"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.
The Shame of Staying—Let's Talk About It
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Hi Reader, Society tells us that strong people leave after infidelity. But here's the truth: most partners actually stay—and then struggle with the crushing shame of that choice. If you're working on your relationship after betrayal, you don't need judgment. You need compassion and support. In my latest conversation with Tammy Gustafson—a trauma therapist who's walked this path herself—we dismantle the stigma around staying and explore self-compassion, boundaries, and focusing on YOUR healing. If you've ever felt alone in your pain, this one's for you. You're not alone. Let's break the silence together. With hope, Duane --- P.S. If this resonates, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. |
The Addicted Mind Podcast
"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.
Hi Reader, Stressful moments are part of life. Big conversations, tough days, unexpected news, or just too much at once can flip your nervous system into overdrive. The good news? You don’t need willpower to get through stress. You need tools. Here are a few that actually help in the moment: Slow your breathing. Longer exhales tell your brain you’re safe. Try breathing in for 4, out for 6 — just a few rounds can lower anxiety. Ground your body. Put your feet flat on the floor. Name five...
Hi Reader, This week on The Addicted Mind +, Eric and I talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough in recovery: your shadow—the parts of yourself you’ve learned to hide, push away, or feel ashamed of. Here’s the twist: your shadow isn’t just the “bad” stuff. It also holds creativity, passion, and drive—parts of you that may have felt unsafe or unwanted at some point. In this episode, we explore why there are no “bad parts,” and how bringing these hidden parts into the light can...
Hi Reader, Here’s a question worth asking more often: Am I resting… or am I avoiding? Both can look the same on the outside — lying low, saying no, taking a break. But they feel very different on the inside. Rest restores you. You come back with more clarity, energy, or patience.Avoidance numbs you. You come back feeling more stuck, guilty, or disconnected. A simple check-in can help:Does this give me more capacity — or help me escape a feeling I don’t want to face? In recovery and mental...