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Is gambling addictive

Updated: 5/1/2024
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7y ago

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The activity of gambling can be highly addictive. The nature of gambling with its risk and excitement taps into the reward circuits of the brain. It feels really great to do the intense and exciting things connected with gambling. The good feeling is enhanced by our very own chemicals that the reward circuits guide.

Our Brains are very complex and every part has its function. The reward circuit is designed to reinforce activities that keep us and our species alive, such as eating, drinking, procreating, and nurturing our young. However, certain substances and activities can fool the brain in believing that the activity is just as important as the life/species survival activities. The brain then believes that it must have the substance or activity to survive and an addiction is born. This is the science behind the reason that addiction is called a brain disease.

Once the brain believes that it needs, in this case, gambling; a person is driven to continue the activity in order to satisfy the craving. Unfortunately (with addiction), our brains are very resilient. The brain adapts quite easily to exciting activities and a person begins to need more the activity to feel the same good feeling. So a person that started off with buying one or two scratch off cards every week or so can build up to point that they're betting on horses, using a bookie to bet on sporting events, and playing slots at the local casino.

Does everyone that gambles develop an addiction? Absolutely not. There is a certain segment of the population that is more vulnerable, or that has a higher predisposition to developing an addictive disease. The difficulty lies in not knowing who is vulnerable and who is not. No one, truly, no one sets out to become an addict. Certain people are hard wired to develop the disease. Knowing the risk factors can help protect those people. But, risk factors are for another question, another time.

Answer2: Gambling by its very nature encourages a blind trust in the so called Lady Luck and it is in fact fueled by greed. Gambling promotes the desire for easy money and in short a gambler seeks to get something for nothing. Is gambling habit-forming, easily leading to addiction? Following a study of gamblers' responses to winning and losing, Dr. Hans Breiter noted that "a monetary in a gambling-like experiment produces brain activation very similar to that observed in a cocaine addict receiving an infusion of cocaine. Many pathological gamblers would like to have their addiction considered to be "as real a public health problem as tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse are," says French daily Le Figaro. Millions lured into gambling have found themselves ensnared by a vicious gambling addiction. The problem is widespread, with millions of gambling addicts in the United States alone, according to estimates. Many compulsive gamblers begin by making petty bets just for fun. A long term study published in the United States by the Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling confirms that many gambling addicts begin at an early age by placing small bets on sporting events or playing cards with friends or relatives. (see Awake magazine articles on gambling Jehovah's Witnesses official website)

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1w ago

Yes, gambling can be addictive for some individuals. It can lead to psychological and financial harm, as well as disrupt one's personal and professional life. It is important to gamble responsibly and seek help if needed.

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Addiction can manifest in many forms, but substances like tobacco, heroin, and cocaine are among the most addictive due to their effects on the brain's reward system. Behavioral addictions, such as gambling or excessive internet use, can also be highly addictive for some individuals.


What is the most addicting thing in the world?

It is difficult to pinpoint the most addicting thing in the world as addiction can vary from person to person. However, substances like nicotine, caffeine, and opioids are known for their highly addictive properties. Behavioral addictions such as gambling, gaming, and social media can also be extremely addictive for some individuals.


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Why do people gamble all the time?

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