On today’s episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, Duane talks to author and counselor Rabbi Simon Jacobson about making meaning out of suffering, and understanding your own purpose.
Calming The Addicted Mind - 6 Day Mindfulness Email Series
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Rabbi Jacobson talks about how surrendering to a higher power, and relinquishing control over your circumstances gives you an edge on dealing with pain. Unfortunately, we don’t have an answer to injustices writ large, but we can have some hope in giving up control. This change in power can give you the strength to make positive action as a result of suffering.
Duane shares a bit from his past to illustrate how you oftentimes need to let go of the desire to understand why loss happens, because you ultimately will not find the reason. Letting go of that need for a reason can help you to heal and move forward.
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There is a healthy way to channel pain from loss and trauma. You can reinvest your time into healing and supporting other people going through the same thing. At the end of this, it will not be in vain if you are able to help others walk through their darkest moments.
Toward the end, Rabbi Jacobson talks about his academic life and his background as a writer. Interested by the seeming homogeneity across people’s concerns for their lives, Rabbi Jacobson conducted some research into how to actually make your life meaningful. Perhaps, with the right effort, we could achieve a higher state of human consciousness that values meaning over meaninglessness and places high values on human life.
Episode Link
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98: Toward A Meaningful Life with Rabbi Simon Jacobson

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

Medicine

Science & Medicine

Health & Fitness

Mental Health

In this vital episode of "The Addicted Mind Plus," Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the critical topic of relapse prevention and planning. They stress the importance of being proactive rather than reactive when it comes to maintaining sobriety. The duo discusses how a well-thought-out relapse plan can significantly reduce the overwhelming feelings of anxiety and defeat that often accompany recovery. They also emphasize that making a plan during moments of clarity and health is essential. By incorporating practical strategies, such as identifying triggers and outlining coping mechanisms, listeners are equipped with tools to navigate challenging situations effectively. This episode is not only a guide but also an encouragement for anyone struggling with addiction to take control and prepare for the future.

Download The Relapse Prevention Planning Worksheet
Key Topics

The critical importance of a relapse prevention plan

Identifying and preparing for triggers

The role of emotional and situational awareness in relapse

Strategies for immediate response to cravings

Building a support network as part of the relapse plan


Key Moments

[00:01:06] Discussion begins on the significance of relapse prevention.

[00:02:22] Explaining the high risk of relapse and the best time to prepare.

[00:03:15] The proactive benefits of planning are discussed.

[00:06:32] The value of a support network in relapse prevention.

[00:10:00] Detailed guidance on creating a personal relapse plan.

[00:16:48] Conclusion and resources for listeners to create their own plan.


Download link for show notes:
 https://addicted-mind.ck.page/5c8f6968ca

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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
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TAM+ EP 16: Survival Skills for Sobriety: Creating a Relapse Prevention Plan

Discover the transformative journey of overcoming addiction with Cesar Wurm, author of "The Powers of Addiction: Finding Freedom in Acceptance and Recovery." This latest episode delves into Cesar's raw and personal struggle with alcoholism, a battle intensified by the loss of his mother and the pressure of emotional stoicism in his family. 
The story unfolds as he recounts a relapse marked by deception at a go-karting event, highlighting the depths of his secret life. Yet, it's through embracing acceptance that Cesar charts a course toward healing, underlining the profound impact that sharing such deeply personal experiences can have on both the speaker and the listener. 
Cesar's narrative isn't just about the clutches of addiction; it's also a testament to the power of support and the hard-won victories along the road to recovery. He talks openly about the skepticism he initially held towards groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and the daunting nature of lifelong sobriety. However, it was a heartfelt conversation with his wife that ignited a crucial turning point, one that would lead him to accept his reality and begin the journey of honest healing. Tune in as he sheds more light on self-pity's dangers, honesty's healing potential, and the transformative effect of acceptance.

In this episode, you will hear:

The depths of self-deception

Recognizing and breaking generational trauma

Mutual acceptance and courage in recovery

Journey to empathy and recovery

Overcoming fear to share stories



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://cesarwurm.com
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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280: Conquering Dependency and Cultivating Vulnerability: Cesar Wurm’s Journey Beyond the Bottle

Are you making changes but feeling stuck in your recovery journey? It could be because you're focusing on first-order changes. These are the surface-level adjustments we make – quitting a substance, changing routines – but they don't address the root of the problem.
That's where second-order change comes in. This is about digging deeper into your anxieties, past traumas, and the underlying beliefs that drive addictive behaviors. It's a transformation, not just a tweak.
Think of it like this: first-order change is running on a treadmill – you're moving, but not getting anywhere. Second-order change is taking the exit ramp and finding a new path.  
Second-order change is the key to lasting recovery. So how do you get there? This episode breaks it down and helps you figure out where you might need extra support along the way.  

Download: FIRST-ORDER CHANGE VS. SECOND-ORDER CHANGE
Key Topics


What first-order change is and why it's important early on

Second-order change and how it leads to lasting recovery

Examples of each type of change

How to start that deeper, second-order work

The value of therapy or coaching for this transformation


Key Moments

[00:01:00] – The treadmill trap: Why some changes feel pointless

[00:03:00] – Beyond willpower: What if just stopping isn't enough?

[00:05:00] – Real-world examples to help you identify your type of change

[00:08:00] – When is enough, enough? How to recognize you need deeper work

[00:10:00] – The scary (but worthwhile) path to second-order change

[00:14:00] – "I can see it in them": Signs you've done the deeper work

[00:17:00] – Your action plan: Next steps for leveling up your recovery


Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center
NovusMindfulLife.com
We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind
Disclaimer

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TAM+ EP 15: Beyond Quick Fixes: The Deeper Transformation of Second-Order Change

When healing takes center stage, hope is never far behind. Dr. Mark Lasko joins Duane as they step into the conversation space with a heart full of empathy and a wealth of knowledge on the intricate dance of addiction treatment and recovery. Mark’s journey, touched by the struggles of addiction within his own family, has fueled a passion that's evident as we navigate the subject of client-focused care. Mark's insights, derived from his hands-on experience in the criminal justice system, bring to light the deep-seated connection between addiction, family dynamics, and societal impact. He candidly shares how nurturing one person's path to wellness can send waves of healing throughout entire communities – reshaping not only individual lives but the societal fabric as a whole.
In our conversation, we explore the Samaritan Recovery Community's mission, where personal connection and community engagement are the cornerstones of healing. Mark and Duane discuss the importance of creating environments that foster long-term recovery, emphasizing the role of alumni networks and monthly client gatherings. These touchpoints form the heart of a compassionate community-based approach, demonstrating that the path to sobriety is about so much more than abstaining – but about finding one's place in the world and forming meaningful relationships.
In this episode, you will hear:

Client-focused care in addiction treatment

Compassionate community-based recovery approach

Building compassionate communities in recovery

Providing evidence-based care in therapy

Barriers to success for homeless individuals 

Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Samaritan Recovery Community: https://samctr.org/
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

279: The Ripple Effect of Healing in Community-Based Addiction Treatment with Dr. Mark Lasko

Join hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind as they explore the profound impact of internal dialogue on recovery and mental wellness in this insightful episode of the Addicted Mind Plus. Discover how the words we tell ourselves can either hinder or help our journey toward healing. Learn practical tips on reshaping self-talk to foster resilience, overcome addiction, and enhance overall well-being. Whether you're looking to break free from negative thought patterns or simply seeking a mental boost, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of language in shaping our lives. Tune in to empower your path to wellness, one word at a time.

Key Topics:

The significant role of internal dialogue in recovery

Differences between thoughts and internal monologues

How changing language can alter emotional responses

Common myths about self-talk and how to overcome them

Practical tips for reshaping narrative to support mental health


Key Moments:

[00:01:00] Introduction to the power of language in recovery

[00:02:01] Discussion on internal monologues vs. abstract thoughts

[00:04:00] The influence of internal dialogue on emotional regulation

[00:06:00] Examples of how self-talk can reshape personal narratives

[00:09:00] Addressing myths and misunderstandings about self-talk

[00:12:00] Strategies for changing internal narratives effectively

[00:16:00] Closing thoughts and resources for further learning



Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center
NovusMindfulLife.com
We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind
Disclaimer
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

98: Toward A Meaningful Life with Rabbi Simon Jacobson

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