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...
6 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...
12 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...
13 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...
16 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...
18 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week on The Addicted Mind, I talk with Early Brunner, founder of Recovery Demystified. Early shares their journey of addiction and recovery as a queer, autistic person—and why traditional recovery spaces didn’t always feel like home. We explore the idea of “micro-recovery,” using neuroscience, self-compassion, and small daily changes to build lasting sobriety. Early explains why willpower alone isn’t enough, how the brain plays a huge role in addiction, and why recovery needs...
20 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, If you’ve betrayed your relationship and have tried everything—individual therapy, couples therapy, 12-step programs, or community support—but still feel stuck, this workshop is here to help. The Shame to Resilience 10-Week Workshop is designed to guide you in rebuilding and healing your relationship after betrayal and in moving past the shame that keeps it stuck. Sign up now and join us on February 11th at 4:00 PM PST and take the first step toward meaningful change. If you have...
21 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, We’re often told that change comes down to willpower. Try harder. Push through. Be stronger. But here’s a more recovery-friendly truth: most people don’t need more willpower — they need more capacity. Capacity is your mental, emotional, and physical fuel. When it’s low, everything feels harder. Cravings get louder. Stress feels heavier. Small problems feel overwhelming. Willpower tries to override that. Capacity works with your nervous system. A few simple ways to build capacity:...
25 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week on The Addicted Mind, I’m sharing a conversation that’s hard—but really important. I sat down with filmmaker Benjamin Flaherty to talk about his documentary Shuffle, which exposes what’s known as the “Florida Shuffle.” It’s a predatory cycle in the addiction treatment world where vulnerable people are moved between facilities—not for healing, but for insurance money. Benjamin is also in recovery, and that lived experience gave him rare access to stories most people never...
27 days ago • 1 min read