The Addicted Mind Podcast

The Addicted Mind Podcast: How a Little Becomes a Lot with Eric ZimmerIn 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 EpisodeThe 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 TopicsAt 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:Structural Elements: This includes your support system, clear protocols, accountability partners, and removing triggers from your environment.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 ZimmerMoving Beyond the Self-Improvement ProjectThe 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 MindsetThe 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 EpisodeEric 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 WisdomThe Addicted Mind Website: theaddictedmind.comFollow 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 CenterNovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.comadina@adinasilvestri.comFollow 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 CenterNovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 GuestMuhamad 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 Points1. The Kratom Crisis: Natural Leaf vs. 7-OHKratom 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 RecoveryOvercoming 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 MentionedDr. Rifai’s Website: alirifai.comDr. Rifai’s YouTube Channel: The Virtual PsychiatristDr. 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 CenterNovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Addicted Mind, host Duane Osterlind sits down with author, veteran, and off-grid farmer Robert "Bob" Stark. Bob shares his powerful journey of overcoming an 18-year battle with substance abuse, transitioning back to civilian life after parachuting into Iraq during the initial invasion, and deconstructing the rigid constraints of hyper-masculinity.Bob opens up about how he used writing to process unaddressed childhood and combat traumas, moving from anger and blame to deep internal healing. Today, Bob celebrates 11 years of clean and sober living on a 40-acre off-grid farm in the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska, where he is learning to balance strength with the gentleness his family deserves. Tune in to hear an inspiring conversation about resilience, the power of putting pen to paper, and the continuous journey of transformation.Key Takeaways & HighlightsThe Reality of Post-Combat Transition: Bob shares the stark contrast of sleeping with a rifle by his side in Iraq to sleeping in his car just two weeks later, highlighting the hyper-vigilance and isolation many veterans face.Breaking Out of the "Man Box": A deep dive into the societal expectations of male stoicism. Bob discusses the challenge of moving away from the "power through it alone" mentality to embrace emotional vulnerability and gentleness as a father.Writing as a Catalyst for Healing: Bob reveals why he is his most honest self when putting pen to paper. He shares how writing his two books allowed him to reframe his life experiences and process deep traumas without finger-pointing or resentment.Manifesting Dreams Off-Grid: From living with candles, oil lanterns, and no refrigeration to building a thriving 40-acre solar-powered farm with his family, Bob talks about the power of vision boards and relentless action.Action Beats Stagnation: Why thriving in recovery requires a willingness to keep trying new therapies, habits, and paths until something finally sticks.Bob’s One Piece of Advice: If you are feeling lost or stuck, start with the smallest foundational pieces: look at your lifestyle, your routine, your diet, and your sleep habits.Robert Stark (Bob) is an Army veteran who served four and a half years in the military, including a deployment as a paratrooper during the invasion of Iraq. He is the author of two deeply personal books, War Flower and Just Like a Soldier, which chronicle his experiences with trauma, military life, and long-term recovery. Bob has been clean and sober for 11 years and lives off-grid in Alaska with his wife, Savannah, and their four children, where they run their family farm, Secret Garden Alaska.Resources & Links MentionedRobert's Website & Farm: Secret Garden Alaska (Find his books, blog, and products here)Books by Robert Stark: * War FlowerJust Like a SoldierYouTube Channel: Secret Garden Alaska 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 CenterNovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Duane Osterlind sits down with Dr. Rachel Docekal to discuss the shifting landscape of youth addiction and mental health. With over 40 years of history, the Hanley Foundation is moving beyond the "Just Say No" era into evidence-based prevention that addresses the root causes of use: isolation, digital addiction, and the mental health fallout of the post-COVID world.Key TakeawaysThe "Double Whammy" of COVID & Smartphones: Dr. Docekal highlights how the combination of pandemic isolation and the rise of social media "highlight reels" has created a surge in anxiety and depression among youth.The Shift in Treatment: For the first time, the Hanley Center has had to dedicate primary beds specifically to mental health (not just detox), reflecting a crisis where substances are often a secondary symptom of internal distress.The THC Trap: They discuss the alarming trend of high-potency marijuana causing psychiatric breaks in young people—and the frightening reality that for some, the cognitive changes may be permanent.Connection Over Correction: The core of the issue is often a loss of "true human connection." From families on phones at dinner to the addictive nature of algorithms, the "nemesis" in the pocket is often the biggest barrier to wellness.Innovative Prevention ProgramsThe Hanley Foundation is pioneering programs that treat students with dignity rather than just discipline.Program FocusReplacing "Zero Tolerance"Instead of suspension/expulsion, students caught using enter a series of counseling sessions that include their parents.Alcohol Literacy ChallengeDe-bunking MythsThis program uses science to show kids that the "positive" effects they expect from alcohol (confidence, better dancing) are actually psychological, not pharmacological.A Note for Parents: The Power of "Just Being"When asked for her #1 piece of advice for parents and educators, Dr. Docekal offered a grounding perspective:"You don’t have to have the answer; you just have to have the presence. Just be with your kid. Your job is to listen—not to talk, not to demand, and certainly not to solve."Resources Mentioned in this EpisodePrevention Services: HanleyFoundation.orgTreatment Services: HanleyCenter.orgSupport Hotline: 844-502-HOPE (4673)The Addicted Mind Website: TheAddictedMind.comFollow 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 CenterNovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Addicted Mind, we dive deep into the world of experiential therapy with Steve Buckby, a seasoned therapist with over 50 years of experience. Steve shares his profound insights into the Virginia Satir Model and how its principles of change, the "Mandala," and the "Iceberg" can be powerful tools for those struggling with addiction.We explore the idea of addiction as a "lover" that must be grieved, the necessity of walking through chaos to find a new status quo, and why the relationship between therapist and client is a collaborative journey of human-to-human connection.Key TakeawaysThe Process of Change: Change isn’t a straight line; it requires moving from a familiar (even if painful) status quo, through a "foreign element" that sparks chaos, and finally into a new, healthier balance.Addiction as a "Lover": Recovery often involves a grieving process similar to the stages of grief described by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. Letting go of a substance is often like losing a significant, albeit toxic, relationship.The Satir Mandala: Understanding the physical, intellectual, emotional, sensual, interactional, nutritional, contextual, and spiritual dimensions of ourselves to find true balance.Vulnerability & Connection: Addiction thrives in isolation. Healing begins when we take the risk to be "real" and vulnerable within a supportive community or therapeutic relationship.Education as Empowerment: Understanding the physiology of addiction helps separate the person from the "ism," reducing shame and fostering self-forgiveness.Understanding the Satir ModelSteve explains that human beings naturally seek a Status Quo. In addiction, that status quo is the cycle of use. To break it, a "Foreign Element" (a crisis, a choice, or an intervention) must disrupt the system.The Stages of TransformationOld Status QuoThe familiar, predictable way of living (even if dysfunctional). Foreign ElementAn event or realization that makes the old status quo no longer viable.ChaosThe "limbo" period where old patterns don't work and new ones aren't yet formed. Integration Learning new strategies and internalizing resources. New Status Quo A state of higher functioning, self-compassion, and awareness.The "Iceberg Theory"Steve also touches on the Iceberg Theory, which suggests that behavior (the tip of the iceberg) is driven by much deeper levels of feelings, perceptions, expectations, yearnings, and the "Self.""The story is not the problem; the meaning of the story is really important." — Steve BuckbyBy shifting the meaning we give to our past trauma and choices, we can move from shame to positive-directional change.About Our Guest: Steve BuckbySteve Buckby is a certified social worker and licensed professional counselor based in Escanaba, Michigan. Practicing since the early 1970s, Steve has dedicated his career to outpatient and inpatient care, as well as teaching the experiential methods of Virginia Satir to the next generation of healers.Connect with Steve:Email: sbucb@charter.netResources MentionedVirginia Satir Global NetworkThe Kübler-Ross Stages of GriefMindfulness PracticesEnjoyed the show? Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or supporting us on Patreon. Your support helps us bring these vital conversations to those who need them most.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 CenterNovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Download: Debunking Common Emotion Myths WorksheetHave you ever felt like your emotions are running the show, pushing and pulling you in directions you don’t want to go? You’re not alone.In this episode of the Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane Osterlind and Eric Osterlind dive deep into the world of emotion regulation. They explore common myths about emotions that keep many of us stuck in unhealthy patterns. With practical insights and compassionate guidance, Duane and Eric shed light on how our misunderstandings about emotions can lead to more intense feelings and problematic behaviors.By debunking these myths, they show us how to develop healthier relationships with our emotions, allowing us to make decisions that align with our true goals. Whether you’re struggling with impulsive reactions or avoidance strategies or just want to understand your emotions better, this episode is packed with valuable information that can help you navigate your emotional landscape more effectively.Join Duane and Eric as they explore the myths surrounding emotion regulation and how these misconceptions can hinder our recovery journey. Learn about the importance of understanding your emotions from a biopsychosocial perspective and discover practical tips to regulate your emotions instead of letting them control you. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a better grasp of how to manage your emotions and make decisions that support your well-being.Key TopicsUnderstanding the impact of emotions on decision-makingThe importance of emotion regulation skills in recoveryDebunking common myths about emotionsThe role of avoidance and escape strategies in emotional intensityHow to develop a healthier relationship with your emotionsThe benefits of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in emotion regulationPractical steps to regulate emotions effectivelyKey Moments[00:01:22] - Introduction to the topic of emotion regulation[00:02:07] - The problem with letting emotions drive our decisions[00:03:00] - Defining emotion regulation and its significance[00:07:19] - Introduction to myths about emotions[00:09:08] - Discussion on the myth: Emotions are bad or dangerous[00:11:44] - Exploring the myth: If I start feeling, I’ll never stop[00:14:00] - Addressing the myth: I should be able to control my emotionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.