Hi Reader, Here’s a little secret: your brain loves winning — even the tiny stuff. Finishing the dishes, showing up for a meeting, saying “no” when you needed to — those moments light up the same reward pathways that major milestones do. This is why celebrating small wins in recovery isn’t just feel-good fluff — it’s neuroscience. Every time you recognize a small victory, your brain releases a little dopamine hit, reinforcing positive behavior and wiring you for long-term success. The trick...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week on The Addicted Mind Podcast, I sat down with Dr. John Gallagher — a licensed clinical social worker, addiction counselor, and criminal justice professor — to talk about something we don’t often dig into: drug courts. Dr. Gallagher has spent over 25 years working where addiction and the justice system meet. In this episode, we explore how drug courts work, whether they actually help people recover, and where the system still falls short. It’s an honest and eye-opening...
5 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Have you ever noticed how old wounds can still show up in your life, even years later? In this week’s episode of The Addicted Mind + Podcast, Eric and I dive into the idea of the inner child—that tender, younger part of ourselves still carrying pain from the past. We talk about how those early experiences can quietly shape our behaviors, emotions, and even our recovery journey. More importantly, we explore how reconnecting with and nurturing your inner child can lead to real,...
9 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Here’s a quick one for you — literally. Next time stress or cravings start to take over, hit pause and try The 2-Minute Reset. It’s simple: take two slow, steady minutes to breathe deeply or ground yourself in the present moment. That’s it. Why it works: when you focus on your breath, you’re sending a signal to your brain that says, “We’re safe.” It turns down the body’s alarm system and helps your nervous system reset. Two minutes of calm can stop hours of anxiety or craving loops...
10 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week on The Addicted Mind Podcast, I got to talk again with journalist Sam Quinones — you might know him from Dreamland and The Least of Us. But this time, Sam’s exploring something totally different: the world of the tuba. His new book, The Perfect Tuba, dives into how music, hard work, and community can help us find real fulfillment — the kind that doesn’t come from what we buy, but from what we create. Sam shares how the tuba became a symbol of freedom and recovery, and how...
12 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Have you ever felt that shame was a barrier to connection in your life? I want to personally invite you to my upcoming presentation at the SA Lifeline Conference 2025. From Shame to Resilience: A Journey to Relational Healing In this session, we will explore how shame can block intimacy and trust after betrayal and infidelity. We'll look at the common ways we react to shame—like withdrawal or avoidance—and discover practical strategies to build resilience and show up authentically...
12 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Sometimes recovery can feel messy, uncertain, and anything but heroic. But what if you looked at your story differently? In this week’s episode of The Addicted Mind +, Eric and I dive into the Hero’s Journey—Joseph Campbell’s timeless framework for transformation—and explore how it applies to recovery. From the moment you step into the unknown, to the challenges that test you, to the wisdom you gain along the way, it’s all part of the journey. Seeing yourself as the hero of your...
16 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Today, I want to talk about a small but mighty word: yet. It’s the word that turns “I can’t” into “I can… just not at this moment.”In addiction recovery, we often want big changes right now. We want to feel better, show up better, and stay consistent. But healing isn’t a straight line — it’s more like a plot twist-filled Netflix series. So when that voice pops up and says…“I’ll never get the hang of this recovery stuff.”Try adding one tiny word: yet. ✨ “I don’t have it figured out…...
17 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, In the latest episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, I got to talk with Jane Chen — the incredible co-founder of Embrace Global, the company behind a portable infant incubator that has saved over a million babies around the world. Jane opens up about the drive that fueled her mission… and how that same drive pushed her to the edge of burnout. We talk about what happens when you’re so focused on helping others that you forget to help yourself. She shares how learning to be...
19 days ago • 1 min read