The Addicted Mind Podcast

Welcome to the Addicted Mind Podcast. Today, we are delighted to bring you the wisdom and expertise of Dr. Adina Silvestri, EdD, LPC as she talks about her research on women seeking addiction treatment.Dr. Adina Silvestri is a licensed Professional Counselor in Richmond, Virginia and the founder of Life Cycles Counseling. One of her specialties is helping women that are struggling with substance abuse recover from shame to find hope and healing.
In this podcast, she discussed how it is important to support women with a relational focused treatment approach as opposed to using a confrontational style. She uses the adage, “tend and befriend” when beginning substance abuse treatment for women as she has determined that style helps women decrease the stress hormone cortisol.
She also discusses how it is difficult for many women to get support because they are often the primary caregivers for children. The complicated issues around finding child care to allow women to participate in substance abuse treatment add to this difficulty. Often women leave treatment early because of child care issues. This creates a consistent problem with women trying to build a recovery support network.
Dr. Silvestri reports that often women are not supported by their partners when seeking help. She reports that it is common for women to be introduced to addictive substances by their partner. She states that getting treatment can often cause relationships to break down as one person seeks recovery and the other does not. This results in circumstances in which partner does not support treatment.
She also found in her research that women often put off seeking treatment for approximately four years, adding to the compounding difficulty of getting recovery. Dr. Silvestri encourages all women who are struggling with this issue to reach out for help and tell somebody.
Here are some topics discussed in this episode:
Barriers to treatment such as child care and pregnancy.
Fear of losing custody of their children.
A lack of insurance and employment.
How women may present differently when starting treatment.
The role of shame and cultural stereotypes.
The importance of relational treatment when working with women in an addiction treatment program.
Domestic abuse and violence.
The increased potential for sexual exploitation.
Get more information:
adinasilvestri.com
[email protected]
Follow and Review: We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center
NovusMindfulLife.com
We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind
Disclaimer
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Download: Growth Mindset Worksheet

Ever felt like feedback in your recovery journey hits you like a punch to the gut? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into why criticism can feel so painful during recovery and share game-changing strategies to transform those tough moments into opportunities for growth. Drawing from cutting-edge research in neuroscience and psychology, they explain how our early life experiences shape our sensitivity to criticism and why some people struggle more than others with feedback. But here's the good news: by adopting what scientists call a "growth mindset," you can learn to receive feedback differently and use it to strengthen your recovery journey. The brothers share practical, easy-to-implement strategies that can help you shift from feeling defensive and ashamed to seeing criticism as valuable feedback for your growth. Whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, this episode offers essential tools for turning difficult feedback into stepping stones toward lasting change.

KEY TOPICS
Understanding why criticism hits harder for some people
The connection between early childhood experiences and sensitivity to criticism
How the brain's stress response system affects our reaction to feedback
Dr. Carol Dweck's research on growth mindset
Three practical strategies for developing a growth mindset
The role of criticism in sustainable recovery
Practical tools and worksheets for implementing these strategies

TIMESTAMPS
[00:01:07] Introduction to criticism's impact on recovery
[00:02:45] Understanding sensitivity to criticism through attachment theory
[00:06:00] Introduction to growth mindset concept
[00:08:00] Real-world examples of criticism in recovery
[00:11:11] Three practical strategies for developing growth mindset
[00:13:21] Practicing affirming statements
[00:14:57] Resources and community support information

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Duane Osterlind sits down with Dr. Muhamad Aly Rifai, a dual-trained internist, psychiatrist, and addiction medicine specialist with over 25 years of clinical experience. Together, they dive deep into a rising public health concern—Kratom and 7-OH products—and unpack the complex neuroscience of how substance abuse alters brain architecture.
Dr. Rifai shares insights from his book, Hijacked Mind: How Addiction Rewires the Soul, exploring the reality of permanent brain changes, the sliver of hope offered by neuroplasticity, and how a holistic Biopsychosocial model can help individuals rebuild their lives.
About the Guest
Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD, is an internist, psychiatrist, and addiction specialist. He serves as the medical director of an addiction treatment center and has spent the last two decades treating individuals facing co-occurring psychiatric disorders and chemical dependencies. He is also known online as "The Virtual Psychiatrist."
Key Takeaways & Discussion Points
1. The Kratom Crisis: Natural Leaf vs. 7-OH
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. While traditionally used as a tea for pain relief, a massive commercial market has emerged around it in the United States, creating two distinct camps:
The Natural Leaf Camp: Powdered or dried leaves primary containing mitragynine. Many users report it offers relief from chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and fatigue when used responsibly.
The 7-OH Camp: Highly potent, biochemically isolated 7-hydroxymitragynine sold in gas stations and smoke shops as pills, extracts, and drinks.
The Clinical Reality: Because these products are completely unregulated by the FDA, consumers often don't know what they are ingesting. Dr. Rifai notes a dramatic rise in patients requiring medical detoxification from 7-OH products, experiencing severe withdrawal syndromes comparable to high-dose opioid or fentanyl withdrawal.
2. The Neuroscience of a "Hijacked Mind"
For years, addiction wasn't fully understood as an architectural shift in the brain. Dr. Rifai explains the sobering realities of what happens when a substance takes over:
Down-Regulation: Severe drug use causes a decrease in the number and sensitivity of opioid receptors.
Apoptosis: Substances like fentanyl trigger programmed cell death in areas governing executive function, emotional regulation, and perception.
Permanent vs. Adaptable Changes: While some cellular damage is irreversible, neuroplasticity allows the brain to build new neural pathways around damaged areas through targeted treatment.

3. The Biopsychosocial Model for Recovery
Overcoming severe addiction requires a 360-degree approach. Dr. Rifai breaks down the essential framework for a successful recovery program:
Dimension Core Interventions & Strategies Biological Complete abstinence, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) like buprenorphine or methadone, treating underlying psychiatric comorbidities (depression, anxiety), and neurostimulation (like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / TMS).Psychological Addressing cognitive distortions "on steroids," processing trauma (which is present in 60% to 70% of addiction cases), and utilizing evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT .Social Building a supportive network through family involvement, peer support counselors, prescription digital therapeutics (specialized apps), and 24/7 accessible support groups like AA/NA via Zoom.
Words of Hope
"Help is out there. Even if you're hopeless and see no way out, help is available. There is a way out and there is somebody out there to help. So reach out."
Resources & Links Mentioned
Dr. Rifai’s Website: alirifai.com
Dr. Rifai’s YouTube Channel: The Virtual Psychiatrist
Dr. Rifai's Book: Hijacked Mind: How Addiction Rewires the Soul (Available on Amazon)
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (Available 24/7, free, and confidential)

Follow and Review: We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center
NovusMindfulLife.com
We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind
Disclaimer

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever wonder why two people can experience the exact same event but walk away with completely different emotions?

In this fascinating episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the science of optimism and reveal how our attention shapes our reality. They explain that optimism isn't about ignoring negative experiences or forcing positivity – it's about training our brain to process both positive and negative information in a balanced way.

Through practical examples and evidence-based strategies, they show listeners how to break free from negative thought spirals and develop genuine optimistic thinking. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or just want to build more resilience, this episode offers simple yet powerful tools to help you unlock your inner optimist and transform how you experience life's challenges.

Download: Unlocking Your Inner Optimist Worksheet

Key Topics
The difference between toxic positivity and genuine optimism
How attention bias affects our experience of events
The science behind optimistic versus pessimistic thinking
Three evidence-based strategies for developing optimism
The role of physical movement in changing perspective
How optimism builds resilience and creativity
Practical daily exercises for training your brain

Timestamps
[00:01:27] The power of perspective: Same event, different experiences
[00:03:42] The science behind attention and optimism
[00:05:19] Why this isn't toxic positivity
[00:09:30] Introduction to practical strategies
[00:09:54] The two-chair technique explained
[00:11:28] The daily spotlight exercise
[00:13:02] The reframe challenge technique

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Addicted Mind, host Duane Osterlind sits down with author, veteran, and off-grid farmer Robert "Bob" Stark. Bob shares his powerful journey of overcoming an 18-year battle with substance abuse, transitioning back to civilian life after parachuting into Iraq during the initial invasion, and deconstructing the rigid constraints of hyper-masculinity.
Bob opens up about how he used writing to process unaddressed childhood and combat traumas, moving from anger and blame to deep internal healing. Today, Bob celebrates 11 years of clean and sober living on a 40-acre off-grid farm in the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska, where he is learning to balance strength with the gentleness his family deserves. Tune in to hear an inspiring conversation about resilience, the power of putting pen to paper, and the continuous journey of transformation.

Key Takeaways & Highlights
The Reality of Post-Combat Transition: Bob shares the stark contrast of sleeping with a rifle by his side in Iraq to sleeping in his car just two weeks later, highlighting the hyper-vigilance and isolation many veterans face.
Breaking Out of the "Man Box": A deep dive into the societal expectations of male stoicism. Bob discusses the challenge of moving away from the "power through it alone" mentality to embrace emotional vulnerability and gentleness as a father.
Writing as a Catalyst for Healing: Bob reveals why he is his most honest self when putting pen to paper. He shares how writing his two books allowed him to reframe his life experiences and process deep traumas without finger-pointing or resentment.
Manifesting Dreams Off-Grid: From living with candles, oil lanterns, and no refrigeration to building a thriving 40-acre solar-powered farm with his family, Bob talks about the power of vision boards and relentless action.
Action Beats Stagnation: Why thriving in recovery requires a willingness to keep trying new therapies, habits, and paths until something finally sticks.
Bob’s One Piece of Advice: If you are feeling lost or stuck, start with the smallest foundational pieces: look at your lifestyle, your routine, your diet, and your sleep habits.

Robert Stark (Bob) is an Army veteran who served four and a half years in the military, including a deployment as a paratrooper during the invasion of Iraq. He is the author of two deeply personal books, War Flower and Just Like a Soldier, which chronicle his experiences with trauma, military life, and long-term recovery. Bob has been clean and sober for 11 years and lives off-grid in Alaska with his wife, Savannah, and their four children, where they run their family farm, Secret Garden Alaska.

Resources & Links Mentioned
Robert's Website & Farm: Secret Garden Alaska (Find his books, blog, and products here)
Books by Robert Stark: * War Flower
Just Like a Soldier
YouTube Channel: Secret Garden Alaska


Follow and Review: We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center
NovusMindfulLife.com
We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind
Disclaimer

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.