Dr. Josh Grubbs - Behavioral Addictions
From The Addiction Psychologist by Samuel Acuff and Noah Emery
March 31, 2025 · 1h 4m · Season 1 · Episode 65
About this episode
Dr. Josh Grubbs discusses the complexities of behavioral addictions and their treatment.
Behavioral addictions have increased in importance over the past few decades and are perhaps more relevant than ever with the legalization of sports betting across America. However, there is still debate about whether behavioral addictions exist. While some disordered behavior, such as gambling and gaming disorder, have recently received more widespread recognition (as demonstrated by inclusion or consideration in the DSM-5), others, such as sex or food-related addiction, remain controversial. What should we consider when categorizing behaviors as addictions, and how might categorizations impact science and practice? Dr. Josh Grubbs joins us to discuss the journey and complexities of behavioral addictions, whether they are similar or different from substance addictions, and how we might consider treating such conditions moving forward. Dr. Grubbs is an Associate Professor at the University of New Mexico and an investigator at the Center on Alcohol, Substance use, and Addictions (CASAA), where he studies compulsive sexual behavior disorder, gambling disorder, and personality characteristics. Find out more about his work here .
People in this episode
Hosts: Samuel Acuff, Noah Emery
Guest: Dr. Josh Grubbs
Topics covered
- behavioral addictions
- gambling disorder
- gaming disorder
- substance addictions
- treatment approaches
Keywords
- behavioral addictions
- gambling disorder
- gaming disorder
- DSM-5
- compulsive behavior
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: University of New Mexico, Center on Alcohol, Substance use, and Addictions (CASAA)
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