The Addicted Mind Podcast

Join us for an enriching conversation with Dr. Diana Hill, a leading voice in the world of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as she shares insights from her latest book, "Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most". Dr. Hill leads us on her personal journey from cognitive behavioral therapy to ACT, offering a fresh perspective on how shifting our relationship with thoughts can bring profound change. This episode promises to redefine your understanding of mental well-being by highlighting ACT's focus on psychological flexibility and values-driven living.

Dr. Hill artfully explores the fusion of scientific analysis and human compassion in therapeutic practices. She guides us through the complex realm of shame, an emotion deeply rooted in our evolutionary past, and explains how confronting it can pave the way for healing and deeper connections. Through this lens, we consider how integrating scientific principles with personal relevance can transform mental health treatment into a relatable, effective process. This conversation is a testament to how ACT can be a powerful tool for anyone seeking to harness both heart and science in their healing journey.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Dr. Diana Hill on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and her book "Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most."
• ACT's focus on psychological flexibility and values-driven living, distinct from traditional cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Scientific rigor with compassion to address and transform shame in therapy.
• Aligning talents with core values for personal growth through "wise effort."
• The importance of releasing outdated narratives for creativity and development.
• Practical strategies and questions for purposeful energy and talent direction.

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Supporting Resources:

Dr. Hill's Website

Dr. Hill's Podcast

Wise Effort Book

NovusMindfulLife.com

https://www.theaddictedmind.com/community 

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.

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

Download: The Worksheet ACE

In this episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the groundbreaking ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study. This research revealed how childhood trauma significantly impacts mental, physical, and emotional health in adulthood. By exploring the origins, findings, and implications of the study, they discuss how early experiences of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction shape our lives. The episode also provides practical steps for recognizing and addressing these traumas, offering hope and tools for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues. Join us to understand the profound connection between childhood experiences and adult well-being.

Key Topics

- Introduction to the ACEs study and its significance.

- Types of adverse childhood experiences (abuse, neglect, household dysfunction).

- The impact of ACEs on adult mental and physical health.

- Recognizing hidden forms of trauma and their long-term effects.

- Practical steps for healing from childhood trauma.

Timestamps

1. [00:01:00] – Introduction and significance of the ACEs study.

2. [00:02:28] – History and inception of the ACEs study by Dr. Vincent Felitti.

3. [00:04:21] – Types of adverse childhood experiences.

4. [00:06:25] – Impact of ACEs on adult health and well-being.

5. [00:09:38] – Recognizing hidden forms of trauma.

6. [00:13:23] – Steps to address and heal from childhood trauma.

7. [00:17:11] – Summary and resources for further help.

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Brad Sorte, co-founder of Sober Companion AI, shares his remarkable journey from battling addiction to harnessing the power of AI to transform recovery processes. With nearly two decades of experience under his belt, Brad provides insights into how AI is making addiction treatment more personal and accessible. By integrating compassionate care with advanced technology, AI is opening doors to treatment for more individuals and families, offering new hope and reshaping therapeutic interactions.

Our conversation takes a closer look at AI's broader applications in family education and support services. With the rise of tools like ChatGPT, Brad envisions a world where conversational AI companions serve as 24-hour coaches for families, guiding them through challenges and helping manage boundaries and anxiety. These AI advancements strive to reconstruct family support structures, particularly in a post-COVID landscape, addressing the entire familial ecosystem to prevent generational issues and foster holistic healing.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Exploration of AI's transformative role in addiction recovery, emphasizing personal and accessible treatment
• Insights from Brad Sorte on integrating compassionate care with technology in mental health services
• AI's potential in democratizing family education and support, using conversational AI as 24-hour coaches
• Ethical considerations and risks of forming dependencies on AI in mental health care
• Use of real-time data from mobile devices for early detection and intervention in addiction relapse

Follow and Review:

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Supporting Resources:

SCAI

NovusMindfulLife.com

https://www.theaddictedmind.com/community 

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.

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

Download: Thought Challenge Worksheet

What if the harshest critic you've ever known lives inside your own head?

That relentless voice telling you you're not good enough, you'll never change, you always mess things up – it's been running the show for far too long. In this eye-opening episode, hosts Duane and Eric reveal how your inner critic has been acting as judge, jury, and executioner of your self-worth, especially during addiction and trauma recovery.

But here's the game-changer: you don't have to be a victim of your own thoughts anymore.

Using powerful techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), this episode teaches you how to become your own defense attorney. You'll learn to identify the sneaky cognitive distortions that fuel your inner critic – like all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, and emotional reasoning – and discover a simple but life-changing method to challenge these automatic negative thoughts.

This isn't about toxic positivity or pretending everything is fine. It's about finding truth, balance, and compassion in how you talk to yourself. Duane and Eric walk you through a practical thought-challenging exercise that you can use immediately when that critic gets loud.

The hosts share real examples of how to transform thoughts like "I'm a complete failure" into more balanced perspectives that acknowledge your pain while opening doors to healing and growth. They explain why our feelings, though valid, aren't always accurate reflections of reality – and how emotional reasoning can trap us in cycles of shame and relapse.

Every time you challenge a negative thought and find counter-evidence, you're literally rewiring your brain. You're building new neural pathways that are more balanced and resilient. Most importantly, you're shifting from being a passive victim of your thoughts to becoming an active participant in your emotional wellbeing.

Ready to put your inner critic on trial? This episode gives you the tools to start today.

Key Topics

• Cognitive distortions - identifying black-and-white thinking, catastrophizing, and emotional reasoning 
• The CBT thought-challenging method - questioning evidence for and against negative thoughts 
• Emotional reasoning trap - why feeling something doesn't make it factually true 
• Creating balanced alternatives - reframing thoughts without toxic positivity 
• Self-compassion techniques - asking "what would I tell a dear friend?" 
• Neural pathway rewiring - how challenging thoughts physically changes your brain 
• Practical worksheet tool - step-by-step guide for thought records

Timestamps

[00:01:00] - Meet your harshest critic (spoiler: it's you) 

[00:03:00] - The pain of living under constant internal negativity 

[00:06:00] - Introduction to cognitive restructuring and CBT techniques 

[00:07:00] - Common cognitive distortions in addiction recovery 

[00:10:00] - The thought-challenging courtroom method 

[00:13:00] - Creating balanced alternative thoughts (real examples) 

[00:16:00] - Free worksheet download and practical next steps

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

Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje’s story is one that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the hidden struggles of addiction. Imagine maintaining a successful career while secretly battling high-functioning alcoholism. Melissa opens up about her journey from denial to recovery, sharing the pivotal moments that led her to seek help. Her memoir, "Drunk Love: A Marriage Under the Influence," serves as a testament to the resilience required to overcome such a gripping hold on life. Her candid reflections offer a beacon of hope for those facing similar battles or supporting loved ones on their path to sobriety.

Navigating a marriage entangled in the web of alcoholism presents its own set of challenges. Melissa and her husband share their experience of confronting the underlying issues masked by alcohol. Through therapy and recovery programs, they learned to rebuild their relationship, finding healthier ways to communicate and support each other. This episode explores themes of personal well-being, the importance of choosing the right therapeutic support, and the powerful transformation that sobriety can bring to personal and familial dynamics. Rediscovering one's identity and passions, such as Melissa's love for writing, are highlighted as key elements in the journey to recovery.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje's battle with high-functioning alcoholism and the role of denial.
• The impact of alcoholism on Melissa's marriage and the journey to recovery and healing.
• Rediscovering personal identity and passions through sobriety, with a focus on Melissa's love for writing.
• The significance of choosing the right therapeutic support and the potential necessity of ending unhealthy relationships.
• Embracing radical honesty in recovery and the surprising support from colleagues.
• The transformative power of community and fellowship in overcoming 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:

Drunk Love: A Marriage under the Influence

Sobertown Interview

NovusMindfulLife.com

https://www.theaddictedmind.com/community 

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.

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

Download: The ANT Catcher Worksheet

Have you ever felt like your mind was invaded by a constant stream of tiny, negative whispers? Like there's an army of ants crawling through your head, each one carrying a toxic message that you're not good enough, you can't handle it, or you're going to fail?

In this powerful episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric reveal the hidden enemy that might be sabotaging your recovery without you even knowing it. They introduce you to ANTs – Automatic Negative Thoughts – those lightning-fast, barely noticeable thoughts that create a vicious cycle of pain, triggers, and destructive behaviors.

Drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the most research-backed therapeutic approaches available, the hosts break down the critical connection between your thoughts, feelings, and actions. They explain how changing just one corner of this triangle can transform your entire emotional experience.

But here's the game-changer: most of us try to change our behaviors through pure willpower, completely missing the thoughts that are actually driving the whole cycle. These automatic thoughts happen so fast they're almost subconscious, yet they have the power to hijack your entire day – and your recovery.

Duane and Eric don't just identify the problem; they give you practical tools to fight back. They introduce the concept of "metacognition" – thinking about your thinking – and show you how to become a scientist of your own mind. By learning to spot these mental ants, you create psychological distance from them and stop seeing them as the absolute truth.

The episode includes a 24-hour mission designed to help you become an "ant hunter," complete with specific steps for catching and labeling these thoughts without judgment. You'll learn why physically writing down these thoughts is so powerful and how this simple practice can be the foundation for lasting change.

Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or just tired of being controlled by negative self-talk, this episode offers hope and practical strategies. The hosts provide a free worksheet to help you track your progress and emphasize the importance of being gentle with yourself as you discover these hidden patterns.

This isn't about positive thinking or willpower – it's about awareness, understanding, and gradually taking back control of your mental landscape one thought at a time.

Key Topics

• ANTs Explained: What automatic negative thoughts are and how they operate below conscious awareness 

• The CBT Triangle: How thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and influence each other 

• Metacognition Techniques: Learning to observe your thoughts rather than being controlled by them 

• The Ant Spotting Exercise: Practical 24-hour mission to catch and label negative thoughts 

• Why Willpower Fails: Understanding why behavior change without addressing thoughts doesn't work 

• Writing vs. Thinking: The power of physically recording your thoughts for lasting change 

• Self-Compassion in Recovery: Being gentle with yourself while developing awareness

Key Timestamps

• [00:01:00] - Introduction to the "mental infestation" concept and ANTs metaphor • [00:03:00] - Real examples of how automatic negative thoughts trigger destructive behaviors • [00:06:00] - Introduction to CBT and the thoughts-feelings-behaviors triangle • [00:07:00] - Dr. Aaron Beck's research and the science behind automatic negative thoughts • [00:09:00] - The concept of "defusion" - separating yourself from your thoughts • [00:12:00] - The 24-hour ANT spotting mission explained step-by-step • [00:14:00] - Practical tips for tracking thoughts and the importance of writing them down

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Melody Glenn, an addiction and emergency medicine physician with a flair for creative writing, joins Duane to share insights from her upcoming book, "Mother of Methadone: A Doctor's Quest, a Forgotten History, and a Modern Day Crisis." Together, they unpack the legacy of Dr. Marie Nyswander, a trailblazer in methadone maintenance who reshaped addiction treatment. Dr. Glenn offers a candid perspective on her own journey in addiction medicine, revealing the transformative power of medications like methadone and buprenorphine. Despite their proven effectiveness, these treatments are met with skepticism, reflecting the broader challenge of integrating addiction medicine into mainstream healthcare.

Our discussion takes a deep dive into the multifaceted nature of addiction, beyond mere physical dependence. We explore how methadone and buprenorphine provide a lifeline for individuals, helping them reclaim stability and repair relationships. The conversation also challenges the stigma of addiction, advocating for harm reduction strategies that prioritize individual empowerment over punitive measures. By recognizing people as experts of their own lives, we highlight the inefficacy of traditional abstinence-only models and underscore the importance of supportive systems for recovery. Dr. Glenn's insights serve as a powerful reminder of the need for compassionate, informed approaches in tackling substance use disorders.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Dr. Melody Glenn previews her book, "Mother of Methadone," on Dr. Marie Nyswander's methadone work.
• Examining methadone and buprenorphine's impact on opioid disorder despite skepticism and stigma.
• Advocating for harm reduction over abstinence-only models, focusing on patient empowerment.
• Recognition of addiction as a treatable condition to combat stigma.
• Trauma's role in addiction and the need for supportive recovery systems.
• Barriers in addiction medicine, pushing for compassionate healthcare integration.

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:

Article Dr. Melody Glenn

https://www.drmelodyglenn.com/

NovusMindfulLife.com

https://www.theaddictedmind.com/community 

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.

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

In this exciting episode of Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the fascinating world of the Johari Window, a powerful tool for enhancing self-awareness and understanding in relationships. They explore how this simple yet profound model can illuminate the various aspects of ourselves—what we know, what we don't know, and what others see in us. From discussing how to navigate personal blind spots to the significance of revealing hidden strengths, this episode is packed with insights on improving communication, recovery, and personal growth. Whether you're on a quest for self-discovery or aiming to deepen your connections with others, this episode offers valuable strategies to expand your open area, embracing both the visible and hidden parts of your identity.

Download: The Johari Window Worksheet

Key Topics:

• The basics and importance of the Johari Window in self-awareness.
• Strategies for exploring and expanding the open area of the Johari Window.
• The role of recovery communities in identifying and addressing blind spots.
• The impact of self-awareness on personal growth and recovery.
• How to safely navigate the hidden and unknown areas of ourselves.

Key Moments:

• - [00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and significance of the Johari Window.
• - [00:01:34] Explanation of how self-awareness affects decision-making and relationships.
• - [00:02:46] The Johari Window as a tool for recovery and growth.
• - [00:03:46] Detailed breakdown of each quadrant in the Johari Window.
• - [00:07:29] Discussing the hidden area and its impact on personal and relational dynamics.
• - [00:11:03] Exploration of the unknown quadrant and its mysteries.
• - [00:14:06] Conclusion and resources for applying the Johari Window to one's life.

Follow and Review:

If you haven’t yet, we’d love for you to follow us. 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 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. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind

Disclaimer

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Facing the relentless grip of meth addiction and the imminent threat of prison, Dr. Adi Jaffe's life seemed destined for darkness. Yet, from this adversity emerged a transformative story of resilience and redemption. Dr. Jaffe now stands as a guiding light for those grappling with addiction, demonstrating that recovery is a deeply personal journey. His candid reflections on childhood struggles with social anxiety and the turning points in his life illuminate the complex tapestry of experiences that fuel addiction. Through the Ignited Recovery program, Dr. Jaffe offers a beacon of hope, redefining success in recovery by focusing on fulfillment beyond mere abstinence.

Traditional recovery methods, like the 12-step program, often fall short in addressing the psychological intricacies of addiction. As Dr. Jaffe recounts, facing personal crises, such as the stark reality of potential prison time, can catalyze profound change. By challenging the limitations of fear-based sobriety and exploring the depths of trauma and mental health disorders, he advocates for a recovery path that embraces psychological insights. His narrative encourages a departure from conventional sobriety narratives, emphasizing the need for a broader understanding of recovery that accommodates individual complexities.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Dr. Adi Jaffe's transformative journey from meth addiction and potential prison time to earning a PhD in psychology.
• The deeply personal nature of addiction and the importance of individualized recovery paths.
• Challenges faced in traditional recovery programs and the limitations of fear-based sobriety.
• The pivotal moment of honesty with his father that marked the beginning of true accountability and change.
• Emphasis on recovery beyond mere abstinence, focusing on improved relationships and life satisfaction.
• The role of technology and platforms like Ignited in personalizing addiction recovery and making it more accessible.

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.adijaffe.com/bio

NovusMindfulLife.com

https://www.theaddictedmind.com/community 

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.

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

What if everything you've been told about overcoming your struggles is backwards? What if the very act of fighting your anxiety, depression, addiction, or trauma is actually making it worse?

In this powerful episode, Duane and Eric dive into one of the most revolutionary concepts in recovery and mental health: creative hopelessness. This isn't about giving up on your life or your future. It's about giving up on something that's been sabotaging you all along - the belief that you need to control how you feel to have a good life.

If you've tried therapy after therapy, read every self-help book, downloaded every meditation app, and still find yourself stuck in the same painful cycles, this episode is for you. You'll discover why your best efforts to feel better might be keeping you trapped, and learn a radically different approach that could change everything.

Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Duane and Eric explore the "DOTS" framework - the four main ways we try to control our internal experiences (Distraction, Opting out, Thinking, and Substances/self-harm). They'll walk you through the five steps of creative hopelessness and show you how to shift from an exhausting control agenda to a liberating acceptance agenda.

This isn't about becoming passive or giving up hope. It's about redirecting your precious energy from fighting an unwinnable war with your own mind toward building the meaningful life you actually want. You'll learn why the goal isn't to feel better, but to live better - and how that shift can transform everything.

Download: Worksheet Creative Hopelessness

Whether you're struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, or trauma, this episode offers a compassionate, research-backed approach that honors your pain while opening the door to genuine freedom. It's time to stop drowning in your own rescue attempts and discover what's possible when you let go of the struggle.

Key Topics

• Creative Hopelessness Explained: What it means to give up the agenda of emotional control without giving up on life

• The DOTS Framework: Four common control strategies (Distraction, Opting out, Thinking, Substances/self-harm)

• The Five-Step Process: How to work through your own creative hopelessness journey

• The Control vs. Acceptance Agenda: Why fighting your feelings often makes them stronger

• Psychological Flexibility: Learning to stay present while taking values-based action

• The Paradox of Recovery: Why letting go of control can lead to greater freedom

• Practical Application: Moving from "feeling better" to "living better"

Timestamps

[00:01:00] - The drowning metaphor: Why fighting might be pulling you under

[00:05:00] - Defining creative hopelessness and the agenda of emotional control

[00:11:00] - Introduction to the DOTS framework for identifying control strategies

[00:15:00] - The five steps of the creative hopelessness process

[00:19:00] - The beautiful paradox: Opening the door to acceptance

[00:22:00] - Shifting from "feeling better" to "living better"

[00:24:00] - Resources and next steps for listeners

Download: Worksheet Creative Hopelessness

Join our Deep Dive in our TAM+ community, where we discuss this episode in depth.

Register Here: https://theaddictedmind.com/deepdive

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, Idaho, Florida, Virginia or Texas and are looking for counseling or therapy, please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center

NovusMindfulLife.com

Disclaimer

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