"The Addicted Mind Podcast" offers hope, understanding, and guidance for those dealing with addiction, with real stories and research to inspire and show the jo...
313: REBROADCAST: How the Inner Child Impacts Your Sexual Addiction with Eddie Capparucci
When dealing with addiction, whether you’re addicted to alcohol, drugs, porn, food, or whatever it is, one of the most effective ways to achieve recovery is by going all the way back to your inner child and figuring out what triggers your pain points so you can eventually take mindful action.
Author and licensed professional counselor, Eddie Capparucci, who specializes in the treatment of sex and pornography addiction, created the inner child recovery process to help people struggling with addiction.
A Vicious Cycle
When you start to feel that ugliness within you and you start to say how disgusting you are, that just keeps you in the cycle. You go back to your addiction in order to forget and not feel. And that’s the biggest problem.
One of the keys to dealing with sexual pornography addiction, or any addiction for that matter, is learning how to sit with that emotional pain, feel it, and understand that it’s not going to kill you no matter how uncomfortable it is.
The Impact of Childhood on Trauma
For instance, when you have a sense of abandonment, there’s fear that people or whoever you bring into your life, are not going to wind up staying, whether they discovered there’s something about you that’s unlovable, or they’re just not reliable people.
There is fear that lives underneath the surface that you try to protect yourself against that fear by keeping people at a distance. And so, you begin to build a wall even with people you become involved with romantically.
You’re not going to let them get close to you because if you do, you give them the power to hurt you by leaving. But then if you have a wall up and you don’t let them get that close to you, and if in the event they leave you, then it’s okay because you can always replace them.
The Inner Child Process
The inner child process allows people to go deeper so they can identify the emotional childhood pain points that are still being activated today. It provides insight and it helps men understand why they engage in their addictive behaviors. Then they’re able to stay one step ahead of their addiction by identifying the core emotional triggers that activate their inner child.
What are the nine different kinds of the inner child?
The Bored Child
The Unaffirmed Child
The Unnoticed Child
The Emotionally Void Child
The Lack-of-Control Child
The Entitled Child
The Inferior-Weak Child
The Stressed Child
The Sexually Early/Stimulated/Abused Child
In the inner child recovery process, they look at each kind to see which ones they identify with. By recognizing the childhood pain points, they would now understand the triggers that activate those pain points. Then the next step is mindfulness.
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.
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42:00
TAM+ Episode 49: "Breaking Down Walls: The Healing Power of Self-Disclosure in Recovery"
Ever feel like you're carrying a secret that's too heavy to share? In this powerful episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore why sharing our authentic stories is crucial for lasting recovery. They dive into how keeping parts of ourselves hidden can actually deepen our isolation, while taking careful steps to share with trusted others can create profound healing. Drawing from the wisdom of pioneering psychotherapist Carl Rogers, they discuss how genuine connection and unconditional acceptance can transform recovery from a lonely journey into a shared path of growth. The hosts offer practical strategies for breaking down the walls of shame and secrecy, while emphasizing the importance of choosing safe people and spaces for self-disclosure. Whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, this episode provides valuable insights into building the authentic connections that make lasting change possible.
Download: Self-Disclosure in Recovery 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
Key Topics:
Understanding the relationship between isolation and addiction
The role of unconditional positive regard in healing
How to identify safe people for self-disclosure
Practical steps for sharing your story
The importance of starting small with vulnerability
Using journaling to explore sharing readiness
Creating a self-disclosure plan
Timestamps
[00:01:04] Introduction to self-disclosure and authentic connection
[00:02:00] The impact of keeping secrets in recovery
[00:04:08] Carl Rogers' insights on understanding and acceptance
[00:08:35] Practical steps for building vulnerability
[00:11:55] Understanding your comfort level with sharing
[00:13:21] Journaling prompts for self-reflection
[00:14:30] The power of community in recovery
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
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19:01
312: Resilience and Redemption in the Written Word with Aaron Perra
At the age of 15, Aaron Perra took his first drink, setting off a chain of events that would lead him through the tumultuous landscape of addiction and ultimately to the healing power of poetry. On the Addicted Mind Podcast, Aaron opens up about his struggles with identity, family rejection, and homelessness during his teenage years in Minneapolis. Each setback became a stepping stone, as he found sanctuary in a 12-step program and support from Minneapolis' Youth Links, which helped him pursue a career in cosmetology and discover his passion for poetry.
Aaron shares the heart-wrenching journey of battling meth addiction, the challenges of codependency, and how a heartfelt intervention by a dear friend became the catalyst for change in July 2022. His path to recovery was marked by a network of supportive individuals who provided the community and encouragement he needed to embrace sobriety. The turning point in Aaron's life illustrates the profound impact of genuine connection and unwavering support, reminding listeners of the pivotal role that community plays in overcoming adversity.
In this episode, you will hear:
Aaron Perra's journey from addiction to recovery through poetry
Struggles with identity, family rejection, and homelessness
Impact of a 12-step program and community support in recovery
Battle with meth addiction and the role of codependency
Poetry as a lifeline and creative outlet during recovery
Publication of "Triggers in Love" and the importance of community support
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.amazon.com/TRIGGERS-LOVE-Poetry-Aaron-Joshua/dp/B0CGYVW93J
https://www.instagram.com/aaron_joshua_perra/
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
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40:24
TAM+ Episode 48: Breaking Free: How Toxic Relationships Threaten Your Recovery
Have you ever left a conversation feeling completely drained, questioning yourself, or worse – thinking about relapsing? You're not alone. In this powerful episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, Duane Osterlind tackles the crucial but often overlooked aspect of recovery: managing toxic relationships. Through a compelling case study of a woman six months into her sobriety journey, Osterlind reveals how seemingly supportive family members can unknowingly threaten our recovery with subtle comments and behaviors. He dives into the science behind how relationships affect our physical health, from our heart function to our immune system, and provides practical tools for identifying and managing toxic relationships in recovery. Whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a healthier support system for long-term sobriety.
Download: Toxic Relationships 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:
• Physical and emotional impacts of toxic relationships on recovery
• Scientific evidence linking relationship quality to physical health
• Signs of toxic relationships and how to identify them
• Three strategies for managing toxic relationships
• The importance of boundaries in recovery
• How to evaluate your current relationships
• Building a supportive network for recovery
Timestamps:
[00:01:24] Opening question about exhausting conversations and recovery
[00:02:15] Case study of client struggling with family relationships
[00:04:11] Science behind relationships and physical health
[00:06:39] How to identify toxic relationships
[00:09:32] Three main strategies for handling toxic relationships
[00:11:13] Practical exercise for evaluating relationships
[00:13:12] Resources and action steps for listeners
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.
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
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18:08
311: Fostering Secure Attachments with Dr. Mary Crocker Cook
Dr. Mary Crocker Cook graces our latest episode of the Addicted Mind Podcast, bringing her 35 years of expertise in therapy and addiction counseling. We tackle the intricate ties between attachment, addiction, and relationship patterns, particularly spotlighting the challenges faced by accomplished women who find themselves in mismatched partnerships. Dr. Cook sheds light on her pioneering approach of attachment-infused addiction treatment, helping us understand how early attachment disruptions shape decision-making and relational dynamics with profound emotional and financial consequences.
Our conversation takes a deep dive into attachment styles, focusing on the anxious and avoidant spectrums. We uncover how fear of disconnection can lead individuals to become overly anxious or to suppress their needs, causing relational dysfunction. Dr. Cook shares insights on how these behaviors are often rooted in a lack of trust and how addiction can serve as an escape from unmet emotional needs. We explore the critical role of recovery and supportive relationships in fostering secure attachments and breaking unhealthy cycles.
Navigating challenging relationships requires a balance of compassion and self-protection, and Dr. Cook offers practical advice for women trapped in unhealthy dynamics. By understanding attachment wounds and prioritizing harm reduction, financial independence, and boundary-setting, individuals can start making informed decisions toward better well-being.
In this episode, you will hear:
Exploring the connection between attachment styles, addiction, and relationship patterns.
Challenges faced by accomplished women in mismatched relationships due to early attachment disruptions.
The role of anxious and avoidant attachment styles in creating relational dysfunction.
Understanding addiction as an escape from unmet emotional needs and the importance of recovery.
Practical advice for women in unhealthy relationships, focusing on self-care and financial independence.
Navigating challenging relationships with compassion, self-protection, and setting boundaries.
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
"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.