In this episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane Osterlind and Eric Osterlind explore the transformative power of routines in recovery. They discuss how establishing a daily routine can bring stability to the chaotic early and mid-stages of recovery, and how it can even benefit long-term wellness. By setting a routine, individuals can reduce anxiety, improve sleep cycles, and create a positive structure that supports their goals. The hosts also debunk common myths about routines and provide practical tips to overcome roadblocks. Whether you’re just starting your recovery journey or looki ..read more

Fifteen years sober and radiating resilience, Dr. Samantha Harte joins Duane to recount her transformative journey through the depths of addiction to the shores of recovery. With raw honesty, she opens up about the emotional wreckage in her wake, and the intense pressures that drove her to seek healing. Her story, illuminated further in her book "Breaking the Circuit," serves as a beacon of hope and a guide for those seeking to rewire their lives for joy in the aftermath of trauma.  Samantha bravely shares the complexities of mending a marriage scarred by infidelity and the personal demon ..read more

In this episode of The Addicted Mind, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore the profound connection between grief and addiction recovery. Using Elizabeth Kübler-Ross' five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—they discuss how these stages apply to the emotional process of giving up an addiction. Many people don't realize that overcoming addiction involves grieving the loss of the substance that has been a significant part of their lives. By understanding and embracing these stages, individuals can move more effectively through their recovery journey. Tune in t ..read more

When the cheering crowds and the stadium lights fade, what remains for a former NFL superstar? Dominique Easley’s meteoric rise to football fame was rivaled only by the depth of his personal struggles. From Staten Island to the heights of Super Bowl victory, Dominique's narrative is a stark reminder of the thin line between professional success and personal turmoil.  On this episode, Duane speaks with Dominique who shares his powerful journey through addiction, mental health battles, and a profound spiritual awakening. This episode offers an unflinching look at the burdens of public perce ..read more

In this episode of “The Addictive Mind Plus,” hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the transformative power of the Three Circle Plan, a vital tool for those battling both substance and behavioral addictions. They discuss the importance of defining sobriety, identifying risky behaviors, and incorporating positive activities into daily life. By creating a clear and personalized plan, listeners can navigate their recovery journey with greater clarity and confidence. The episode also highlights the launch of a new course designed to help individuals create their own Three Circle Plan, providin ..read more

How does one confront the silent battles of sex addiction within the LGBTQ community? Brandon Simpson, an associate marriage and family therapist from Novus Mindful Life Institute, joins this conversation to unravel this complex issue, sharing not just professional insights but personal experiences as a gay man. Together, Duane and Brandon shed light on the intersection of intimacy and identity, especially the uphill struggle against a heteronormative bias in therapy that too often overlooks the nuances in gay relationships. Get a glimpse of the shadows where shame and sexuality intertwine, of ..read more

In this engaging episode of "The Addictive Mind Plus," hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore the transformative concept of meaning-making. Following up on their previous discussion about values, this episode dives deeper into how understanding and aligning with our deepest values can energize our life's journey. The hosts discuss practical strategies from dialectical behavior therapy and insights from Thomas Marra to illustrate how individuals can reshape their lives around what truly matters. Whether you're battling addictions, anxiety, or just seeking deeper fulfillment, this episode offers ..read more

Struggles with alcohol and depression are narratives many may find familiar, but not everyone's story is a journey through the eye of the storm to a place of hope and healing. USMC veteran Jesse Carrajat, our esteemed guest, brings to light his transformation from a high-flying corporate executive to a beacon of wellness through his ventures, Altum Fitness and the Live Deep podcast. His candid conversation unveils the hidden battles against addiction and mental health challenges that he, like many, has faced, and the pivotal moments of clarity that steered him towards sobriety and a profound d ..read more

Join hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind in this enlightening episode of "The Addicted Mind Plus," where they explore the vital role of values in achieving a harmonious and fulfilling life. Understanding and defining your values is likened to setting a rudder on your life's boat, guiding you through the storms of stress, guilt, and dissatisfaction that come from living out of alignment with your true self. The conversation dives deep into how values serve as a North Star, aiding those in recovery or anyone seeking stability to make intentional, value-driven choices rather than reactive ones. This e ..read more

When life presented an unexpected challenge that shook the foundations of Eric’s world, it was the principles of martial arts that enabled him to regain stability. Duane is delighted to introduce Eric Fisher, a certified counselor and martial artist based in Calgary, AB Canada. In the episode, they delve into how the discipline of martial arts can serve as a formidable ally in combating addiction and as a valuable resource for promoting mental wellness. Eric recounted his transformative journey, illustrating how the balance, discipline, and self-respect he cultivated through martial arts forme ..read more