TAM+ EP 107 From Self-Blame to Self-Compassion: Breaking the Addiction Shame Cycle

TAM+ EP 107 From Self-Blame to Self-Compassion: Breaking the Addiction Shame Cycle

Author: Duane Osterlind, LMFT April 23, 2026 Duration: 15:58
Download:  From Self-Blame to Self-Compassion Recovery Worksheet. Are you your own worst enemy in recovery? This episode tackles the hidden barrier that keeps many people stuck in addiction - a harsh inner critic. Hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore how self-blame can sabotage recovery efforts and share research-backed strategies for developing self-compassion. Drawing from Dr. Kristen Neff's groundbreaking research, they explain why being kind to yourself isn't just "feel-good talk" but a powerful tool for lasting change. The hosts break down practical steps to transform your inner dialogue and explain why self-compassion actually leads to better accountability than harsh self-criticism. Whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, this episode offers actionable tools to break free from shame and build lasting resilience. Key TopicsThe difference between self-compassion and self-excuseResearch evidence supporting self-compassion in recoveryHow shame fuels addiction cyclesPractical steps to develop self-compassionThe role of community support in building self-compassionConnection between self-compassion and accountabilityTools for identifying and transforming your inner critic Key Timestamps [00:01:23] Why we're kinder to others than ourselves [00:03:35] Understanding the trap of self-blame [00:05:02] Introduction to Dr. Kristen Neff's research [00:07:34] Self-compassion vs. making excuses [00:08:23] Practical steps for developing self-compassion [00:11:36] The importance of common humanity [00:14:31] Different timelines for change See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by licensed therapist Duane Osterlind, The Addicted Mind Podcast moves beyond simple discussions to explore the complex realities of addiction and recovery. Each episode blends compassionate conversation with practical insight, creating a resource that feels both supportive and actionable. You’ll hear from a range of voices, including specialists in the field and individuals who have personally navigated the path to recovery, sharing their stories and the strategies that made a difference. These conversations delve into how addiction shapes thoughts and behaviors, while also highlighting the many forms healing can take. The aim is to provide genuine understanding and tangible guidance for anyone touched by addiction, whether personally or through a loved one. By focusing on real-world experiences and relevant research, this podcast builds a bridge from struggle to possibility, emphasizing that recovery, while challenging, is a journey filled with hope. Tune in for honest dialogue that respects the difficulty of the process while illuminating the steps forward.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 101

The Addicted Mind Podcast
Podcast Episodes
84: The Rising Cost of Rehab with German Lopez [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:00
Today, our guest is German Lopez. German a writer and he is currently doing a project called The Rehab Racket, which involves looking into addiction treatment, exploring some of the issues associated with it, and bringin…
83: Changing the Relationship with You Through Recovery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:20
Today, we have a great conversation with Jen Sugermeyer. She shares her story of addiction and recovery, and she talks to us about overcoming her shame and her fear of reaching out, and how she managed to change her rela…
82: Being Present with Faye Mandell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:37
Today, Dr. Faye Mandell is with us to talk about spirituality, connection, and how being in the present moment and looking at our reality from a quantum perspective can help us find more joy and happiness. Dr. Mandell is…
81: Creating Habits That Improve Your Quality of Life with Steve Rio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:34
Steve Rio, Founder of the Nature of Work is our guest today. Today, we’re talking about work and recovery and what affects the recovery process. In a quest to live our best lives, we want Steve to share his take on how w…
79: Memoir of a Delinquent Girlhood with Maureen Stanton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:30
Today's guest is Maureen Stanton, the author of the memoir, Body Leaping Backwards, Memoir of a Delinquent Girlhood. Maureen spent about forty years writing her book but she kept avoiding taking it to the point of gettin…
77: Seeking Treatment Before Hitting Rock Bottom with Dave Jansa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:58
Today, Dave Jansa, of We Face It Together, talks about how he helps people get through a part of addiction treatment that sometimes tends to be overlooked. There are some people who suffer from addiction who have not nec…
76: Finding Yourself at Rock Bottom with Gregg Champion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:54
Today's guest is Gregg Champion and he will be talking about hitting rock bottom, what that means, and the significance of finding ourselves sitting at the crossroads of wanting to change from a life of addiction to one…
75: The Role of Grief and Loss in Addiction with Dr. Sonya Lott [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:28
Today's guest is Dr. Sonya Lott, a licensed psychologist with advanced training from Columbia University's Center for Complicated Grief. Sonya runs a private practice in Pennsylvania and she hosts the Reflections on Mult…