S2E16| The New Teen Addiction Nobody Prepared For

Online gambling and sports betting have become deeply embedded in modern culture - and teens are increasingly being exposed earlier than ever before.This week, Jaclyn and Toni sit down with Dr. Juleen Buser, behavioral addiction specialist and licensed professional counselor, to explore the psychology behind gambling addiction, why online betting can become so compulsive, and how technology has dramatically changed access and risk for adolescents.In this episode, we discuss:The rise of teen sports bettingDopamine and behavioral addictionWhy gambling often hides in plain sightHow apps and online games reinforce addictive patternsWarning signs parents should knowWhy gambling addiction carries one of the highest suicide risks among addictionsWhat counseling and recovery look likeLinks:Dr. Juleen Buser - LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juleen-buser-115515293/Psychology Today:https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1657331Facebook - Cardiff Health, LLC:https://www.facebook.com/cardiffhealthNPR Article:https://www.npr.org/2026/04/05/nx-s1-5762276/teens-getting-hooked-on-gambling-sports-bettingPreorder Toni's new book: https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Somatic-Exercises-Everyone-Brain/dp/B0GGTF8YFJ/If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share.