Addiction: An Hour With Auer

Another winning episode of Addiction, brought to you by the titans at GLI…Researcher Andrea Stašek joins hosts Jon Bruford and Dr. Michael Auer to examine how behavioural addictions are defined and measured, especially gaming disorder and problematic social media use. They discuss a study of roughly 33,000 adolescents across 10 countries, why symptom-level analysis matters, and the challenge of separating intense engagement from genuine impairment.This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions.For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.Things we talk about, but in a list: Andrea Stašek describes her work on defining and measuring behavioural addictions in digital contexts.Why clear conceptual definitions must come before screening tools, diagnosis, or intervention.How diagnostic labels and public language shift over time, with examples including hysteria, ADHD, trauma, and addiction.A study using data from about 33,000 adolescents across 10 countries examined gaming, social media use, well-being, loneliness, and psychosomatic symptoms.Network analysis mapped symptom-level connections; the cross-sectional design shows associations, not cause and effect.Escapism emerged as a possible bridge between well-being and loneliness measures and problematic gaming or social media symptoms.Stašek estimates clinically significant gaming disorder may affect around 1% of adults and perhaps 1-3% of adolescents, while emphasising measurement uncertainty.The distinction between heavy gaming and disorder centres on functional impairment and negative consequences, not hours alone.The hosts and guest discuss youth phone use, parental role modelling, school phone restrictions, and personal differences in susceptibility.Choice quote:“Today we have some kind of social media, ten years from now I guess there will be a different mechanism.”Chapters, but add a chunk to this because of the intro and the ad read…00:00 Jon Bruford and Dr. Michael Auer introduce the show04:04 Andrea Stašek’s work on digital behavioural addiction06:18 Why defining a disorder comes before measuring it12:00 How social norms and diagnostic categories change16:09 Social media, self-diagnosis, and labels losing precision27:58 A 33,000-adolescent study across 10 countries31:08 Network analysis maps symptoms, not causes34:17 Escapism as a link between well-being and problematic use38:04 How common is gaming disorder, and what counts as impairment?43:12 The 12-month diagnostic window and changing symptoms50:08 Phone restrictions, parenting, and modelling healthy use59:53 Personal responsibility and managing riskAndrea Stašek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-stasek-psych/Resources & Links:GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

In this episode of everyone’s absolutely definitely favourite addiction research-related podcast, hosts Dr Michael Auer – who is inexplicably quiet on this one, not sure how that happened because he sounded fine when we hit ‘record’ – and Jon Bruford (who probably sounds disproportionately loud this episode) explore the fascinating world of prediction markets, their potential for social good, and the risks of gambling harm. Our guest Glenn Yamagata, who serves on the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling, shares insights from his research on how these markets operate, their regulation, and their impact on society.This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions.For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.Things we talk about, presented in a list:The origins and evolution of prediction marketsThe dual role of prediction markets in social good and gambling harmLegal and regulatory challenges for prediction marketsThe impact of prediction markets on society and financeThe influence of digitization and technology on prediction marketsThe role of prediction markets in information gathering and risk managementChoice quotes: "Two things can be true at once.""Prediction markets can serve many different functions.""The big risk is expanding the population of people gambling."Chapters, but add a bit of time because of our ad read and the lovely music. Did you know that Michael wrote, performed and recorded the theme music himself? True story.00:00 Introduction and guest introduction03:55 Guest background and academic journey08:01 Prediction markets and their functions14:54 Gambling-related harm and social benefits22:11 Legal and regulatory landscape30:02 Prediction markets in finance and investment40:14 The impact of digitization and technology50:00 Future outlook and societal implications01:00:13 Closing remarks and guest farewell (although honestly, there’s probably 15 more minutes after this.) The OCPG on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oregoncouncil/Resources & Links:GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

In this blockbusting episode of everyone’s favourite* addiction-related podcast, we explore the complexities of gambling behaviour, risk thresholds, and the psychological mechanisms behind decision-making and risk management. Top guest Jussi Palomäki is a cognitive scientist and gambling harm researcher, and shares insights on how understanding the brain's response to risk can inform better policies and personal choices.This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions.For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.*The opinion of the hosts’ mothers is as valid as anyone’s. But yes, we are playing fast and loose with the word ‘everyone’ here.Things we talk about, dressed up to look all nice in a list: Risk thresholds in gambling and their empirical basisThe role of cognitive biases and illusions in gambling behaviourThe importance of neurobehavioural literacy for responsible gamblingImpact of market changes and regulation on gambling harmThe concept of lower risk gambling guidelines and their practical applicationChoice quotes: "State monopoly allows for serious player protection.""Market saturation may not linearly increase harm.""Increasing neurobehavioral literacy can reduce shame."Chapters, but add maybe 45 seconds or so because of our beautiful music and ad read: 00:00 Introduction and guest introduction 07:59 Finland’s gambling market and the end of the state monopoly 11:01 Slot machine availability and gambling behaviour 14:03 Monitoring gambling participation and gambling harm 16:30 Online casino gambling and market saturation 17:34 Lower-risk gambling thresholds and empirical data 20:57 How lower-risk guidelines should be communicated 25:11 Comparing gambling risks with rock climbing and other activities 29:02 Preparation and risk mitigation in high-risk activities 31:25 Gambling mechanics, reward systems, and manipulation 33:34 Education and neurobehavioural literacy 36:02 Individual differences in susceptibility to cognitive biases 36:30 Visual illusions and risk perception 38:46 Cognitive biases, the gambler’s fallacy, and education 41:07 Defining problem gambling and gambling harm 43:08 Measuring harm and the limitations of gambling thresholds 45:40 Closing discussion and future topics 45:59 Prospect theory and behavioural economicsJussi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jussi-palomäki-3bb24228/Resources & Links:GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

In this episode, hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford meet Dr Jim Whelan to explore the intersection of gambling research, treatment, regulation, and marketing. Jim – of the University of Memphis – delves into how data-driven approaches are transforming gambling treatment and responsible gambling initiatives, and much more. Oh, and Jon has a sore throat. All his own fault.This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions.For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.Things we talk about, in a list: Gambling treatment and research in TennesseeThe role of data and measurement in treatment efficacyChallenges and opportunities in gambling regulationMarketing strategies for responsible gamblingImpact of online sports betting on gambling behaviourComorbidity and personalised treatment approachesChoice quotes: “I don't put the seatbelt on because I think I'm gonna get in an accident.”“Get them in the door, keep them in the door, and send them on their way with a toolkit that might help them afterwards.”“Who needs what, when?”Chapters, but add a bit because of the music and intro: 00:00 – Welcome, voice jokes, and the therapy discussion 04:17 – Meet Dr. Jim Whelan 05:36 – Tennessee’s treatment and research partnership 07:04 – Clinics, telehealth, and treatment research 09:57 – Precision treatment: who needs what, and when? 13:01 – Marketing treatment and future-self messaging 16:47 – Tennessee’s gambling landscape 19:32 – Prevalence data and research limitations 26:48 – How gambling tax revenue funds treatment 36:24 – Why gamblers distrust operator-led messaging 42:18 – Safe gambling versus problem gambling 45:14 – Comorbidity and measurement-based care 50:38 – Nature, nurture, and gambling risk 52:05 – Online sports betting and sports integrity 56:56 – Regulation, transparency, and the case for changeJim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-whelan-b9b45487/Resources & Links:GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

In this episode, hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford welcome Dr. Ayan Orujov from the University of Liverpool to discuss the impact of sports betting legalisation on suicide rates in the US, the challenges of prediction markets, and the intersection of gambling and behavioural psychology. He’s pretty awesome. This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions.For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.Things we discuss, in a list:Impact of sports betting legalisation on suicide ratesChallenges in prediction market regulationBehavioural patterns in gambling and tradingLegal and regulatory landscape of US gamblingData collection and research in gambling studiesChoice quotes: "Legalisation of sports betting affects suicide rates.""Prediction markets face regulatory and legal hurdles.""Gambling and investment are increasingly intertwined."Chapters, but add thirty seconds or so because of our intro: 00:00 Introduction and episode overview02:41 Guest introduction: Dr. Ayan Orujov and his background05:07 Region-specific gambling industry insights from Azerbaijan and Liverpool10:11 Dr. Ayan Orujov’s research on gambling and suicide rates17:33 Analysis of the effects of sports betting legalization in the US22:23 Comparison of gambling research across different countries26:09 Differential effects of gambling on various demographic groups31:08 Research methodologies and data collection challenges36:37 Perception of sports betting among Gen Z and young people42:23 Prediction markets, regulation, and legal challenges48:17 Future legal battles and the role of tribes and states55:10 Psychological aspects of gambling and investment perceptionsResources & Links:GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/Ayan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayan-orujov-3b403099/The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

This episode – brought to you by GLI! – we meet Rachel Volberg, retired research professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and president of Gemini Research, as she reflects on more than four decades studying gambling behaviour and gambling harms. The conversation moves from the long-running Massachusetts casino impact study to the shift toward public health framing, sports betting regulation, and how lottery products keep evolving. Hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford steer the discussion through policy, measurement, and the practical realities of research, including why baseline data matters and why the field still struggles to define and detect harm consistently.This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions.For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.Stuff we discuss, in a list :Rachel explains how she led the Massachusetts study on the social and economic impacts of casino gambling, a project that ran from 2013 to 2025 and was tied to the 2011 casino legalization statute.She breaks down the Massachusetts casino rollout across three regions, including Plainridge Park, MGM Springfield, and Encore Boston Harbor.Rachel describes how Encore Boston Harbor had to pivot after Chinese outbound gambling travel was restricted, forcing the property toward a more local market.She shares how her work expanded beyond casinos to include COVID-era gambling changes and the early impacts of sports betting in Massachusetts.Michael asks how the field has shifted from problem gambling language to a broader harm-based public health approach, and Rachel explains that the study covered both social harms and economic flows.Rachel details why Massachusetts is unusual: host communities voted on casino proposals, the law created funding for problem gambling services, and annual research was required.She and Michael discuss how most U.S. gambling data is still state by state, with no national prevalence survey comparable to what exists in the UK.Rachel reflects on how she entered gambling research in 1985 through an evaluation of one of the first treatment programs for problem gambling in the U.S.She explains the importance of validated screening tools like the South Oaks Gambling Screen and later the PPGM, especially the difference between screening and diagnosis.Jon and Rachel explore the limits of self-report data, the challenge of recall bias, and why gambling harm is broader than just a small group of “problem gamblers.”The conversation turns to sports betting, including how informal betting long predated legalization and why regulation in the U.S. is still fragmented.Rachel and Jon discuss lottery products, instant tickets, pull tabs, and how game design increasingly resembles slot-like behaviour with high-frequency play and immediate reinforcement.Chapters, but add about 30 seconds or so because of the music and all that magic: 00:00 - Opening banter and introduction of Rachel Volberg02:35 - How the Massachusetts casino impact study was built04:46 - Three casino regions and the rollout of Massachusetts gaming06:46 - COVID, sports betting, and the study’s unusually long time span07:43 - Encore Boston Harbor’s market pivot after Chinese travel restrictions10:16 - Growing up in Ghana and Switzerland shaped Rachel’s worldview13:27 - A sociology background that led into survey research14:30 - Why the study title focused on social and economic impacts15:59 - How Massachusetts gave communities a real voice in casino siting19:30 - Local hiring, local spending, and community reinvestment effects22:12 - Waste reduction and the casino’s wider community footprint26:44 - Entering gambling research through a New York treatment evaluation28:12 - The first validated problem gambling screen in a prevalence survey29:41 - Why prevalence surveys spread across the U.S. state by state32:19 - Massachusetts as an unusual case with annual research funding33:24 - Sports betting legislation and the lack of research funding elsewhere35:47 - No U.S. state mandates player limit setting36:46 - A study now underway on play management tools in Massachusetts40:31 - Why college sports create a uniquely difficult U.S. gambling issue43:50 - The problem of missing baseline data in many jurisdictions44:49 - Massachusetts baseline data and what changed by 202146:32 - Informal betting, Nevada, and the long U.S. history of sports wagering49:46 - Cohort studies and what follow-up work revealed in New Zealand51:30 - Why many people reduce gambling without seeking treatment53:22 - Screens versus diagnoses and the need for better clinical screening56:42 - The measurement problems behind identifying gambling harm58:34 - Why the PPGM uses control and harm as separate dimensions60:20 - Prediction, regulation, and the mismatch between risk tools and policy goals61:57 - Gambling harm as a broader spectrum than problem gambling alone63:02 - How lottery games evolved toward slot-like features66:57 - Massachusetts online lottery launch and responsible gambling tools69:00 - Pull tabs, scratch cards, and the psychology of visible odds71:16 - Why uncertainty is central to gambling behaviour72:00 - Closing remarks Choice quotes: “I think I have more than 70 prevalence surveys that I've done over my career.”“There’s no breathalyzer test for problem gambling.”“It’s not that you’ve got 1% or 2% of the population classified as problem gamblers. It’s that you’ve got 10% of the population that’s experienced one or more harms.”"Casinos can be drivers for community growth.""Gambling harms extend beyond problem gamblers.""Without baseline data, impact assessment is difficult."Resources & Links:GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/Rachel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelvolberg/The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

In this episode, Dr. Shane Kraus discusses behavioural addictions, including gambling, sex, and disordered eating, especially in military populations. We explore the psychological mechanisms, risk factors, and potential interventions for these complex issues with hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford.This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions.For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.Some of the things we talk about, in a list: Behavioural addictions and their classificationsThe impact of military service on addiction riskRole of technology in addiction escalationScreening and intervention strategies for behavioural healthThe importance of education and self-awareness in preventionChoice quotes: "Short term goals are important for longevity.""Compulsive sexual behaviour disorder is a mouthful.""Addiction is loss of control."Chapters – but add 40 seconds or so because of the music…00:00 Introduction and guest introduction02:01 The story of Tucker The Man in His Dream and its influence07:08 Understanding compulsive sexual behaviour disorder11:58 Addiction as a coping mechanism in military personnel20:00 Screening, regulation, and the role of technology in gambling29:52 Resilience, nurture vs. nature, and behavioural health in military contexts40:14 The impact of online content and attention economy on addiction49:58 Strategies for early intervention and responsible gambling01:00:01 The future of research and regulation in behavioural addictions01:10:02 Closing thoughts and future directionsResources & Links:GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/Shane on the UNLV site: https://www.unlv.edu/people/shane-krausThe Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

Join us as we explore the complex world of gambling addiction through personal stories, industry perspectives, and practical insights. This episode highlights the importance of awareness, harm prevention, and the societal factors influencing addictive behaviours. Hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford are joined by recovering addict Saul Malek, who speaks candidly about his personal journey and the risks for young people in modern America. This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions.For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.Things we talk about include:Personal narrative of gambling addiction and recovery, including online sports betting experiencesThe cultural and social environment of gambling, including college campuses and sports cultureIndustry challenges and potential strategies for harm prevention, including education and regulationThe role of community, online platforms, and peer support in recovery effortsSpecific vulnerabilities among youth, athletes, and college students related to gamblingThe Egyptian goddess of hedgehogs. It’s REAL.Chapters, kind of, but add 40 seconds or so for the beautiful music: 00:02 - Welcome and episode overview01:15 - Host's 'humorous' reflection on podcast branding02:00 - Introduction of Dr. Michael Auer02:17 - Discussion on favourite Schwarzenegger films03:12 - Commentary on remakes and film interpretations04:11 - Analysis of "Starship Troopers" as an anti-war and anti-fascism film05:01 - Insights into the appeal of gambling and its social aspects11:10 - Saul Malek discusses his background and recovery from online sports betting addiction12:31 - Early experiences with gambling during college15:28 - The escalation to higher stakes and online gambling dynamics20:01 - The role of peer groups and isolation in gambling behavior21:26 - Recognition of gambling problems via family intervention25:02 - The cultural and demographic aspects of recovery groups30:36 - Digital advancements and preventive measures in gambling platforms58:31 - Cultural tangent: Egyptian goddess of hedgehogsResources & Links:GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/Saul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saulmalek/The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

In this episode, hosts Dr Michael Auer and Jon Bruford are joined by Lorraine Perrons and Claire Jones, co-founders of Gambling Recovery Therapy. In conversation we explore innovative approaches to treating gambling addiction and phobias through hypnotherapy, the importance of commitment, and the journey of building effective therapy frameworks. Lorraine and Claire share their insights on remote therapy, trust-building, and personalised treatment strategies.This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions.For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.Things we talk about, in list form: Hypnotherapy for addiction and phobiasThe importance of client commitment and trustRemote therapy effectiveness and setupUncovering subconscious traumaPersonalized treatment plans and toolsBuilding emotional regulation skillsThe role of values and beliefs in changeHandling emotional crises and safeguarding protocolsTraining and practice in hypnotherapyInnovative programs for affected othersChapters – but add 45 seconds maybe because of our beautiful music: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:53 The Impact of Hypnotherapy on Phobias06:00 Understanding Commitment in Therapy09:05 The Role of Hypnotherapy in Gambling Recovery11:58 Client Profiling and Session Structure15:02 The Challenges of Affected Others17:52 Identifying Underlying Issues in Gambling Addiction21:14 The Journey to Hypnotherapy24:02 Practicing Hypnotherapy and Building Confidence35:02 The Power of Hypnosis and Pets38:04 Understanding Hypnosis: Myths and Realities38:50 The Role of Susceptibility in Hypnosis41:10 Remote Hypnosis: Setting and Protocols43:04 Addressing Gambling Addiction: A Holistic Approach44:49 Innovative Programs for Affected Others48:00 Building Trust in Therapeutic Relationships53:59 Navigating Trauma and Emotional Reactions01:00:01 Personalized Therapy: Goals and OutcomesResources & Links:GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/Gambling Recovery Therapy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gamblingrecoverytherapy/The Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/

In this episode, Dr Michael Auer and his social superior Jon Bruford explore the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction, focusing on dopamine's role in gambling, binge eating, and other behaviours. Dr. Jakob Linnet shares insights from brain imaging research, the impact of societal factors, and strategies for managing addictive impulses.This episode comes to you courtesy of the excellent Gaming Laboratories International. GLI is a world-class testing, inspections and certification company committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services, working in more than 710 jurisdictions.For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.What we talk about, in list form: Dopamine's role in addictionBrain imaging and neurobiological insightsCrossover between food and gambling addictionReward prediction and error in addictionTreatment approaches and societal influencesChoice quotes: "Dopamine signals anticipated rewards, not just pleasure.""Gambling disorder doesn't show reduced dopamine receptors.""Addiction may stem from sustained dopamine activation."Chapters, but add a minute because of our lovely music and intro: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences02:34 Understanding Addiction and Its Forms06:25 Dopamine: The Brain's Reward System10:32 Behavioral Addictions vs. Substance Addictions18:40 The Role of Anticipation in Addiction20:48 Accessibility and Availability of Addictive Behaviors25:17 Personal Reflections on Binge Eating31:00 Exploring Underlying Issues in Addiction33:11 Coping with Thoughts and Dopamine Strategies36:12 Understanding Individual Differences in Dopamine Response39:55 The Role of Medications and Brain Chemistry40:09 Exploring the Impact of GLP-1 Medications42:21 Internal vs. External Motivation in Treatment44:01 Recognizing Patterns and Situational Control47:30 Types of Eating Disorders Explained49:52 Dopamine's Role in Binge Eating Disorder50:27 Future of Brain Imaging and Addiction Diagnosis52:05 Medications Affecting Dopamine and Addiction58:18 Navigating Modern Food Environments01:01:23 Educating Future Generations on Mental HealthResources & Links:GLI: https://gaminglabs.com/Jakob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakob-linnet-4222028/…and ReasearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jakob-LinnetThe Gambling Files on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gambling-files-podcast/Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/