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 betting
• Dopamine and behavioral addiction
• Why gambling often hides in plain sight
• How apps and online games reinforce addictive patterns
• Warning signs parents should know
• Why gambling addiction carries one of the highest suicide risks among addictions
• What counseling and recovery look like

Links:

Dr. Juleen Buser - LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/juleen-buser-115515293/

Psychology Today:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1657331

Facebook - Cardiff Health, LLC:
https://www.facebook.com/cardiffhealth

NPR Article:
https://www.npr.org/2026/04/05/nx-s1-5762276/teens-getting-hooked-on-gambling-sports-betting

Preorder Toni's new book: https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Somatic-Exercises-Everyone-Brain/dp/B0GGTF8YFJ/

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