The Addiction Solution

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Did you know that addiction is NOT a disease? Did you know that treatment/rehab for an addiction actually lowers a person’s chances to overcome their addiction issues? Did you know that 12 step programs are NOT effective at helping people move past their drinking or drug problems? Did you know that Alcoholics Anonymous and all of its 12 step offshoots are based on myths created by a failed stockbroker in the 1930’s and that the 12 steps were created by him with no scientific evidence that they worked? Did you know that addiction is a temporary, problem and is NOT a lifelong disease? Did you know that more than 90% of people struggling with addiction overcome the problem for good and the vast majority do so with no treatment whatsoever? The Addiction Solution Podcast provides an alternative view to the disease-based addiction-help model that has remained ineffective for more than 70 years. Your hosts; addiction experts, Mr. Steven Slate, Mr. Mark Scheeren and Ms. Michelle Dunbar, will challenge the current views on addiction and the treatment based on it. No stone is left unturned. They will challenge the claims made by the treatment industry and government leaders that treatment for addictions works, that the 12 steps are effective in curbing addiction, and that treatment is necessary for those who are struggling with an addiction. They will bring forth and discuss the latest methods that have been shown to be far more effective. The podcast is centered on the truth regardless of where that path leads. It is provocative, informative and will change the way you see addiction and how people move past addiction, forever. Prepare yourself for frank discussions that may shock you, but will also provide you with hope and clear cut paths out of addiction. In summary, the Addiction Solution Podcast provides just that – a Solution to Addiction! The Freedom Model

The Addiction Solution

New York, NY


    • May 1, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 268 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Addiction Solution podcast is a life-changing and eye-opening resource for individuals seeking to free themselves from the constraints of addiction and recovery programs. Hosted by Mark, Michelle, and Steven, this podcast offers a refreshing perspective on addiction and provides valuable insights into how individuals can empower themselves and break free from the cycle of learned helplessness.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its genuine and authentic approach. The hosts are truly passionate about helping people and it shines through in their conversations. They provide practical advice and guidance on overcoming addiction, while also emphasizing the importance of personal empowerment and self-belief. Their message that individuals are not powerless or damaged resonates deeply with listeners, offering them hope and inspiration.

    Furthermore, the podcast challenges the traditional 12-step model commonly associated with addiction recovery. It encourages listeners to question long-held beliefs about their identities as addicts and challenges them to redefine their sense of self-worth. This alternative perspective is both refreshing and liberating for those who feel trapped within the confines of traditional recovery programs.

    While there are many positive aspects to The Addiction Solution podcast, one potential downside is that it may not resonate with everyone. The hosts' approach may differ significantly from what some individuals have been taught in traditional recovery programs, making it difficult for them to fully embrace this alternative perspective. Additionally, some listeners may find it challenging to let go of deeply ingrained beliefs about addiction being a disease that requires lifelong management.

    In conclusion, The Addiction Solution podcast is a powerful resource for anyone seeking an alternative approach to addiction recovery. It offers a fresh perspective that empowers individuals rather than perpetuating a sense of powerlessness. While it may not appeal to everyone or align with traditional recovery models, it provides valuable insights that can transform lives and challenge long-held beliefs about addiction. Overall, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to break free from the grips of addiction and discover their own path towards healing and self-empowerment.



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    Latest episodes from The Addiction Solution

    From Powerless to Free: Ending the 12-Step Era

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 35:48


    In this episode, we reveal plans to replace 12-step programs with The Freedom Model and a global coaching network—become a Certified FM Coach today!

    The Allure of Regret: Why We Hold On and How to Let Go

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 40:24


    Stuck in regret? Mark and Michelle explain why it happens, how it shapes you, and how to finally let go and move forward.

    The Truth About Changing: Action Usually Comes First

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 34:40


    You don't need to feel different to change—Mark and Michelle explain how you can choose to quit a habit now, without waiting for a mindset shift.

    Does the Freedom Model Conflict with Religious Beliefs?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 34:40


    Mark and Michelle explain how The Freedom Model aligns with and can enhance religious faith through autonomy, free will, and positive drive.

    religious beliefs freedom model
    The Real “Easier, Softer Way” to Solve Addiction

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 38:09


    Discover a simple, practical way to break free from addiction—no meetings, steps, or recovery programs, and no fear or deprivation required.

    Addiction and Mental Illness: A Profitable Connection

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 41:31


    Your happiness is your responsibility—let go of control and find freedom from frustration, disappointment, and resentment.

    The Secret to Happiness? Let Go of the False Sense of Control

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 39:20


    We often tie our happiness to others, leading to frustration. The truth? You control your happiness, not them. Tune in to explore the power of letting go.

    Escaping the Illusion of Addiction

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 34:14


    Break free from addiction by shifting your mindset—stop obsessing, stop fighting harder, and let go of addiction's pedestal to move on easily.

    Driven by Obligation or Happiness?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 40:27


    Are you controlled by obligations or shaping a fulfilling life? Learn to align duties with happiness and turn obligation into opportunity.

    RFK Jr.'s Bold Plan for Addiction: Healing Farms?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 34:24


    Mark and Michelle dive into RFK Jr.'s bold addiction approach, shaped by his own heroin recovery. Don't miss this insightful conversation!

    Stoic Philosophy and Addiction

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 32:06


    People stay stuck in habits due to rigid beliefs. Mark & Michelle use Stoic wisdom to help challenge these beliefs and rethink “addiction.”

    Straddling the Fence: Holding On vs. Moving On

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 34:12


    Can you follow The Freedom Model while attending AA/NA for community? Mark & Michelle discuss balancing autonomy with healthy relationships.

    Is the Addiction Disease Theory Compassionate?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 30:54


    In this episode, we challenge the idea that calling addiction a disease is compassionate, arguing it actually harms people instead of helping them.

    Helping Someone You Love Without Coercion and Conflict

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 36:23


    A must-watch for those with loved ones struggling with substance use, offering insights and guidance from Mark and Michelle. ,

    A Discussion on Love, Relationships, and Addiction

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 37:26


    Mark and Michelle explore love's aspects and apply Freedom Model ideas to strengthen relationships and improve life.

    2024 Success Stories: Year in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 33:22


    Mark and Michelle share inspiring stories from last year, highlighting incredible people they met through workshops and coaching.

    No Rehabs, Steps, or Meetings: Out with the Old, In with the New!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025 39:05


    Addiction treatment still relies on a 90-year-old model. In 2025, it's time for a science-based, modern solution that empowers individuals and reflects progress.

    Persistence to Progress Requires Pushing Past Self-Doubt

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2024 32:34


    Overcoming self-doubt requires persistence and action, but pushing through it is key to changing your preferences, beliefs, and habits.

    Kindness is Powerful – Don't Underestimate it!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 36:12


    Kindness is a vital but often overlooked tool for repairing relationships and emotional well-being.

    Giving Yourself Peace this Holiday Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 35:36


    Break negative habits to ease holiday stress and create a happier, more peaceful season with those you love.

    Are You Truly Open to Change?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 35:27


    Understand your reasons for addiction and explore strategies to change your preferences and embrace change happily.

    The Problems with Addiction Recovery Support Groups – Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 37:40


    If you have ever questioned whether or not you need to go to meetings be be in a recovery support group, then you won't want to miss this episode.

    The Problems with Addiction Recovery Support Groups, Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 31:29


    If you have ever questioned whether or not you need to go to meetings be be in a recovery support group, then you won't want to miss this episode.

    Living in the Moment Without Judgment (For Real!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 31:25


    Mark and Michelle explore living in the moment without judgment, highlighting how this mindset can help overcome fear-based decision-making.

    Anyone Can Moderate, But Not Everyone Wants to Use Moderately

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 31:25


    You can moderate your substance use, but first, question the value you place on heavy use. Belief in moderation is key.

    Living in the Moment Without Judgment

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 33:54


    Feeling overwhelmed is common, and for some, it's frequent. Mark and Michelle share strategies to manage anxiety, offering practical ways to navigate stress and rediscover peace.

    Creating Your Own Reality

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 39:30


    Feeling stuck in life? Mark and Michelle share how you can break free from dissatisfaction and struggles by consciously creating a new, fulfilling reality.

    Are You Living a Life of Shoulds?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 43:09


    Mark and Michelle discuss how shifting from obligations to focusing on what you truly want can positively impact how you feel about yourself and your life.

    Thinking Your Way Out of Addiction

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 32:57


    Mark and Michelle use The Freedom Model to overcome various behaviors, like smoking and gambling, after leaving 12-step programs.

    thinking addiction freedom model
    Why Replacing Your Habit Doesn't Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 34:28


    Many feel happier when abstinent, improving relationships, but often return to use. Mark and Michelle explain why replacing habits isn't always effective.

    The Future of The Freedom Model

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 37:17


    The Freedom Model aims to change global addiction treatment by offering an alternative to the flawed disease-based approach.

    freedom model
    Why Am I So Resistant to Changing?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 33:58


    We often resist changing harmful habits due to comfort. Mark and Michelle explain why and offer tips on overcoming this resistance for personal growth.

    The Fall F*ck-Its – Kicking the Can Down the Road

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 38:34


    As school starts and life gets busier, don't give up on changing habits—this podcast episode offers motivation to keep going instead of waiting for next year!

    The Enemy Within? Are You Battling Yourself?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 36:36


    Mark and Michelle show how framing addiction as a natural change, not a struggle, helps stop self-conflict and achieve desired changes.

    Honoring Her Heart: Our Interview with Jessi

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 52:17


    Author Jessi Hartnett discusses overcoming smoking and drinking without rehab or meetings. Her ebook, *Honor Your Heart,* is now available at honoryourheart.net.

    No One Needs Addiction Rehab!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 38:22


    You don't need rehab to beat addiction. Most people overcome it at home with less struggle and higher success.

    Solving Addiction with Persistence?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 41:05


    Persistence in The Freedom Model is about genuine change, not rigid recovery protocols or denying what you love.

    Changing a Habit with Less Struggle

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 48:02


    People naturally form habits, and struggling to change them is normal. Mark and Michelle discuss their experiences and challenge ideas about gratification and positive change.

    Moving On from Addiction and Recovery

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 43:51


    Mark and Michelle discuss how people transition from addiction and recovery, overcoming loneliness and rediscovering valued activities they once enjoyed.

    The Solution to PMO & Sex Addiction Book Update!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 44:26


    Mark and Michelle discuss the intense process of writing "The Freedom Model" to help solve PMO addiction, detailing its history and evolution in their workshops.

    Solving Addiction Does NOT Require Abstinence!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2024 40:21


    Just because you don't use substances or engage in your preferred behavior moderately, doesn't mean you can't, it just means you don't.

    Recovery Gaslighting: Demanding Rigorous Honesty While Living a Lie

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 51:12


    Listener requested topic: In addiction treatment and 12-step programs, participants are told to practice absolute honesty while also accepting that substances are powerful and that they are powerless against them. Mark and Michelle explore this contradiction and why it leaves many feeling gaslit and confused in recovery.

    Are You Always Doing What You Want to Do?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 40:52


    People are doing exactly what they want to do at any given moment in time. Understanding this is key when working to solve an addiction.

    The Tyranny of Addiction and Recovery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 45:01


    What or who are you allowing to dictate your life? Join Mark and Michelle as they explore the benefits and challenges of total freedom!

    “There is Nothing to Do!” Freedom is Freedom

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024


    Everyone is unique and therefore your pathway to Freedom from addiction is unique to you! Find out why this matter!

    Everyone’s Pathway to Solving their Addictions is Unique!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024


    Everyone is unique and therefore your pathway to Freedom from addiction is unique to you! Find out why this matter!

    Lies and Shame and Leaving AA: Our Interview with Nina

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 52:43


    Despite not being alcohol dependent or ever facing severe consequences for her drinking, our guest, Nina , explains how AA's cult mentality convinced her she was an alcoholic.

    Is it Easier to Build “Bad Habits” than “Good Habits”?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2024 39:52


    Are people drawn to behaviors that are deemed as bad or unhealthy? Is it always a struggle to choose eating healthier, exercising?

    “Half-Truths” Will Keep You Stuck!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 47:02


    In this episode of The Addiction Solution, Mark and Michelle talk about the habit of manipulating and controlling others, and how you can recognize it, break it, and improve your relationships.

    The Illusion of Control

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2024 42:42


    In this episode of The Addiction Solution, Mark and Michelle talk about the habit of manipulating and controlling others, and how you can recognize it, break it, and improve your relationships.

    Are We Slaves to our Biochemistry?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 44:10


    The accepted thinking in mental health and western culture is that people are run by their brain chemistry. if it were objectively true, what would your life actually be like?

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