Imagine feeling so alone that you can’t even recognize yourself in the mirror. For many battling addiction, this isn’t just imagination—it’s their daily reality. In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive deep into the powerful connection between shame, isolation, and addiction. They explore how these forces work together to keep people stuck in a cycle of pain and substance abuse.
But there’s hope! The hosts reveal that the simple act of connecting with others can be a game-changer in recovery. They discuss how shame, while once useful for keeping early humans in line with their tribes, can become toxic when it fuses with our sense of self. This toxic shame often leads to isolation, which in turn fuels addiction.
Duane and Eric highlight the importance of finding safe, supportive communities where people can experience “corrective experiences.” These are moments where individuals can feel shame in a safe environment, allowing them to change their relationship with this powerful emotion over time. The hosts draw parallels to the famous “Rat Park” study, which showed how social connection could significantly reduce substance abuse in rats.
The episode emphasizes that recovery isn’t just about staying sober—it’s about connection. Duane and Eric stress the need for both compassion and accountability in supportive communities. They also introduce their new Addicted Mind community, inviting listeners to join and be part of building something meaningful.
Whether you’re struggling with addiction yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights into the role of shame and the healing power of community in the recovery process.
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Key Topics
- The relationship between shame, isolation, and addiction
- Understanding healthy vs. toxic shame
- The importance of connection in recovery
- Creating safe spaces for “corrective experiences”
- The “Rat Park” study and its implications for human addiction
- Building supportive communities with both compassion and accountability
- Introduction to the Addicted Mind community
Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction and announcement of new community
2:33 – Explaining the connection between shame, isolation, and addiction
7:15 – Discussion of the “Rat Park” study and its relevance to human addiction
10:45 – How to break the chains of isolation and shame
13:40 – The importance of community in healing and recovery
15:47 – Practical skills for dealing with shame
16:53 – Invitation to join the Addicted Mind community
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Supporting Resources:
If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center
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