Do you ever feel stuck, like something is silently holding you back from achieving your goals in recovery? You’re not alone. On today’s episode of Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind tackle a subject that hits close to home for many of us: those sneaky, unhelpful thought patterns called cognitive distortions.
These tricky mental habits can silently sabotage progress and keep us locked in cycles of addiction. From all-or-nothing thinking to blaming yourself for what’s outside your control, these thoughts can feel overwhelming—but they don’t have to define you.
Duane and Eric break down the seven most common cognitive distortions and provide actionable tips to help you challenge and reframe your thinking. Their insights are your roadmap to building a healthier, more empowered mindset.
Why you should listen to this episode:
- Uncover how distorted thinking affects recovery choices.
- Learn how to trade all-or-nothing thinking for balanced, realistic perspectives.
- Find practical strategies to combat negative self-talk and recognize your progress.
- Gain tools to reframe mental filters and see your situations more clearly.
Whether you’re working through recovery yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about how our minds work, this episode is packed with powerful lessons to inspire hope and growth.
It’s not just about what’s happening in your life; it’s about how you think about it. And when you approach challenges with clarity and compassion, the path forward becomes clearer.
Tune in now to take the first step toward breaking free!
Key Topics:
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The impact of cognitive distortions on addiction
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Overcoming all-or-nothing thinking
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The power of challenging negative thoughts
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Recognizing and reframing mental filters
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The importance of acknowledging positive steps in recovery
Timestamps:
[00:01:00] Introduction to cognitive distortions
[00:03:48] Discussing “all or nothing” thinking
[00:05:58] Exploring mental filters and their impact
[00:07:40] Addressing the habit of discounting the positive
[00:09:23] How jumping to conclusions affects us
[00:11:24] The problem with labeling ourselves
[00:13:48] The importance of challenging cognitive distortions
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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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