Gambling Addiction: Electronic Heroin
The National Council on Problem Gambling reports about 1 percent of the U.S. adult population meets the criteria for pathological gambling. While experts who study gambling addiction are unsure why people develop gambling problems, they now know what happens inside the brains of gambling addicts that fuels the addiction and how to help them. Dopamine, a chemical that regulates human behavior, is released in a part of the gambling addicts’ nucleus accumbens, or midbrain. The chemical rush creates overstimulated feelings of interest and excitement for the addict. This same kind of hyperactive dopamine response is found in people who abuse hard drugs.
psychotherapy, medication, counseling, and group therapy. The psychotherapeutic technique substitutes the patient’s destructive thoughts with healthy ones. Patients learn to analyze their compulsive behavior and the triggers of their addictive gambling. Two types of medications commonly used for treating gambling addicts are mood stabilizers and anti-depressants. Certified gambling counselors evaluate and design customized treatment plans that correspond to each patient’s needs. Group therapy provides support, feedback, and advice from other individuals who are experiencing the same situation.
Although pathological gambling may resolve with time on its own in many individuals, it has
devastating effects on the person’s financial, family, legal, and mental-health. Risk factors for pathological gambling include schizophrenia, mood problems, antisocial personality disorder, alcohol, or cocaine addiction.
Slot machines are not subjected to consumer protection laws or warnings like alcohol, tobacco and other consumer products that affect behavior or personal health. Some believe it is unrealistic to believe gambling addicts can be discouraged by warnings on a slot machine.
REFERENCES:
Cunningham-Williams, R.M., R.A. Grucza, L.B. Cottler, et al. “Prevalence and Predictors of Pathological Gambling: Results From the St. Louis Personality, Health and Lifestyle (SLPHL) Study.” Journal of Psychiatric Research 39.4 July 2005: 377-390.Fong, T.W. “Pathological Gambling: Update on Assessment and Treatment.” Addictive Disorders 27 Aug. 2009.
Hall, G.W., N.J. Carriero, R.Y. Takushi, et al. “Pathological Gambling Among Cocaine-Dependent Outpatients.” American Journal of Psychiatry 157 July 2000: 1127-1133.
Okuda, M., I. Balan, N.M. Petry, et al. “Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Pathological
Gambling: Cultural Considerations.” American Journal of Psychiatry 166 Dec. 2009: 1325-1330.
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