Gambling Addiction
Is gambling as addictive as drugs? The National Council on Problem Gambling believes so, suggesting that at least 9-million Americans suffer from gambling addiction. Like drug addiction, gambling can cause the addict to risk their job, family, and financial wellbeing. The pay-off? A short-lived dopamine rush from the chance to win big on slots, blackjack and online games like poker.
When it comes to drugs and gambling, there are many other similarities. Gambling has been shown to be genetic, and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) studies show that from a psychological, and neurological perspective there are other similarities. When gambling addicts stimulate the pleasure center of their brain when they gamble, 10-times the amount of regular dopamine is released, giving the gambler a “high”.
