In this raw and transformative episode of "Recovered Addict: A Journey Within," hosts Duane Yardman-Frank and Jason Rigby dive deep into the spiritual roots of addiction, revealing it not as a moral failing but as a profound cry for connection. They challenge traditional recovery narratives by spotlighting the spiritual void that fuels addictive cycles, regardless of the substance or behavior.

Drawing heavily on the profound teachings of spiritual teacher Matt Kahn, Duane and Jason explore how radical self-acceptance and spiritual awakening can pave the path to true freedom beyond mere sobriety.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Spiritual Void: Understand addiction as a "God-sized hole" within, an insatiable hunger that external achievements, pleasures, or distractions can never truly fill.

• Consummatory vs. Intrinsic Reward: Discover the two brain reward systems and how addiction traps individuals in the cycle of "consummatory reward," while spiritual development offers "intrinsic reward" and lasting purpose.

• Matt Kahn's Core Mantra: "Whatever Arises, Love That": Learn how this powerful mantra is an invitation to meet excruciating cravings, shame, guilt, and emotional pain with radical acceptance and unconditional love, transforming internal struggle into a spiritual path.

• The Ego as "WAR" (Worry, Anticipation, Regret): Explore Matt Kahn's acronym for ego and how this "war in the mind" manifests in addiction, driving constant seeking of external validation and temporary relief.

• Integrating the Ego for Freedom: Discover how the ego is not an adversary to be eradicated but an integral part of the human form that, when integrated with spirit, can empower individuals to say "no" to destructive patterns and play for "higher stakes". The Ganesh and mouse analogy beautifully illustrates this serving relationship between ego and divinity.

• The Gifts of Space and Time: Learn how cultivating inner spaciousness and making peace with the present moment can unravel deep-seated trauma and align you with your higher self, offering a "window of grace" for healing.

• Innate Worthiness: Reframe recovery not as a battle to become worthy, but as realizing the profound truth that you always were worthy, just as God sees you, regardless of past actions. This understanding allows for the healing of core unworthiness that fuels addictive behaviors.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Confront suffering directly rather than evading or suppressing it, seeing it as a path to service and rebirth.

• Practice mindfulness and sense perceptions to exit the "mind chatter" of worry and honor the present moment.

• Embrace the mantra "Whatever Arises, Love That" for radical acceptance of all emotions, including cravings and shame.

• Recognize that love is not bound by time or space and can bend dimensions, connecting you to infinite abundance and higher purpose.

Connect with Us: If you're interested in transforming your life and embarking on a long-term recovery journey, delve deeper into these tools.

https://recoveredaddictpodcast.com/

Dr. Dallas Bragg joins us to discuss the "silent epidemic" of crystal meth addiction among gay men and his revolutionary guilt-free approach to recovery. From his own journey through homelessness and incarceration to developing the 4-phase "alchemy" recovery program, Dr. Bragg offers hope and practical tools for lasting sobriety.

What You'll Learn:

• Why shame and religious trauma drive addiction in the LGBTQ+ community
• The reality of "chemsex" culture and how accessible crystal meth has become
• Why traditional rehab often fails gay men and what works instead
• The "craving hijacking" technique and other practical recovery tools
• How to view relapse as a stepping stone rather than failure

Key Topics Covered:

• The connection between internalized homophobia and addiction
• Why crystal meth has become epidemic in gay communities
• The secret world of "chemsex" and apps like Grindr and Sniffy
• How to move from shame-based to transformation-based recovery
• The 4-phase alchemy program for lasting sobriety
• Practical first steps for anyone struggling with crystal meth

Free Resources: Get Dr. Bragg's free 30-day recovery course and weekly newsletter at drdallasbragg.com

Perfect for anyone seeking to understand addiction recovery, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, or looking for alternatives to traditional treatment approaches.

This episode provides actionable hope for anyone affected by addiction, whether personally or through a loved one. Dr. Bragg's approach offers a compassionate alternative to traditional treatment methods.

Guest Resources:

Dr. Dallas Bragg's Website: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/

Free 30-Day Recovery Course "Reframing Relapse":https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout

The Aftermath Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2330781

Weekly Newsletter with Journal Prompts:https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog

Upcoming Masterclass Registration:https://www.drdallasbragg.com/masterclass

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741LGBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564Trevor Project Crisis Support: 1-866-488-7386

SMART Recovery: https://www.smartrecovery.org/Crystal Meth Anonymous: https://www.crystalmeth.org/LGBT Addiction Recovery Resources: https://www.lgbtmap.org/file/understanding-issues-facing-lgbt-people-substance-abuse.pdf

Crisis & Support Resources:Educational Resources:

🚨 WHAT IF the voice telling you "you're not recovered enough" is actually the biggest lie keeping you stuck?

Meet Mallary Tenore Tarpley, journalism professor and author of the groundbreaking book "SLIP" - who just shattered the recovery world with one explosive discovery. After surveying over 700 people across 44 states and 37 countries, she found that 85% of people with eating disorders live in what she calls "the middle place" - a space the recovery industry has been completely ignoring.

Her revolutionary research reveals why the "full recovery or failure" mindset keeps people trapped in shame cycles, and introduces the life-changing "middle place" framework that validates the REAL recovery experience most of us actually live.

🔥 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Why 85% of people live in the "middle place" (and why that's completely okay)
• How childhood trauma and perfectionism fuel eating disorder development
• The revolutionary framework that reframes slips as growth opportunities instead of failures
• Why diet culture creates "normative discontent" in 90% of people
• What "more recovery" looks like when full recovery feels impossible
• How to support loved ones without toxic positivity
• Evidence-based approaches to healing food relationships while processing trauma

Mallary's personal journey began at age 12 when anorexia entered her life less than a year after losing her mother to cancer. After 17 months in residential treatment and five hospitalizations, she discovered that traditional recovery narratives were failing millions of people living in the gray space between sickness and "perfect" recovery.

This isn't just another recovery story - it's a data-driven investigation that gives permission to be human in your healing journey. Whether you're struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, food addiction, or any addiction, this conversation offers a roadmap to freedom from perfectionist recovery expectations.

📚 GET THE BOOK: "SLIP: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery"

⚠️ MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare providers for eating disorder treatment.

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