Understanding Addiction

Trauma

Why Trauma Can Lead to Addiction

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on September 25, 2021

Why are individuals with trauma histories more vulnerable to addiction?

Why are individuals with trauma histories more vulnerable to addiction?

Video Game Addiction

Just How Bad Is "Gaming Addiction"?

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on September 6, 2021

Gaming disorder, or "gaming addiction," is making global headlines. Here are the facts.

Gaming disorder, or "gaming addiction," is making global headlines. Here are the facts.

Empathy

A Little Empathy Goes a Long Way for Those with Addiction

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on August 15, 2021

What exactly is empathy and why can it be hard to cultivate for individuals with addiction?

What exactly is empathy and why can it be hard to cultivate for individuals with addiction?

Emotion Regulation

Is Emotion Regulation the Key to Addiction Prevention?

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on July 28, 2021

Difficulties in emotion regulation are consistently linked to addiction. Perhaps the key to prevention efforts includes enhancing emotion regulation skills.

Difficulties in emotion regulation are consistently linked to addiction. Perhaps the key to prevention efforts includes enhancing emotion regulation skills.

Addiction

What Exactly Is the Biopsychosocial Model of Addiction?

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on July 10, 2021

The Biopsychosocial Model acknowledges the complexity of addiction and provides multifaceted, holistic guidance toward a solution.

The Biopsychosocial Model acknowledges the complexity of addiction and provides multifaceted, holistic guidance toward a solution.

Fantasies

Gambling Addiction Involves More Than Just Casinos

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on June 29, 2021

We must become aware of the new forms of gambling and offer compulsive gamblers effective resources.

We must become aware of the new forms of gambling and offer compulsive gamblers effective resources.

Addiction

Why Change People, Places, and Things in Early Recovery?

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on June 18, 2021

Those who are overcoming addiction may have heard that it's important to avoid certain things in early recovery, but why? The answer lies in the brain.

Those who are overcoming addiction may have heard that it's important to avoid certain things in early recovery, but why? The answer lies in the brain.

Vaping

New Findings on Teens and Vaping

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on June 11, 2021

Your teenager comes home with an odd-looking pen or something resembling a USB flash drive. You quickly realize you need a crash course on vaping. Here’s what you need to know.

Your teenager comes home with an odd-looking pen or something resembling a USB flash drive. You quickly realize you need a crash course on vaping. Here’s what you need to know.

Career

Why Just Telling People to Change Doesn’t Work

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on June 7, 2021

Tired of butting heads with someone you are trying to get to change? There's a better way.

Tired of butting heads with someone you are trying to get to change? There's a better way.

Addiction

Supporting Addicted Populations Through Advocacy

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on June 2, 2021

How to recognize and address the barriers that people with addiction often encounter.

How to recognize and address the barriers that people with addiction often encounter.

Addiction

The Addictive Nature of Rewarding Behaviors

Amanda L. Giordano Ph.D., LPC on May 14, 2021

Addiction is not limited to drug abuse. It also manifests as compulsive engagement in rewarding behaviors. The more we know, the more effectively we can respond.

Addiction is not limited to drug abuse. It also manifests as compulsive engagement in rewarding behaviors. The more we know, the more effectively we can respond.