Hi Reader, This week on The Addicted Mind, I have a fascinating conversation with Dr. Alexandra Katehakis about something that affects almost everyone in recovery—shame. One of the biggest insights from our talk is that shame isn’t just a thought or emotion. It’s actually rooted in the body, especially in the gut and nervous system. When shame shows up, it can create a deep sense of collapse that many people try to escape through substances or addictive behaviors. We also talk about how early...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Here’s something we don’t talk about enough: emotional hangovers. An emotional hangover can happen after a big day — a tough conversation, a family gathering, a stressful event, even an exciting milestone. You got through it… and then the next day you feel drained, foggy, irritable, or flat. That’s not weakness. That’s your nervous system recovering. When you’re “on” for hours — managing feelings, reading the room, staying regulated — your brain burns energy. Afterward, it needs...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week on The Addicted Mind, I sit down with Dr. Rachel Docekal to talk about something that’s impacting almost every family right now—youth mental health and addiction in the digital age. We discuss what she calls the “double whammy” of COVID isolation and smartphones. Anxiety and depression are rising fast, and for many young people, substance use is a symptom—not the root problem. We also talk about high-potency THC, the mental health risks tied to it, and why prevention has...
10 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Here’s a simple recovery principle that can save a lot of regret: Don’t make big decisions when you’re overwhelmed. When stress is high, your brain shifts into protection mode. It looks for fast relief, not wise choices. That’s when urges feel louder and problems feel urgent. Instead, calm your nervous system first. Then decide. You don’t need anything complicated:• slow, steady breathing• a short walk• a glass of water• a brief pause before reacting When your body settles, your...
14 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I just released a new episode of The Addicted Mind, and it’s a powerful one. I sat down with Steve Buckby, a therapist with over 50 years of experience, to talk about the Satir Model of Change and what it teaches us about recovery. One idea really stood out: sometimes we have to grieve addiction like we would a relationship. Letting go can feel like loss — even when it’s the right choice. We also talk about why real change often feels messy. You leave what’s familiar, step into...
17 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Here’s a simple truth about recovery and mental health: Consistency works better than intensity. We often think change requires big effort, such as a burst of motivation, a major breakthrough, a perfect plan. But real progress usually comes from small actions done regularly. Why? Because your brain learns through repetition. Each time you practice a healthy habit, you strengthen a new pathway. Over time, what once felt hard starts to feel normal. Intensity can spark...
22 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week on The Addicted Mind, I sit down with Dr. Nima Rahmani to talk about something many of us struggle with—people-pleasing and emotional triggers. Dr. Nima shares his journey from “successful on paper” to a personal crisis that forced him to face anxious attachment and the “fawn response.” We talk about what it means to become “trigger-proof,” why shame keeps us stuck, and how real healing comes from learning to accept the parts of ourselves we usually hide. If you’ve ever...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Have you ever felt like your emotions are calling the shots? Like they push you into reactions you didn’t really choose? If so, you’re definitely not alone. In this new episode of The Addicted Mind +, Eric and I talk about some of the biggest myths people believe about emotions — and how those myths can actually make things harder in recovery. We break down why emotions feel so intense sometimes and share practical ways to respond instead of react. We also talk about how...
26 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Here’s something people don’t talk about enough in recovery and mental health: Real progress is usually quiet. It doesn’t always feel inspiring. It often looks ordinary — getting enough sleep, keeping a routine, saying no, showing up when you don’t feel like it. We expect healing to feel dramatic. But most growth is subtle. Your brain is learning safety. Your nervous system is stabilizing. And stability can feel… kind of boring. That’s actually a good sign. Chaos is loud. Crisis is...
28 days ago • 1 min read