TAM+ EP 31: Thinking in Gray: Transforming All-or-Nothing Mindsets in Addiction

Welcome to the Addicted Mind podcast! Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "I'm either a success or a complete failure"? This episode is for you. In this episode, we dive deep into the pervasive issue of black-and-white thinking, also known as dichotomous thinking and its impact on addiction recovery. Join Duane Osterlind and Eric Osterlind as they explore how this rigid mindset can create emotional instability and hinder progress. Drawing on principles from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), they discuss practical steps to move from extreme thinking to a more balanced, nuanced approach. You'll learn mindfulness techniques, how to challenge your thoughts, and the importance of embracing the gray areas in life. By the end of this episode, you'll have valuable tools to help you think more dialectically and support your journey to recovery. Plus, don't miss the downloadable worksheet in the show notes to further your practice! Download: OVERCOMING BLACK OR WHITE THINKING WORKSHEET Join Our Deep Dive, where we discuss this episode in depth. Register Here: https://theaddictedmind.com/deepdive Click Here to Join the TAM + Community Waitlist. Get the support you need. Key Topics Understanding black-and-white thinking and its impact on recovery Introduction to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Practical steps to shift towards dialectical thinking Importance of mindfulness and self-compassion Challenging extreme thoughts and seeking clarification The role of language in shaping our perceptions Timestamps [00:00:00] Introduction and overview of black-and-white thinking [00:02:15] The impact of black-and-white thinking on recovery and relationships [00:06:15] Why our brains default to black-and-white thinking [00:08:40] How to become a gray thinker: Practical steps [00:10:58] Seeking clarification and the role of community support [00:12:42] Reframing negative thoughts and focusing on positives [00:14:11] Call to action: Download the worksheet and join the community 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

"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. We're here to do more than just talk about addiction. We want to show you how to heal and recover. Our talks with experts and people who have beaten addiction give you important insights into how addiction affects the mind and how recovery can happen in many ways. Whether we're looking at new treatment ideas or sharing stories that inspire, "The Addicted Mind Podcast" is all about understanding the complex world of addiction recovery and showing that recovery is possible. If you or someone you care about is dealing with the challenges of addiction, let "The Addicted Mind Podcast" be your friend and guide. We aim to give you the knowledge you need, share stories that inspire you, and show you that the journey to recovery is worth it. Subscribe now to be part of a community focused on learning, healing, and changing for the better. Your journey to a healthier mind and life begins right here.