Mark Leeds, D.O.
Mark Leeds, D.O.
The Neuroscience of Behavioral Addictions: Beyond Substances
The Neuroscience of Behavioral Addictions: Beyond Substances
The Neuroscience of Behavioral Addictions: Beyond Substances
Thursday 8th August 2024
Explore the neuroscience behind behavioural addictions with Dr Mark Leeds, covering dopamine's role, common addictions, and effective treatments.
9 minutes
Informative
Educational
Supportive
Engaging
Hopeful
About this podcast
Author:
Mark Leeds, D.O.
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Links:
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Episodes:
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Episode Overview
- Behavioural addictions involve compulsive actions rather than substance use.
- Dopamine plays a crucial role in reinforcing addictive behaviours.
- Neuroplasticity can both contribute to and help combat these addictions.
- Common behavioural addictions include gambling, internet use, and gaming.
- Effective treatments include medications, CBT, and lifestyle changes.
Imagine your brain's reward system as a faulty GPS, constantly leading you back to the same harmful behaviour despite knowing the consequences
Ever wondered how the brain gets hooked on behaviours like gambling or internet use? In this episode, Dr Mark Leeds dives deep into the neuroscience of behavioural addictions, shedding light on what happens in our brains when these habits take over. You'll learn that these addictions aren't about substances but rather compulsive actions that can seriously impact lives. Dr Leeds explains how the brain's reward system, driven by dopamine, plays a central role in these behaviours.
Imagine your brain's reward system as a faulty GPS, constantly leading you back to the same harmful behaviour despite knowing the consequences. The episode explores various common behavioural addictions such as gambling, internet use, and gaming, and discusses the neural changes that occur in each. Dr Leeds also shares insights into how neuroplasticity – the brain's ability to rewire itself – can both fuel and fight these addictions.
Treatment options are also covered, from medications like naltrexone to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and lifestyle changes. If you're curious about how science is paving the way for better treatment and prevention strategies, this episode is a must-listen. So why not tune in and see how understanding your brain can help you or someone you love break free from these cycles?