The Psychology of Gambling Addiction
Author:
Jonathan
Published:
Jun 9, 2024
Research has shown that the brain can get addicted to gambling. Gambling triggers the brain’s reward system, which leads to feelings of joy and pleasure. This part of the brain also releases dopamine, producing those good feelings.
This is why you feel good every time you gamble. You might only experience that good mood when you win. However, your body produces this neurological response even if you lose. Once the excitement has worn off, you might not realize it’s time to stop gambling.
You continue playing to get those feelings back. Gambling has potential rewards, such as cash, enjoyment, entertainment, and social belonging. While most people can walk away after a loss, others continue gambling to chase losses. This is when most people develop problem gambling.
Brain Connections researched how gambling can manifest into an addiction. The brain’s reward system is triggered by problem gambling. You’ll develop gambling habits that make it harder to break. For example, you might resort to stealing or stashing money away for the next time you play.
This is when you realize your addiction is out of control. Several factors play into one’s problem with gambling. Common factors are age, cultural background, family history, mood disorders, and substance abuse. Gambling becomes a problem when it negatively impacts every aspect of your life.
Reasons People Gamble
There are many reasons as to why people gamble. One reason is that it provides fun and entertainment. Gambling is an activity that can be enjoyed in a group setting.
For example, poker players often play in tournaments. Other social gambling activities include Blackjack, bingo, and slot machines. Most people gamble to win money, especially if it could change their life.
Other people use gambling as an escape. They’re desperate to escape their financial situation because they need money.
People might gamble to forget about their problems, or because it temporarily eases their anxiety or depression. Gambling can provide an escape from feelings, such as stress and tension.
Unfortunately, gambling can easily get out of control. There’s a certain level of risk involved with this activity. It makes this activity the most thrilling. The higher the amount, the higher the risk, which increases the excitement of gambling.
If you find that you’re wagering more money than you can afford, or using gambling to escape from your life, you might have a problem.
Scientific Research on the Psychology of Gambling
According to research from Yale University, 96% to 98% of people consider themselves social or recreational gamblers, otherwise known as healthy gamblers. This research also revealed the dark side of gambling.
There are also pathological or problem gamblers who don’t have control over their bets. They exhibit types of behaviors that could put them at risk for problem gambling.
These gamblers are out of control with their spending, whether online or at the casino. They also struggle with co-occurring mental health issues or substance abuse issues.
What Causes a Gambling Disorder?
Scientists who researched the psychology of gambling addiction observed the behaviors and desires that cause one to become addicted. Interestingly, there’s no single cause for gambling addiction.
Gambling addiction manifests differently in each individual. Several factors can increase one’s risk of developing a gambling addiction, such as:
Having a history of family members with gambling addiction
Starting gambling at a young age
Peer pressure to gamble
Certain personalities are at risk—including those who are highly competitive, easily bored, impulsive, or restless
What Factors Might Provoke Problem Gambling?
People who gamble often struggle with anxiety, depression, or financial problems. They might also have a history of substance abuse.
Those with certain personality disorders are also at greater risk for problem gambling. Gambling addiction is also associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
When is Gambling a Problem?
Gambling becomes a problem when you’re preoccupied with thoughts of gambling, including how to get more money. You might increase your bets to feel the same excitement as when you gambled for the first time.
You might find it hard to cut back or quit gambling. However, there might be times when you stop gambling altogether because your life is easier.
Eventually, you’ll revert to gambling due to stress, pressure, or temptation. You might feel irritable, frustrated, or angry when you try to cut back on your gambling.
Currently, there’s no prevention for a gambling problem. There are educational resources that increase awareness and inform those who might be at risk.
If you witness the signs of compulsive gambling, you should consider avoiding gambling of all forms. It can be hard to do it on your own. Seeking treatment at the first sign of a gambling problem can prevent it from becoming a big problem.
Birches Health has licensed professionals you can work with at your time. You can take a free and confidential assessment to get started. Get a jump start on your mental health and problem gambling today.
