Episode 45 - Beyond the Substance: Addiction and Emotions with the Sugar Free Man

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Referenced in the Podcast

Quit Sugar Summit

This episode features Mike Collins, also known as the Sugar Free Man, who has been sober from alcohol and other substances for over three decades. Mike shares his journey of discovering a new mission focused on addressing sugar addiction, highlighting its emotional and physiological impacts.

The conversation delves into Mike's upbringing, his family's relationship with sugar, and how sugar's soothing effects are similar to those of other addictive substances. Mike also discusses his work with the Quit Sugar Summit and the Food Addiction Institute, emphasizing the importance of underlying emotional work in recovery from any addiction.

The episode explores the connection between sugar consumption and mental health, and the growing awareness and scientific understanding of sugar's impacts. Concluding with discussions on societal perceptions of sugar and optimism for future change, this episode offers insights into the parallels between sugar addiction and traditional substance addictions, and the importance of holistic recovery approaches.

00:00 Introduction to the Chapter 3 Stigma Podcast

01:07 Welcoming Mike Collins

01:41 Mike's Journey and Mission

04:05 The Impact of Sugar Addiction

06:23 Mike's Personal Struggles and Recovery

08:13 Raising Sugar-Free Kids

09:25 The Sugar Free Man and His Work

20:21 Understanding Sugar's Psychoactive Nature

24:44 Challenges in Addressing Sugar Addiction

30:10 Understanding the No Sugar Lifestyle

33:03 The Role of Codependency in Addiction

35:35 The Impact of Self-Talk and Emotional Processing

38:31 The Importance of Consistent Healthy Practices

41:10 Navigating Love and Affection Without Sugar

46:00 The Mental Health Benefits of Reducing Sugar

51:37 Cultural Perceptions and Future Trends

58:11 Resources and Final Thoughts