146: Understanding Behavioral Addiction with Amanda Giordano146: Understanding Behavioral Addiction with Amanda Giordano
The Addicted Mind Podcast
Understanding Behavioral Addiction with Amanda Giordano
46:37•9 Sept 2021
Amanda Giordano: The Science of Behavioral Addiction Unraveled
“We know that addiction, whether chemical addiction or behavioral addiction, it's really becoming addicted to changing the way that you feel. So if I engage in a behavior and I feel good.”
Why do some people get hooked on gambling, gaming, or even shopping? Amanda Giordano, a licensed professional counselor and associate professor at the University of Georgia, sheds light on this intriguing question in this episode of 'The Addicted Mind Podcast'. Host Duane Osterlind dives into a conversation with Amanda, who specializes in both chemical and behavioral addiction. Amanda is also the author of 'A Clinical Guide to Treating Behavioral Addictions', a must-read for anyone interested in this field.
She explains how the brain's reward system can make certain behaviors addictive, much like substances. It's all about the brain's release of neurochemicals like dopamine, which can become a primary way for some people to regulate their emotions. Amanda also discusses the criteria for behavioral addiction, such as compulsive behavior and loss of control, and highlights the role genetics can play.
The episode wraps up with a call for more public awareness and preventative measures to help those struggling with these often-overlooked addictions. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of behavioral addiction and its impact.
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