The Addicted Mind Podcast

Dr. Judson Brewer, a pioneering neuroscientist and addiction specialist, takes us on an exploration of the human brain and its role in addiction and recovery. Dr. Brewer shares his personal journey from medical school to co-founding MindShift Recovery, where evidence-based programs challenge traditional treatments. Drawing from Buddhist psychology, he offers a fresh perspective on addictive behaviors, emphasizing the transformative power of understanding the brain's mechanisms to foster lasting change.  Curiosity emerges as a powerful force in changing habitual behaviors, offering an alternative to sheer willpower. Discover how paying attention to the real-time outcomes of habits like smoking or overeating can shift brain chemistry and leverage the orbitofrontal cortex to reassess reward values. Through mindful attention, individuals can become disenchanted with detrimental behaviors by viscerally experiencing past consequences and predicting future outcomes. This understanding helps reduce the likelihood of repeating undesirable actions, guiding individuals toward more informed and positive choices. In this episode, you will hear: Exploration of addiction and recovery through brain science with Dr. Judson Brewer. Dr. Brewer's journey and the founding of MindShift Recovery. Introduction to the concept of curiosity as a tool for changing addictive behaviors. Analysis of the brain's orbitofrontal cortex in reassessing the reward value of habits. Use of digital therapeutics and peer support in addiction recovery. Disenchantment and resilience in behavior change. Proactive strategies for reinforcing positive choices and well-being. 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: NovusMindfulLife.com https://www.mindshiftrecovery.org/ https://www.mindshiftrecovery.org/about-mindshift-recovery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindshiftrecovery/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindshift-recovery 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

Have you ever felt like your emotions or memories suddenly hijack your hard-earned progress in recovery? You're not alone! In this episode of The Addicted Mind, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind delve deep into the world of triggers, those sneaky culprits that can either strengthen or challenge our recovery journey. Discover the four main categories of triggers: environmental, emotional, physical, and cognitive, and learn how to identify and navigate them effectively. Duane and Eric share the groundbreaking AWARE method, a powerful tool to help you accept, watch, act, repeat, and expect when facing triggers. Plus, find out how to create your own trigger map and build a personalized response toolkit to transform your relationship with triggers from one of fear and reactivity to one of awareness and growth. Tune in and gain the knowledge and skills to master your triggers and pave the way for lasting transformation! Download The Worksheet: UNDERSTANDING YOUR TRIGGERS: A COMPREHENSIVE WORKSHEET Key Takeaways Understanding the four categories of triggers: environmental, emotional, physical, and cognitive. The AWARE method: a powerful tool to manage triggers effectively. Creating a trigger map to identify personal triggers and patterns. Building a response toolkit with personalized strategies for each type of trigger. Transforming your relationship with triggers from fear to awareness and growth. Timestamps [00:00:00] Introduction [00:02:55] What are triggers? [00:04:49] The trigger gap [00:07:19] Four categories of triggers [00:11:38] The AWARE method [00:14:13] Creating a trigger map 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. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we welcome Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher from Stanford University, an esteemed expert in adolescent health, who brings her wealth of knowledge to our conversation on the Addicted Mind Podcast. We focus on the heightened sensitivity of the adolescent brain to addiction, particularly when it comes to substances like nicotine and THC found in e-cigarettes and vaping. Dr. Halpern-Felsher shares her groundbreaking research and advocacy efforts, stressing the necessity of addressing these issues during this critical phase of brain development. Her insights empower teens to make informed decisions about their health and future. Our discussion takes a close look at the complex web of factors influencing youth addiction, including the impact of stress, societal pressures, and the pervasive reach of social media. We delve into how these elements drive adolescents toward substance use as a coping mechanism, often facilitated by the enticing marketing of e-cigarettes. Despite being aware of the risks, many young people are drawn to these substances for the perceived relief they offer. We highlight the urgent need for proactive education and parental support to help teens navigate these challenges and understand the long-term implications of their choices. In this episode, you will hear: Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher discusses adolescent brain development and its vulnerability to addiction. The influence of nicotine and THC on young minds through e-cigarettes and vaping. The role of stress, societal pressures, and social media in driving youth addiction. The deceptive marketing tactics of e-cigarette companies targeting young people. Challenges and strategies for quitting nicotine, including the importance of supportive environments. The concerning link between high THC usage, social media, and mental health issues like psychosis. 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: 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

Ever lie awake at night, desperately trying to force yourself to sleep, only to find yourself more awake than ever? This common experience reveals a fascinating paradox about control in our lives. In this transformative episode, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore why our attempts to control certain aspects of life often backfire, leading to increased anxiety and stress. Through compelling research and practical insights, they reveal how understanding the difference between what we can and cannot control becomes a gateway to peace and personal power. Learn why accepting what we cannot control paradoxically leads to better outcomes and discover practical strategies for channeling your energy where it truly matters. This episode offers a refreshing perspective on personal control that can revolutionize your approach to relationships, recovery, and daily challenges. Download: The Sphere of Control Worksheet Click Here to Join the TAM + Community. Get the support you need. Our Deep Dive is now in the community, where we discuss this episode in deep dive Key Topics: • The paradox of control and its impact on mental well-being • Understanding the three spheres of control: direct control, influence, and no control • The science behind acceptance-based approaches to personal growth • Practical strategies for redirecting energy toward what you can control • The relationship between radical acceptance and emotional freedom • How to develop wisdom in letting go without resignation Key Timestamps: [00:01:10] Introduction to the struggle with control [00:04:11] Research study on sleep and thought suppression [00:08:00] Explanation of the three spheres of control [00:10:53] Identifying where you're spending energy unnecessarily [00:12:21] Understanding radical acceptance [00:13:44] Navigating the challenges of letting go [00:14:18] Community resources and next steps 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. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices