Addiction 36: How Brain Chemistry Shapes Gambling and Eating Behaviours, with Dr Jakob Linnet

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/