Let's Talk Gambling addictions: The Unnatural High
Identifying and addressing gambling issues begins with acknowledging and understanding the problem
Gambling and substance abuse share some uncanny similarities, the result of a clash between the human brain's reward system and our addiction-fuelled desires. Dr. Jim Whelan, a seasoned professional at the Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education and Research, navigates the hard-hitting tales of gamblers struggling with their urges.
"I listen to them", he says, "their tales of triumphs and pitfalls, the highs and lows of their emotional rollercoaster ride." With 2.5 million American adults battling severe gambling problems, and another 5 to 8 million grappling with mild to moderate issues, these stories are all too common,breshed with a tragic undercurrent.
As Michelle Hatfield, Chief Clinical Officer at Kindbridge Behavioral Health, puts it, "Gambling disorders impact people in ways that echo those with alcohol or drug addictions." The brain's reward system, triggered by the release of dopamine, plays a pivotal role in these conditions, feeding the intense cravings and increasing tolerance just as it does with substance abuse. However, unlike with drugs, the appeal of gambling lies in a behavior rather than a substance.
"People with gambling disorders develop a tolerance and start gambling more in order to experience its so-called rewards," Whelan explained. "As the line between recreation and compulsion blurs, the urges and the need to gamble escalate if they stop."
Whelan and Hatfield employ a variety of tools to help individuals tackle their issues, from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to motivational interviewing. By understanding each person's unique motivations and goals, they can work together to develop strategies to counteract the destructive pull of gambling.
However, Whelan emphasizes that the first crucial step is to determine if someone is at risk of harming themselves. "A third of the folks who contact us have had recent thoughts about suicide, self-harm, or ending their lives," he says, shedding light on the sobering reality behind the glitz and glamour of gambling.
Treatment is tailored to the gambling behaviors individuals are engaged in and the impact they have on their lives. Whelan likens this process to shedding light on our blind spots, understanding why we make certain choices, and helping people realize how their gambling habits are negatively impacting their lives.
Under the Influence: The Brain's Dance with Addiction
Both gambling and substance abuse activate the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation[2][3]. This repeated activation can lead to a craving for more of the substance or behavior to maintain the feeling of pleasure.
Both types of addiction follow similar pathways in the brain, involving circuits related to reward processing, pleasure, and motivation. This similarity explains why individuals with one type of addiction are at a higher risk of developing another[2][4].
Gamblers and substance abusers often exhibit increased impulsivity, leading to riskier behaviors[5]. This impulsivity can exacerbate the addiction cycle. Gambling and substance abuse disorders frequently co-occur with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD.
Problem gambling is classified as an addictive disorder in the DSM-5, similar to substance use disorders. Treatments for both gambling and substance abuse can include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), support groups, and sometimes pharmacotherapy, highlighting the similarities in addressing these conditions as addictive disorders[3][4].
As we grapple with the complexities of addiction, it's essential to remember that hope lies in understanding the root causes of our addictive behaviors and working towards healthier, more mindful choices. For those battling gambling addictions, help is available, and recovery is possible.
- The scientific community continues to examine the link between chronic diseases and environmental factors, including climate change.
- Medical-conditions and chronic-diseases often require careful monitoring and management to ensure a positive outcome for patients.
- The manufacturing industry plays a vital role in the production of medications and medical equipment, impacting the health-and-wellness of millions worldwide.
- Fitness-and-exercise is a critical component of cancer recovery, helping to boost the immune system and improve overall health.
- Autoimmune-disorders pose a challenge to the medical community due to their complex nature and varied symptoms.
- Climate change is not just an environmental concern; it also poses significant threats to public-transit systems, increaseing the likelihood of service disruptions.
- Mental-health is often a neglected aspect of overall health, but it is essential for maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
- Nutrition plays a central role in maintaining cardiovascular-health, as a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- The intersection of science and finance is increasingly important, as investments in sustainable and health-conscious industries become more popular.
- Energy efficiency and conservation are key concerns for environmental-science researchers, aiming to minimize humanity's impact on the planet.
- Skin-conditions are a common concern for the beauty and retail industries, with a vast array of products designed to treat and prevent various issues.
- Hearing loss is a growing concern in the aging population, with wearables and smart-home-devices providing potential solutions for improved communication.
- Entrepreneurship is driven by innovation in fitness-and-exercise, with new technologies and trends emerging regularly.
- Interior-design is a critical aspect ofbuilding a smart-home environment, focusing on the integration of technology and personal taste.
- Transportation infrastructure is a significant concern for policymakers, amidst the challenge of accommodating diverse needs and promoting sustainability.
- Leadership and diversity-and-inclusion go hand in hand, with diverse teams driving innovation and fostering a more equitable society.
- Wearables are becoming increasingly popular in the realm of health-and-wellness, tracking everything from heart-rate to sleep patterns.
- Smart-home-devices offer numerous benefits for individuals with disabilities, improving their accessibility and independence.
- Cybersecurity is a growing concern for consumers, particularly in regard to the protection of personal data and privacy.
- A lifestyle focused on health-and-wellness often includes mindful eating habits and regular exercise.
- The automotive industry is evolving to meet consumer demands for cleaner, more efficient vehicles.
- Small-business owners face unique challenges when it comes to personal-finance management and wealth-management.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts are increasingly turning to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, such as gardening and home-improvement.
- Aviation contributes significantly to carbon emissions, making it a key area of focus for efforts to combat climate change.
- Careers in science and technology, such as artificial-intelligence, continue to experience rapid growth.
- The housing-market is influenced by a myriad of factors, including interest rates, employment levels, and government policies.
- Venture-capital plays a crucial role in the success of innovative start-ups and their potential for growth.
- Personal-finance management is essential for achieving financial stability and long-term wealth.
- The banking-and-insurance sector is continually evolving, with fintech driving changes in banking practices and insurance coverage.
- Technology and data-and-cloud-computing are essential tools for businesses across industries, streamlining operations and driving growth.
