GAMBLING ADDICTION

Kluger (2005) TIME, 8/1, 52-53.

In terms of neurochemistry, gambling when monitored by MRI’s appears to affect the same areas of the brain as drugs, sex, and other obsessive behavior. About 10 million
Americans have the problem. The MRI’s indicate that the same areas of the brain light up when the individual is winning or expects to win.

They have underlying negative emotions of nervousness, anger, perceived victimization, and worry. They can relieve those feelings by chasing the big win or chasing the high. However, the short term relieve is followed by long term disaster.

Those taking an anti-Parkinson drug that injects dopamine find that gambling becomes a problem along with eating drinking and sex.

Illinois now has a new law where compulsive gamblers can join a blacklist and when they enter an Illinois gambling casino, they are asked to leave.

However, the 12 step program of gamblers’ anonymous seems to be the best route. There is only one way and that is abstinence.