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There are a lot of negative consequences that can come from behavioral addictions. They include everything from financial problems to legal repercussions to health issues. Whether it\u2019s gambling, gaming, sex, or pornography, it\u2019s important to understand why some people are susceptible to certain behaviors. In fact, the same mechanism that influences chemical addiction could be responsible for behavioral addiction as well.\nOn this episode, Duane speaks with Amanda Giordano, a licensed professional counselor and associate professor at the University of Georgia, who specializes in addiction counseling both in chemical addiction and behavioral addiction. Amanda is the author of a clinical reference book titled A Clinical Guide to Treating Behavioral Addictions.\xa0\nToday, she imparts her expertise in this field, explaining how the changes in the brain associated with behavioral addictions are actually very similar to the changes associated with chemical addictions.\xa0\nIn other words, instead of becoming addicted to a chemical that originates outside of the body, the body is addicted to the release of its own neurochemicals (dopamine in particular). Once the brain\u2019s reward system is activated, it releases neurotransmitters which can become very difficult for some people to abstain from as they become their primary means of regulating their emotions.\nHence, for some susceptible individuals, a rewarding behavior can become an addiction where there\u2019s a loss of control over that behavior. The behavior is continued despite negative consequences and it becomes compulsive for that individual. They experience cravings or a mental preoccupation with the behavior when they're not engaging in it.\xa0\nIn this episode, you will hear:\n\nHow a rewarding behavior can become an addiction\n\nDifferent types of behavioral addiction\n\nResetting the brain takes time\n\nThe 4 C\u2019s of addiction\n\nThe behavior becoming the salient part of their life\n\nProven effective methods of treatment\n\nFactors that influence the susceptibility to behavioral addiction\n\nPositive reinforcement vs. negative reinforcement\n\nThe three circles technique to identify the warning signs\n\nKey Quotes:\n[04:24] - \u201cThere are changes in the brain associated with behavioral addictions that are very similar to changes associated with chemical addictions.\u201d\n[06:37] - \u201cInstead of becoming addicted to a chemical that originates outside of the body, we're really becoming addicted to the release of our own neurochemicals.\u201d\n[09:29] - \u201cThe brain can reset, but it takes time\u2026 It takes a little bit of time for the brain to reset and to again, start functioning the way it did prior to the start of the addiction.\u201d\n[14:42] - \u201cThere are a lot of negative consequences that can come from behavioral addictions, everything from finances to legal repercussions to health issues.\u201d\n[17:25] - \u201cThe chronic elevation of dopamine tricks the brain into thinking this must be a really important activity and must be necessary for my survival.\u201d\n[30:26] - \u201cIf we can find alternative, healthier, more adaptive ways to regulate our emotions, then we might not need to turn to some of these problematic behaviors.\u201d\n[42:13] - \u201cIsolation, shame, and secrecy are some of the weapons that addiction uses to keep us silent and keep us sick."\nSupporting Resources:\nEmail: amanda.giordano@uga.edu\xa0\nAmanda\u2019s blog:\xa0\nhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/contributors/amanda-l-giordano-phd-lpc\xa0\xa0\nA Clinical Guide to Treating Behavioral Addictions:\nhttps://www.amazon.com/Clinical-Guide-Treating-Behavioral-Addictions/dp/0826163165\nDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5):\nhttps://www.amazon.com/Diagnostic-Statistical-Manual-Mental-Disorders/dp/0890425558\nIrresistible by Adam Alter:\nhttps://www.amazon.com/Irresistible-Addictive-Technology-Business-Keeping/dp/1594206643\nEpisode Credits\nIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.\nFind out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices