How Does Anxiety Drive Addiction?

Hey there, it's Dr. Russ. In this episode of The AnxietyRX Podcast, I sit down with the amazing Colleen Kachman. Colleen is a real-life superhero helping women conquer their pasts and build brighter futures. She opens up about her own struggles with anxiety and how she used alcohol as a crutch to cope. We talk about how booze might seem like a quick fix for anxiety, but it actually makes things worse in the long run and how it can leave you feeling lost and disconnected. But don't worry, Colleen shares her wisdom on mindful drinking and the power of self-awareness. Join us as we explore the tricky relationship between anxiety, alcohol, and self-connection. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 02:01 - Realization of Underlying Issues  02:50 - Connection Between Chaos and Anxiety 04:06 - Self-Perception and External Validation 05:11 - Understanding Alcohol's Role 12:18 - The Biphasic Nature of Alcohol 17:01 - The Challenge of Overcoming Urges 19:01 - Current Perspectives on Alcohol Consumption 20:17 - The Risks of Alcohol 21:41 - Humor in Alcohol Discussion 22:12 - Understanding Emesis 23:31 - Emotional Resilience and Mental Health 24:36 - Managing Anxiety and Trauma 25:27 - Connection with Self 26:35 - Facing the Alarm 28:27 - Cold Plunges as Metaphor 29:39 - Avoiding Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism 33:24 - Mindful Drinking Practices 36:22 - Challenging Traditional Views on Alcoholism  38:45 - The Role of Trauma in Alcohol Use  39:27 - Understanding Self-Referential Thought 40:28 - Feeling Your Way Out of Addiction 41:57 - Grounding in the Body 42:33 - Cognitive Strategies Post-Grounding 43:12 - Recognizing Cravings as Notifications 44:20 - Thoughts vs. Bodily Sensations 45:17 - The Power of Breathwork 46:33 - Sensation Without Explanation 47:30 - Staying with Uncomfortable Sensations 49:02 - Creating a Safe Space in the Body 51:36 - Connecting with the Younger Self 53:04 - Healing at a Feeling Level  55:57 - Misconceptions About Drinking Problems  

In this episode, I sat down with happiness expert Emma Seppala to talk about anxiety. Emma shares her personal story and how she found relief through a simple breathing technique. We dive deep into the science behind anxiety and discuss why breathing can be a powerful tool for managing it. Plus, we'll challenge some of the traditional approaches to therapy and explore why a holistic approach, focusing on both mind and body, is key to lasting happiness. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - The Prevalence of Anxiety 02:10 - Emma's Personal Experience with Anxiety 02:40 - Discovery of Breathing Techniques 03:13 - Research on Veterans and Anxiety 04:05 - Sky Breath Meditation Study 05:18 - Physiological Measurements of Anxiety 06:55 - Documentary: Free the Mind 07:16 - Understanding Anxiety's Physiological Effects 08:46 - Breath Control and Anxiety Management 10:37 - Acute Breathing Exercises 11:36 - Long-term Conditioning Through Breathing 12:51 - Sky Breath Meditation vs. Traditional Therapies 13:11 - Mindfulness and Anxiety 14:43 - Sovereignty Over Thoughts 15:40 - Breath as a Tool for Control 16:36 - Overview of Sky Breath Meditation 18:05 - Researching Breathing Techniques 18:38 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Limitations 19:47 - Breathwork and Anxiety 20:42 - Ego and Worry 21:51 - Psychological Sovereignty 22:57 - Victim Mentality and Empowerment 24:57 - Self-Care and Self-Love  26:43 - Impact of Nature 27:44 - Default Mode Network and Self-Perception  28:47 - Breathwork and Trauma 33:10 - Regaining Sovereignty 36:13 - Holistic Healing and Breathwork  38:27 - Creating Safety in the Body 39:06 - The Limitations of Cognitive Therapy  

In this episode of The AnxietyRX Podcast, I’m chatting with another MBRX student, Katherine from Calgary. Katherine's got a story to tell – she's been dealing with anxiety her whole life, it’s been a tough road, and it got really tough when her dad got sick and passed away when she was a kid. We talk about different ways to manage anxiety, like meditation and body-focused therapies, how childhood trauma can stick with you, and how important it is to connect with your emotions and heal. It's all about creating a safe space for yourself and being kind to your mind and body. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 02:58 - Performance Anxiety Emerges 03:44 - Lack of Emotional Repair 04:33 - Support from Family 05:25 - Connection Between Parents and Children's Anxiety 08:38 - Understanding Emotional Trauma 12:05 - Katherine's Coping Strategies 13:45 - The Challenge of Resisting Emotions 14:05 - Power of Awareness in Anxiety 15:03 - Crescendo of Anxiety During Healing 15:59 - Understanding EMDR's Effectiveness 16:43 - Chronic vs. Acute Trauma 17:32 - Book Insights and Comparison 18:30 - The Importance of Emotional Connection 20:22 - Healing the Inner Child 21:13 - Neuroscience of Trauma 23:20 - The Role of Physical Activity 24:47 - Cognitive vs. Emotional Processing 26:38 - The Power of Repetition in Healing 27:30 - Meditation and Mind State 29:37 - Creating Empowerment Through Body Language 31:11 - Safety and Relaxation in Healing 32:05 - Changing Physiology Over Psychology 33:10 - Anxiety Before Performance 34:08 - Reassuring the Inner Child 36:57 - Performance Anxiety and Excitement 37:12 - Focusing on Positive Outcomes 39:24 - Learning to Feel Good 41:14 - Humor in Heavy Topics 45:25 - Mindfulness and Present Moment 46:40 - Understanding Emotional Healing 49:07 - Importance of Connection 51:21 - Gradual Healing Process 52:14 - Managing Stress Responses

Hey there, it's Dr. Russ! In this episode of the AnxietyRX Podcast, I'm chatting with Dr. Christine Bishara, a total rockstar in the world of gut health. She's the author of "The Gut Revolution" and she's here to spill the tea on how your gut is totally connected to your mental health. We're talking about how your gut can influence anxiety, chronic illnesses, and even childhood trauma. And the best part? We're not just throwing pills at the problem. Dr. Bishara's all about addressing the root causes, from your diet to neurotransmitters. Get ready for practical tips on what to eat, what supplements to take, and why a holistic approach is key. This episode is a game-changer, folks. Let's dive in! Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:06 - The Gut as a Root Cause 02:03 - Alcohol's Impact on Gut Health 03:45 - Social Connections and Health 04:59 - Anxiety and Childhood Trauma 05:35 - Neuroplasticity and Negative Thinking 06:56 - Improving Gut Health 10:02 - Role of Neurotransmitters 12:11 - Supplements vs. Diet 12:35 - Probiotics and Gut Health 13:18 - Fermented Food 14:02 - Vitamin D and Health 17:10 - Gluten and Gut Health 20:30 - Diet's Impact on Anxiety 21:23 - Food Tolerance and Anxiety 22:09 - The Body's Survival Mechanism 22:25 - Cravings and Neurotransmitters 23:27 - Gut-Brain Questionnaire 24:16 - Genetically Modified Foods 25:13 - Adverse Childhood Experiences 26:31 - Impact of Trauma on Gut Health 27:36 - Repetition Compulsion in Relationships 28:29- Mind-Body Connection in Healin 29:19 - Diet and Trauma Responses 30:16 - Vagus Nerve and Anxiety 30:31 - Spirituality and Gratitude 31:19 - Connection and Self-Care 32:15 - Comfort Foods and Childhood Patterns 34:47 - Diet as Self-Care 35:25 - Familiarity and Security in Relationships 36:46 - Food Choices Reflecting Childhood 40:15 - Motivation for Dietary Change 41:38 - Inositol Recommendations 45:57 - Dietary Supplements for Anxiety 46:36 - Ozempic and Weight Management 54:04 - Intermittent Fasting Benefits 01:01:17 - Building a Positive Mindset

In this episode of the AnxietyRX Podcast, we're diving deep into the messy world of anxiety, family drama, and career blues. My guest, Michelle - another MBRX student - is an internal auditor who's been on quite a journey. She has tried everything from CBT to IFS to brain spotting to tackle her anxiety, and she's finally figuring it out. We're talking about how her job didn't quite fit and how family issues were adding to the stress, exploring the importance of self-awareness, the role of safety in therapy, and finding healthy coping strategies. Michelle's story is a real eye-opener. It's a powerful reminder that healing isn't always easy, but it's totally possible. Tune in to hear more! Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:38 - Discussion on Career 02:24 - Family Influence on Career Choices 03:52 - Loss of Connection with Self 08:04 - Mother's Death and Its Impact 09:44 - Anxiety After Mother's Death 10:39 - Career Misalignment and Grief 11:33 - Job Market Struggles 12:20 - Self-Awareness and Change 12:46 - Complaining and Mental State 14:41 - Childhood Trauma and Anxiety 15:05 - Mother Hunger and Attachment Issues 16:05 - Separation of Self and Anxiety 17:36 - Processing Grief and Moving Forward 17:42 - The Importance of Sports 18:27 - Exploring Anxiety's Roots 19:20 - Challenges with EMDR 20:18 - Referring to Inner Parts 20:44 - Discovering Brain Spotting 22:51 - Neuroscience of Anxiety 24:41 - The Illusion of Protective Anxiety 25:27 - Creating Safety in Therapy 27:19 - Combining Modalities 28:14 - Witnessing in Therapy 29:02 - The Role of the Body in Healing 31:45 - Future Aspirations in Therapy 32:29 - The Intersection of Mind, Body, and Spirit 33:19 - Reflecting on Personal Growth 35:52 - Exploring Maladaptive Patterns 37:36 - Healing Attachment Trauma 38:41 - Writing as a Healing Tool 39:38 - Identifying Sources of Grief 41:32 - Relationship Anxiety 42:33 - Recognizing Healing Potential 44:07 - Curiosity and the Unknown 49:52 - Trauma Bonds 51:29 - Morning Panic Attacks 52:33 - Self-Soothing Techniques 53:22 - Breathwork and Dysregulation 54:24 - Childhood Experiences and Breathing 55:26 - Finding Safe Breathwork 57:10 - Intellectual vs. Emotional Safety 59:02 - Healing Through Safety 01:01:36 - Using Poetry for Healing 01:03:51 - Right Brain and Poetry 01:05:27 - Incremental Healing

In this episode, I sit down with Danielle to talk about our personal struggles with anxiety. We both grew up with some pretty tough stuff – my dad had schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and Danielle was raised in an alcoholic home. We dive deep into how that trauma can really mess with your mental health. But the good news is, there's a way out. It's all about understanding where your anxiety comes from and being kind to yourself. Danielle shares how she healed from panic attacks and agoraphobia by connecting with her inner child and practicing self-compassion. So if you're dealing with anxiety, this episode is for you. Let's break down those walls and find some healing together. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 02:08 - Early Signs of Anxiety 04:21 - Dissociation Experiences 05:30 - The Development of Agoraphobia 06:12 - Therapy and Medication Attempts 08:56 - Anxiety Disorder Clinic Experience 09:57 - Television Appearances 11:05 - Genetic Study Participation 12:15 - Recognition of Childhood Trauma 13:05 - Importance of Connection 14:51 - Understanding the Root Causes 18:13 - Safety and Grounding 20:44 - Realization of Stored Trauma 22:11 - Compassion for Self 24:21 - Meditation as a Game Change 25:26 - Being Present in the Moment 26:31 - Traveling with Anxiety 27:35 - Welcoming Emotions 29:55 - Reassuring the Inner Child 32:53 - Transforming Fear into Empowerment 35:32 - The Role of Resilience 41:37 - Honoring Trauma 44:32 - Understanding Avoidance 45:23 - Finding Safety in the Moment 47:10 - Body Intelligence vs. Mental Intelligence 48:13 - Transformative Life Changes 48:43 - Wasting Time in Anxiety 52:00 - Regrets of Living in Alarm

Hey everyone! In this episode I'm joined by Amy Green Smith, a personal development coach from North Carolina. We're diving deep into the world of anxiety, and Amy shares her own personal journey. She talks about growing up in a conservative religious household and the impact of her father's passing. We discuss how these experiences led to people-pleasing behaviors and affected her self-worth. Together, we explore the effects of cultural conditioning, the power of emotional intelligence, and practical strategies for self-advocacy and setting healthy boundaries. It's a conversation that's both relatable and inspiring. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:13 - Amy Green Smith's Journey 02:13 - Father's Death Impact 03:32 - Family Dynamics and Expectations 04:42 - Learning to Advocate for Oneself 06:50 - Litigating for Rightness 09:43 - Complexity of Childhood Emotions 11:57 - Roots of People-Pleasing 13:08 - Misconceptions about People-Pleasing 14:10 - Self-Worth and People-Pleasing 15:29 - Pain of Breaking the Cycle 16:45 - Understanding Motivations for People-Pleasing 18:24 - Oxytocin and Gender Dynamics 19:22 - Cultural Conditioning of Women  20:23 - Primitive Defense Mechanisms 22:07 - Cultural Reinforcement of Gender Roles 23:40 - The Impact of Religious Upbringing 25:09 - Cultural Shifts Post-WWII  25:59 - The Role of Medication in Women's Mental Health 26:17 - Pain and Change in Society 26:45 - Political Figures as Cult Leaders 27:45 - Religious Trauma and Identity 29:49 - The Search for Validation 30:11 - The Concept of the 'Magical Other' 31:36 - Critique of Religious Narratives 33:20 - Order vs. Chaos in Society 34:33 - The Feminine Perspective in Religion 40:48 - The Pressure of Social Media on Identity 42:09 - The Nuance of Societal Order 44:03 - Political Divisions and Identity 47:23 - Media Influence and Extremism 49:42 - Emotional Intelligence as a Solution 51:26 - Cultural Messaging of Emotions 52:36 - The Role of Emotions in Decision Making 53:35 - Order and Uncertainty 01:00:01 - Creating Emotional Intelligence in Women 

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Helen Sairany, a war survivor from Iraq. We dive deep into the world of trauma and how it can shape our lives. Helen shares her incredibly brave story of surviving war as a Kurdish child. Together, we talk about the psychological effects of trauma, the importance of feeling safe, and why we need a world that understands and supports people who've been through tough times. It's a powerful conversation about community, connection, and learning to be kind to ourselves. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 3800+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:10 - Dr. Sairany's Background 01:24 - The Impact of War 03:34 - Connection vs. Protection 04:53 - Trauma and Sensitivity 07:23 - Struggles with Safety 09:44 - Coping Mechanisms 11:19 - Understanding Emotional Responses 13:15 - Healing as a Process 17:23 - The Importance of the Present 18:21 - The Healing Journey 20:22 - Feeling Like an Outsider 21:20 - Subconscious Identity Struggles 22:05 - The Price of Authenticity 24:09 - Importance of Safe Communities 25:04 - Quality Over Quantity in Friendships 26:29 - The Power of Friendship 27:09 - The Role of Professionals in Healing 29:03 - Understanding Trauma Beyond War 30:16 - The ACE Study's Importance 32:51 - Burnout in Medical Professionals 35:23 - Trauma's Overwhelming Nature 40:14 - Moral Injury in Healthcare 43:43 - The Cost of Change 45:06 - Delayed Action in Mental Health 45:53 - Awareness of Trauma in Society 49:17 - Moving from Head to Body 50:29 - Compassionate Connection 56:18 - Wisdom from a Trauma Survivor

Hey there! I'm Dr. Russ, and in this episode of The AnxietyRX Podcast, we're diving deep into some real, raw emotions. Molly Carroll, a psychotherapist, joins me to talk about anxiety, grief, and the rollercoaster of parenting. I'll share my personal journey with anxiety, and Molly opens up about the emotional turmoil of sending her kid off to college—it's a wild ride, trust me. We'll chat about self-compassion, the power of community, and how to find balance between thinking and feeling. It's a heartfelt conversation that'll help you navigate life's ups and downs with more ease. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 3700+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:49 - The Wounded Healer 02:54 - The Somatic Experience of Grief 05:15- Community and Connection 09:05 - Coping Strategies and Shadow Work 10:55 - Feeling and Processing Grief 14:50 - The Sensation of Grief 17:20 - Reflecting on Separation at 18 19:47 - Healing the Wounded Child 20:38 - Coping Mechanisms and Cognitive Explanations 22:14 - Acclimatizing to Anxiety 23:04 - Cognition and Emotional Healing 25:53 - Survival Physiology and Healing 26:47 - Breath and Body Connection 31:48 - Compassion in Relationships 33:04 - Presence, Awareness, Compassion 37:45 - Integrating Trauma and Self 40:34 - Present Moment Awareness 41:12 - Tears of Joy vs. Tears of Sorrow 42:36 - Vulnerability and Coping Mechanisms in Men 44:05 - Raising Emotionally Aware Children 46:06 - The Role of Trauma in Healing 48:47 - Authenticity vs. Reactivity 49:52 - Addressing Root Causes of Anxiety 53:05 - Faith and Trust in Healing 56:54 - Daily Healing Practices 01:00:17 - Creating Chaos 01:01:12 - Contractions of Creation

Hey there, it's Dr. Russ! *Unfortunately, there’s no video for this podcast episode - audio only! On this episode of The AnxietyRX Podcast, we're tackling a big one: the tangled web of anxiety, eating disorders, and childhood trauma. I'm sharing my own story about growing up with a dad who struggled with mental health, and how that shaped my own anxiety. We’ll also be joined by Meg Doll, an eating disorder recovery expert, who’ll talk about her own journey and why focusing just on food isn't enough. Together, we'll explore how unresolved childhood trauma can fuel both anxiety and eating disorders, and offer practical strategies for healing and breaking free from these cycles. Tune in for a raw and honest conversation about real recovery and lasting well-being. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 3700+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 02:29 - The State of Alarm 03:28 - Negative Self-Talk 04:29 - Traditional Recovery Approaches 05:15 - Trauma and Suppression 07:29 - Predispositions to Disorders 08:28 - Emotional Overreactions 10:29 - Childhood Trauma Impact 12:59 - Dissociation and Control 14:39 - Addiction and Reward Mechanisms 15:43 - Awareness and Choice 17:29 - Spiritual Aspects of Healing 22:37 - Understanding Childhood Trauma 23:34 - Coping vs. Healing 24:29 - Medication and Emotional Flatness 26:28 - Mind-Body Connection Practices 27:27 - Sensation Without Explanation 28:18 - Acclimatizing to Alarm 30:11 - Old Patterns and Security 35:42 - Multidisciplinary Approach to Healing 39:14 - Tending to Sensations 42:27 - Building a Foundation for Change 43:37 - The Ego's Resistance 45:18 - Preparing for Loss 46:10 - Meg's Book Introduction 48:12 - Upcoming Book Release