The Addicted Mind Podcast

Patients with substance use disorder have every right to be pregnant and have children as much as anyone else. Some people look at it as being irresponsible but who are we to judge? In fact, our guest today explains how certain medications for substance use disorders could have played a part in improving the hormonal milieu of patients enough that a pregnancy might occur.

On this episode, Duane speaks with Dr. Charles Schauberger, an OB/GYN and Addiction Medicine doctor who specializes in helping women who are struggling with substance use disorder go through pregnancy. This is an issue that doesn't get talked about or thought about a lot unless someone is in this situation. 

A strong advocate for addiction treatment and compassionate care, Charles shares his story of getting into this specialty and how women dealing with substance use disorder can have a very healthy and successful pregnancy if they’re given the right support. 

His motivation for helping these women comes from recognizing the discrimination against this group of underserved people who have limited resources, not to mention the stigma associated with their drug use which makes their pregnancy even harder.  

Charles started practicing as an obstetrician in 1982 and has delivered about 5,000 babies over the course of his career. In 2008, he experienced burnout, left his clinical practice, and became a hospital administrator. After two and a half years, he went back into practice again because he missed patient contact.

Charles points out that patients are better off if they are stable in their treatment and recovery before achieving a pregnancy. However, he never talks down to anyone who gets pregnant while they're still actively using. Instead, he uses it as an opportunity to help them achieve recovery.

In this episode, you will hear:

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Supporting Resources:

Women and Substance Use Disorders Action Group of the American Society of Addiction Medicine

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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Embark on a powerful journey with Marci Hopkins, renowned TV host and recovery expert, as she shares the raw and transformative story of her battle with alcoholism and her road to clarity and purpose. With eight years of sobriety under her belt, Marci talks candidly about the trials of navigating a childhood mired in trauma and addiction and how the pressures of her dream job in the limelight only fueled her struggle. Her compelling narrative, chronicled on "Wake Up with Marci" and in her insightful book "Chaos to Clarity," serves as a beacon of hope, affirming that even from the depths of despair, one can rise to a life of fulfillment and joy. 

This episode doesn't just chronicle a story; it's an exploration of the tangible steps towards healing that many face in the anonymity of their own battles with addiction. As we discuss the critical role of the 12-step program, Marci opens up about the importance of surrender, spirituality, and gratitude in her own journey. We tackle practical matters too – the signs of a drinking problem, the dangers of an unsupervised detox, and the wealth of resources available, from online meetings to telehealth services. Most importantly, we shine a light on the crippling effect of shame and how the strength of community can dispel it, underlining the profound truth that sharing one's story can be the lifeline that someone else desperately needs.

In this episode, you will hear:

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Supporting Resources:

“Chaos to Clarity” by Marci Hopkins: https://www.amazon.com/Chaos-Clarity-Seeing-Breaking-Cycles/dp/1955272115 

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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Unlock the secrets to transforming your business into a haven for employee well-being with insights from Cheryl Brown-Merriwether, a trailblazer in marrying corporate HR with addiction recovery education. As we navigate the post-pandemic world, Cheryl lays out the stark realities and innovative solutions needed to foster recovery-friendly workplaces. This episode is a beacon of hope for businesses striving to support their employees' mental health and addiction recovery journeys, featuring discussions on government and institutional advancements, as well as practical initiatives that encourage seeking help. 

Step into a conversation that breaks down the barriers between addiction, mental health, and professional success. With Cheryl's expertise, we examine the integral role of empathy, peer support, and HR departments in creating a work culture where recovery is not just supported but celebrated. The dialogue traverses the significance of the Surgeon General's recent framework for mental health in the workplace, offering a roadmap to navigate the complexities of these intertwined challenges. This exchange is a testament to the power of inclusive leadership in initiating a substantial shift within workplace environments to prioritize employee health. 

Prepare to be part of a revolutionary movement as Cheryl details the upcoming national launch of an institute designed to promote recovery-friendly workplaces. This landmark initiative aims to arm employers, particularly those leading small businesses, with the tools necessary to build supportive environments while also exploring the benefits awaiting businesses that commit to this cause. We also shine a light on the burgeoning role of recovery coaches in the workplace—not just as a source of support but as a beacon that guides individuals towards a more fulfilling professional and personal life. Join us for a journey through the heart of corporate compassion, where the well-being of each employee is the cornerstone of business success.

In this episode, you will hear:

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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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There are a lot of negative consequences that can come from behavioral addictions. They include everything from financial problems to legal repercussions to health issues. Whether it’s gambling, gaming, sex, or pornography, it’s important to understand why some people are susceptible to certain behaviors. In fact, the same mechanism that influences chemical addiction could be responsible for behavioral addiction as well.

On this episode, Duane speaks with Amanda Giordano, a licensed professional counselor and associate professor at the University of Georgia, who specializes in addiction counseling both in chemical addiction and behavioral addiction. Amanda is the author of a clinical reference book titled A Clinical Guide to Treating Behavioral Addictions. 

Today, she imparts her expertise in this field, explaining how the changes in the brain associated with behavioral addictions are actually very similar to the changes associated with chemical addictions. 

In other words, instead of becoming addicted to a chemical that originates outside of the body, the body is addicted to the release of its own neurochemicals (dopamine in particular). Once the brain’s reward system is activated, it releases neurotransmitters which can become very difficult for some people to abstain from as they become their primary means of regulating their emotions.

Hence, for some susceptible individuals, a rewarding behavior can become an addiction where there’s a loss of control over that behavior. The behavior is continued despite negative consequences and it becomes compulsive for that individual. They experience cravings or a mental preoccupation with the behavior when they're not engaging in it. 

When we understand the neuroscience behind it, we can have a lot more empathy for people with addiction because we can now understand that their experience might be very different from the experience of someone who is not genetically predisposed to addiction.

Amanda also talks about how to distinguish behavioral addiction from just a high involvement in the behavior by looking for the 4 C’s of addiction. 

In this episode, you will hear:

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Supporting Resources:

NovusMindfulLife.com

Email: [email protected] 

Amanda’s blog: 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/contributors/amanda-l-giordano-phd-lpc  

A Clinical Guide to Treating Behavioral Addictions:

https://www.amazon.com/Clinical-Guide-Treating-Behavioral-Addictions/dp/0826163165

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5):

https://www.amazon.com/Diagnostic-Statistical-Manual-Mental-Disorders/dp/0890425558

Irresistible by Adam Alter:

https://www.amazon.com/Irresistible-Addictive-Technology-Business-Keeping/dp/1594206643

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

In a world grappling with addiction, every pathway to recovery is sacred. As we navigate the tumultuous terrain of our own recovery, we find solace and strength in shared stories. 

Such as this journey of transformation and discovery by Dr. Michael Gordon, author of "The 12-Step Pathway: A Heroic Journey of Recovery." With insights gained from personal experience and expertise, Michael explores the power of the 12-step program and its symbiotic relationship with the concept of the hero's journey. 

In this episode, Duane and Michael also take a deep dive into Joseph Campbell's philosophy, unraveling the profound significance of the hero's journey in the realm of addiction recovery. Highlighting the call to adventure and the subsequent refusal of the call, they provide a comprehensive breakdown of the hero's journey, as well as discuss the courage it takes to face one's dark side and make amends, illustrating the potent parallels between the 12-step recovery process and the hero's journey.

As they navigate through the intricate stages of the hero's journey and link them to the recovery process, you'll gain a deep understanding of the emotional evolution that accompanies addiction. While the journey to recovery may be arduous, it's a journey within reach for anyone. Tune in and bear witness to the universal struggle for recovery, and the hero within us all – just waiting to emerge.

In this episode, you will hear:

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Supporting Resources:

Book: The 12-Step Pathway: A Heroic Journey of Recovery

www.michaelcowlgordon.com/book/the-twelve-step-pathway-a-heroic-journey-of-recovery 

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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What if the solution to America's opioid crisis is right under our noses, but fear and misinformation are keeping it out of reach? In today’s episode, Duane speaks with Dr. Arun Gupta, a primary care physician and addiction doctor, and they tackle the question head on. 

Dr. Gupta brings his wealth of on-the-ground experience to light the reality of addiction and the urgent need for change. From the criminalization of addiction treatment to the heart-rending impact on individuals and communities, the conversation is a crash course in the complexities of the opioid crisis. 

The exploration doesn't stop there, as Duane and Dr. Gupta delve into the controversial subject of Suboxone with Dr. Bickenser and Dr. Adler. They shed light on the vital role it plays in managing withdrawal symptoms and why it's so misunderstood. They also emphasize the importance of attracting more doctors to the field of addiction medicine. 

They also sift through the intricacies of harm reduction policies with Dr. Gupta, discussing their potential drawbacks and the importance of shifting from merely reducing harm to effective treatment. The underlying theme is clear – addiction treatment demands our attention, understanding, and urgent action.

In this episode, you will hear:

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Are you ready to challenge your preconceived notions about addiction? What if we told you that addiction is not just about behavior, but it significantly impacts one's identity? See addiction in a whole new light after listening to Duane’s conversation with Dr. Paula Hall, a highly esteemed sexual and relationship psychotherapist. Dr. Hall brings her vast experience to the table, opening up about the often stigmatized and misunderstood world of sex and porn addiction. She underscores the vital elements of compassion, courage, and commitment required to conquer this addiction. 

Addiction serves as an anesthetic, numbing the sting of difficult emotions. Yet it often goes overlooked in talking therapy. Getting to the core of why we develop addictive behaviors and understanding their impact can be the difference between a habit and an addiction. Dr. Hall presents the case that labeling someone an 'addict' may not be conducive to their recovery and elaborates on the complex relationship between addiction and identity. 

Additionally, they delve into Dr. Hall's Pivotal Recovery programme, designed to treat addiction as that numbing anesthetic. They uncover the importance of identifying core beliefs in the recovery process and explore the CHOICES model, a six-step recovery guide. They also touch upon the power of peer support in addiction treatment and the wealth of sources and support for addiction recovery. 

In this episode, you will hear:

Follow and Review:

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Supporting Resources:

www.pivotalrecoverypivotorecovery.org 

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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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Do we truly understand substance use disorder? How can we dismantle the barriers to treatment? Join this latest episode with Duane as he interviews Susan Herrick and Dr. Arun Gupta tackle the stark realities of substance use disorder. 

Susan, a mother turned advocate, opens up about her son Luke's poignant battle with addiction, underscoring the heartrending struggle to access effective, science-based treatment. Dr. Gupta, contrasting Susan's narrative, brings his clinical expertise honed in India, highlighting the regulatory and educational hurdles that hinder the efforts of those battling addiction. 

Their stories align on one point - the desperate need for reform in this space. As we dig deeper, we uncover the shocking missteps and damaging regulations that have shaped the addiction treatment landscape. The criminalization of treatment has delayed access to vital medicines like Suboxone, stigmatizing those in dire need of help. Additionally, the unchecked rise and fall of Oxycontin – its unrestricted use igniting a peak in 2002 and 2003 – provides a chilling backdrop to today’s discussion. This episode uncovers the strength and grit of those battling substance use disorder and highlights the imperative need for effective treatment strategies, leaving us with this question: What if we could erase the stigma surrounding addiction?

In this episode, you will hear:

Follow and Review:

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Supporting Resources:

Slow Dancing with the Devil

https://www.amazon.com/Slow-Dancing-Devil-Substance-Disorder/dp/1476693897 

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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When you're grappling with life's toughest struggles, it can be incredibly hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our guest, Halima Anderson, knows this all too well. As a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), Halima faced the challenges of alcohol addiction and survived an abusive relationship. Yet, through these trials, she discovered her true self and the strength within. Her candid narration of her personal journey serves not just as inspiration, but as a beacon for anyone out there enduring similar hardships. 

Halima's story sheds light on the complexities of emotional experiences, underscoring the concept that no two people feel emotions the same way. Touching upon the hardship of being in an abusive relationship, she stresses the importance of reaching out for help and finding a supportive community that understands your struggles. Halima beautifully articulates the relief and comfort that come from being understood and supported, from recognizing your need for help and connecting with those who can provide it. 

Halima’s path to self-discovery didn’t stop at overcoming abuse and alcohol addiction. She also found herself recognizing her HSP trait, understanding its impact on her life, and learning to navigate her sensitivities. Her experience underscores the importance of building supportive relationships, accepting change, and prioritizing self-care. Halima’s resilience, her determination to find the resources she needed, and her ability to appreciate those who recognize and accept her sensitivities is truly inspiring. Join us as we take a deep dive into Halima's transformational journey, a testament to the power of self-awareness and support.

In this episode, you will hear:

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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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Are you hesitant to confront the unseen impacts of sexual trauma? Are you unsure about how to navigate sexual health and reclaim your pleasure? Armed with insights from Dr. Holly Richmond, a somatic psychotherapist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and certified sex therapist, we venture into an enlightening journey of discovery and healing.

Together with Dr. Richmond, we demystify the profound effects of sexual trauma and the addictive processes birthed from it. We navigate through the twists and turns of somatic psychotherapy, shedding light on how this body-informed therapeutic approach is instrumental in regulating the nervous system and reclaiming sexual health. Looking through the lens of Dr. Richmond's book, 'Reclaiming Pleasure', we explore somatic and psychological factors integral to survivors' erotic recovery, and the compulsive sexual behaviors employed by survivors to mitigate their trauma.

Bringing Dr. Richmond's wisdom to the fore, we conclude our conversation with a powerful segment on healing and reclaiming pleasure from sexual trauma. We explore the significance of fostering safe spaces, establishing boundaries, and reconnecting with the body. Our conversation also underscores the paramount role of two-way communication in trauma recovery, and the survivors' journey in a world that often sidelines those with traumatic histories. Join us for this vital conversation that promises to enlighten and guide you in your own journey of self-discovery and wellness.

In this episode, you will hear:

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