triggers from your environment.
    2. In-the-Moment Skills: This involves recognizing self-doubt, slowing down the urge, and learning how to "trick" yourself into taking action by shrinking the task (e.g., just putting on your running shoes to walk to the mailbox).

    "The music producer Quincy Jones has this line, and I love it. He says, 'I don't have problems, I have puzzles.' There's a shift in there that's really important, because a puzzle has a solution. It has an answer. We just haven't figured it out yet." — Eric Zimmer

    Moving Beyond the Self-Improvement Project

    The episode wraps up with a deep dive into the final chapters of Eric’s book, focusing on presence and radical acceptance. While it seems counterintuitive for a book about behavior change to end on "allowing everything to be exactly as it is," Eric explains that treating your life as a non-stop self-improvement project strips away contentment. True healing happens when we can skillfully change what we can, while holding space for our pain, low moods, and current realities without judgment.

    Framework: The 80% Rule vs. The Perfection Mindset

    The Perfection MindsetThe 80% Consistency FrameworkViews every slip-up as a total failure.Views slip-ups as temporary data points and "puzzle pieces."Relies heavily on high motivation and intense willpower.Relies on structural support, habits, and reducing friction.Leads to burnout, self-sabotage, and quitting.Leads to long-term, sustainable lifestyle changes."If I can't do it perfectly, why bother?""If I can just hit 80% consistency over a year, I'm winning."

    Resources Mentioned in this Episode

    • Eric Zimmer’s Website: oneyoufeed.net (Find his podcast, behavior coaching program, and new book)
    • Eric's Book:How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life – A Guide to Lasting Transformation Through Behavioral Science and Wisdom
    • The Addicted Mind Website: theaddictedmind.com


    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

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    41 min
  • TAM+ EP 111 Where You End and Healing Begins: Building Boundaries in Recovery

    Download: Setting Healthy Boundaries Worksheet


    Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night, replaying that moment when you said "yes" but every fiber of your being was screaming "no"? In this transformative episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive deep into one of recovery's most overlooked yet crucial components: setting healthy boundaries. 


    They explore why boundaries aren't walls that keep people out, but rather fences that let the right things in. The hosts break down common misconceptions about boundaries, explaining why they're not selfish acts but essential tools for self-respect and healing. Through practical examples and clear guidance, they show how proper boundaries can actually lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships while protecting your recovery journey.


    What makes this episode particularly valuable is its practical approach. The hosts provide a step-by-step guide to setting and maintaining boundaries, from starting small to handling pushback. They emphasize that while setting boundaries might feel uncomfortable at first, especially for those who haven't seen them modeled in their lives, they're skills that can be learned and improved over time.



    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    18 min
  • Episode 385: Tend and Befriend Women and Addiction Treatment with Adina Silvestri

    Welcome to the Addicted Mind Podcast. Today, we are delighted to bring you the wisdom and expertise of Dr. Adina Silvestri, EdD, LPC as she talks about her research on women seeking addiction treatment.Dr. Adina Silvestri is a licensed Professional Counselor in Richmond, Virginia and the founder of Life Cycles Counseling. One of her specialties is helping women that are struggling with substance abuse recover from shame to find hope and healing.

    In this podcast, she discussed how it is important to support women with a relational focused treatment approach as opposed to using a confrontational style. She uses the adage, “tend and befriend” when beginning substance abuse treatment for women as she has determined that style helps women decrease the stress hormone cortisol.

    She also discusses how it is difficult for many women to get support because they are often the primary caregivers for children. The complicated issues around finding child care to allow women to participate in substance abuse treatment add to this difficulty. Often women leave treatment early because of child care issues. This creates a consistent problem with women trying to build a recovery support network.

    Dr. Silvestri reports that often women are not supported by their partners when seeking help. She reports that it is common for women to be introduced to addictive substances by their partner. She states that getting treatment can often cause relationships to break down as one person seeks recovery and the other does not. This results in circumstances in which partner does not support treatment.

    She also found in her research that women often put off seeking treatment for approximately four years, adding to the compounding difficulty of getting recovery. Dr. Silvestri encourages all women who are struggling with this issue to reach out for help and tell somebody.

    Here are some topics discussed in this episode:

    • Barriers to treatment such as child care and pregnancy.
    • Fear of losing custody of their children.
    • A lack of insurance and employment.
    • How women may present differently when starting treatment.
    • The role of shame and cultural stereotypes.
    • The importance of relational treatment when working with women in an addiction treatment program.
    • Domestic abuse and violence.
    • The increased potential for sexual exploitation.

    Get more information:

    adinasilvestri.com

    [email protected]

    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

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    24 min
  • TAM+ EP 110 Turn Criticism into Growth: Transforming Your Response to Criticism

    Download: Growth Mindset Worksheet


    Ever felt like feedback in your recovery journey hits you like a punch to the gut? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into why criticism can feel so painful during recovery and share game-changing strategies to transform those tough moments into opportunities for growth. Drawing from cutting-edge research in neuroscience and psychology, they explain how our early life experiences shape our sensitivity to criticism and why some people struggle more than others with feedback. But here's the good news: by adopting what scientists call a "growth mindset," you can learn to receive feedback differently and use it to strengthen your recovery journey. The brothers share practical, easy-to-implement strategies that can help you shift from feeling defensive and ashamed to seeing criticism as valuable feedback for your growth. Whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, this episode offers essential tools for turning difficult feedback into stepping stones toward lasting change.


    KEY TOPICS

    • Understanding why criticism hits harder for some people
    • The connection between early childhood experiences and sensitivity to criticism
    • How the brain's stress response system affects our reaction to feedback
    • Dr. Carol Dweck's research on growth mindset
    • Three practical strategies for developing a growth mindset
    • The role of criticism in sustainable recovery
    • Practical tools and worksheets for implementing these strategies


    TIMESTAMPS

    [00:01:07] Introduction to criticism's impact on recovery

    [00:02:45] Understanding sensitivity to criticism through attachment theory

    [00:06:00] Introduction to growth mindset concept

    [00:08:00] Real-world examples of criticism in recovery

    [00:11:11] Three practical strategies for developing growth mindset

    [00:13:21] Practicing affirming statements

    [00:14:57] Resources and community support information



    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    17 min
  • Episode 384: The Hijacked Mind: The Truth About Kratom, 7-OH, and How Addiction Rewires the Soul with Dr. Muhamad Aly Rifai

    In this episode, host Duane Osterlind sits down with Dr. Muhamad Aly Rifai, a dual-trained internist, psychiatrist, and addiction medicine specialist with over 25 years of clinical experience. Together, they dive deep into a rising public health concern—Kratom and 7-OH products—and unpack the complex neuroscience of how substance abuse alters brain architecture.

    Dr. Rifai shares insights from his book, Hijacked Mind: How Addiction Rewires the Soul, exploring the reality of permanent brain changes, the sliver of hope offered by neuroplasticity, and how a holistic Biopsychosocial model can help individuals rebuild their lives.

    About the Guest

    Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD, is an internist, psychiatrist, and addiction specialist. He serves as the medical director of an addiction treatment center and has spent the last two decades treating individuals facing co-occurring psychiatric disorders and chemical dependencies. He is also known online as "The Virtual Psychiatrist."

    Key Takeaways & Discussion Points

    1. The Kratom Crisis: Natural Leaf vs. 7-OH

    Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. While traditionally used as a tea for pain relief, a massive commercial market has emerged around it in the United States, creating two distinct camps:

    • The Natural Leaf Camp: Powdered or dried leaves primary containing mitragynine. Many users report it offers relief from chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and fatigue when used responsibly.
    • The 7-OH Camp: Highly potent, biochemically isolated 7-hydroxymitragynine sold in gas stations and smoke shops as pills, extracts, and drinks.

    The Clinical Reality: Because these products are completely unregulated by the FDA, consumers often don't know what they are ingesting. Dr. Rifai notes a dramatic rise in patients requiring medical detoxification from 7-OH products, experiencing severe withdrawal syndromes comparable to high-dose opioid or fentanyl withdrawal.

    2. The Neuroscience of a "Hijacked Mind"

    For years, addiction wasn't fully understood as an architectural shift in the brain. Dr. Rifai explains the sobering realities of what happens when a substance takes over:

    • Down-Regulation: Severe drug use causes a decrease in the number and sensitivity of opioid receptors.
    • Apoptosis: Substances like fentanyl trigger programmed cell death in areas governing executive function, emotional regulation, and perception.
    • Permanent vs. Adaptable Changes: While some cellular damage is irreversible, neuroplasticity allows the brain to build new neural pathways around damaged areas through targeted treatment.


    3. The Biopsychosocial Model for Recovery

    Overcoming severe addiction requires a 360-degree approach. Dr. Rifai breaks down the essential framework for a successful recovery program:

    Dimension Core Interventions & Strategies Biological Complete abstinence, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) like buprenorphine or methadone, treating underlying psychiatric comorbidities (depression, anxiety), and neurostimulation (like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / TMS).Psychological Addressing cognitive distortions "on steroids," processing trauma (which is present in 60% to 70% of addiction cases), and utilizing evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT .Social Building a supportive network through family involvement, peer support counselors, prescription digital therapeutics (specialized apps), and 24/7 accessible support groups like AA/NA via Zoom.

    Words of Hope

    "Help is out there. Even if you're hopeless and see no way out, help is available. There is a way out and there is somebody out there to help. So reach out."

    Resources & Links Mentioned

    • Dr. Rifai’s Website: alirifai.com
    • Dr. Rifai’s YouTube Channel: The Virtual Psychiatrist
    • Dr. Rifai's Book: Hijacked Mind: How Addiction Rewires the Soul (Available on Amazon)
    • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (Available 24/7, free, and confidential)


    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


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    37 min

About The Addicted Mind Podcast

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