Hi Reader, Have you ever gotten feedback and felt like it hit you way harder than it should have? In this week's episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, Eric and I talk about why criticism can feel so painful, especially in recovery. For many of us, feedback can quickly trigger feelings of shame, defensiveness, or self-doubt. The good news is that it does not have to stay that way. We explore how our past experiences shape our reactions to criticism and share practical tools for developing a...
5 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Here is something I have noticed over the years: I have never met someone who started taking better care of themselves and later said, "You know what I miss? Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unhealthy." Nobody looks back and says, "I wish I had slept less, stressed more, and ignored my well-being." And yet, when we are trying to make positive changes, our brains can act like we are giving something up. Eat a little healthier? It feels like a sacrifice. Drink less? It feels like...
6 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week on the podcast, I sat down with Dr. Muhamad Aly Rifai to talk about something that is becoming a growing concern in addiction and mental health treatment: Kratom and 7-OH products. A lot of people assume these products are harmless because they are sold openly in gas stations and smoke shops. But Dr. Rifai shares what he is seeing clinically, including severe withdrawal symptoms that can look a lot like opioid addiction. We also talk about how addiction actually changes...
12 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Here is something we don't always think about: The music you listen to affects your mind more than you realize. Music can change your mood, lower stress, boost motivation, and even bring back memories and emotions in seconds. Sometimes that is helpful. Sometimes not so much. Ever notice how one song can calm you down, while another makes your nervous system feel like it drank three energy drinks? That is because music taps directly into emotion and memory. In recovery and mental...
12 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Here is a small reminder: Not everything needs your reaction. Every day, things show up that try to pull us in. A frustrating comment. Bad news. A stressful moment. An uncomfortable feeling. Our brains often want to react right away. But here is the good news: You can notice something without engaging with it. Think of it like standing on the sidewalk watching traffic. You see the cars go by, but you do not have to jump into every one. The same is true for thoughts, emotions, and...
20 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week on the podcast, I sat down with Robert “Bob” Stark, and his story really stayed with me. Bob is an Army veteran, author, and someone who has been clean and sober for 11 years after an 18-year struggle with substance use. We talked about his transition home after Iraq, the pressure many men feel to stay tough and silent, and how writing became one of the biggest tools in his healing. What I loved about this conversation is that Bob does not pretend recovery is simple. He...
21 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Hey friends, it’s Duane, Quick question: When was the last time you celebrated you? Not just the big wins. I mean you as a person. Your growth. Your effort. The way you keep showing up even on hard days. A lot of us are great at noticing what still needs work. We move the goalpost, downplay progress, and brush past the small victories like they “do not count.” But they do count. In mental health and recovery, celebrating yourself is not ego. It is reinforcement. Your brain responds...
26 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week’s episode really got me thinking. I sat down with Nawal Roy, the founder of Holmusk, to talk about how data and AI could completely change mental health care and recovery. One of the biggest problems? Mental health treatment has often been based more on guesswork than hard data. Nawal shared that many people wait 8 to 10 years before getting meaningful help. And during that time, many cycle through medication after medication, trying to find something that works. That is...
28 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Have you ever had a slip and your mind instantly goes to “I am worthless” or “I will never get better”? In this episode of The Addicted Mind +, Eric and I talk about something really important in recovery: the difference between guilt and shame. Guilt says “I made a mistake.” Shame says “I am the mistake.” And that difference matters more than most people realize. We break down how shame can quietly keep you stuck in the cycle, and we share a few simple tools you can start using...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read