related: http://gettingstronger.org/2012/01/hormesis-and-the-limbic-brain/

"Reprogramming the amygdala. This is the indirect way to re-program the hypothalamus, by altering the amygdaloid reward circuitry that feeds it. There are a number approaches to achieving this, some of which I’ve outlined in previous articles, but all of them fall generally under the umbrella of classical or Pavlovian conditioning. There are a few basic strategies:

Extinction. An addictive response becomes weaker and eventually dies out when you stop responding to a triggering cue. This approach works, but can take a long time and requires patience and discipline.
Cue exposure or deconditioning. This involves deliberate, repeated and provocative exposure to the triggering cue, withholding the response. After some initial discomfort, this approach proceeds rapidly and can be quite effective. Success is improved the more realistic and varied the presentation of the cue.
Putting on cue. A new cue is developed and the behavior is only allowed in the presence of this cue. It could be a special sound, or a location. Then the special cue is withheld and the behavior disappears.
Counter conditioning. This involves the substitution of an alternative behavior to actively displace the old reward circuitry. It can be very effective.

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