Gambling is a form of risk-taking that encompasses various activities. From betting on sports to casino games and lottery tickets and even scratch-offs – gambling encompasses all forms of risk taking activities that take a form of gambler risk-taking.
Scientists have discovered that gambling addiction involves numerous psychological components. There are also biological determinants at work such as abnormally regulated dopamine levels in those with gambling problems.
The Almost Winning
Researchers have observed that gambling addicts often feel they can find a system to win at games which are determined by chance, known as an illusion of control. Gamblers believe they will ultimately succeed, hoping their luck will change eventually and they believe their system will provide them with success.
This illusion is further amplified by casino games’ near-win effect and personal choice features, which encourage gamblers to overestimate their chances of success and prolong play with larger bets; eventually this can lead to addiction and become an ongoing cycle.
Researchers are still exploring what causes gambling addiction in certain people, with recent evidence showing certain psychiatric conditions and psychological distress can increase susceptibility. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated some individuals may be genetically predisposed to gambling addiction. Overall, understanding the mental processes that lead to gambling addiction will allow researchers and therapists to create strategies against it more efficiently.
The Uncertainty
Gambling is an act of risky behaviour that involves wagering money on an outcome of an event, with winning often leading to increased confidence and self-esteem, yet losing can give rise to feelings of pride that encourage further gambling, even when money has already been lost.
Like with drugs, when people gamble they experience an addictive rush of dopamine in their brain. Over time they may develop tolerance or withdrawal symptoms when unable to gamble; unlike drug addiction though, psychiatric experts typically classify pathological gambling more as an impulse control disorder than an addiction.
But now there is evidence that gambling and other impulsive disorders may rewire the brain in similar ways as substances such as cocaine and heroin. As a result, in May of this year the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) officially included pathological gambling under addictions; reflecting an understanding that multiple factors–from genetics to social and psychological influences–can influence an individual’s susceptibility to gambling addiction.
The Incentives
While some may gamble recreationally and find enjoyment from it, for others gambling can become an addiction that negatively affects them and their families. Gambling disorder – sometimes referred to as pathological gambling or problem gambling – is a mental health condition that leads to financial, personal and familial difficulties as well as physical symptoms including stress, insufficient sleep and heart related ailments.
Gamblers who become addicted can quickly lose control of their behavior, spending beyond what is affordable. Immersed in the game, they may lose track of time and forget to eat properly or shower themselves; leaving children alone in cars or neglecting personal hygiene are other risky behaviors associated with addiction. Without gambling they may start experiencing withdrawal symptoms; becoming used to the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine for its stimulating effects gradually becoming accustomed to more and more doses to get the same effects which could prove dangerous if any existing mental health conditions exist.
The Sense of Control
Psychologists have historically avoided labeling gambling addiction as a disease; however, recent research indicates that behavioural addictions like gambling do rewire the brain similarly to substance addictions. Furthermore, many people who suffer from gambling related pathologies also suffer from other psychiatric illnesses.
Instantaneous gratification offered by digital casino games and betting websites can create an intense sense of excitement that may drive gamblers towards riskier bets; the bandwagon effect further leads them down this path, often overestimating their knowledge and expertise in comparison to what others decide.
Cognitive biases may create an illusion of control over events that are clearly determined solely by chance, further fuelling addictive behavior and leading to financial hardship, relationship breakdown, unemployment and criminal activity – especially common among young men and boys. This vulnerability crosses all social classes but especially so among younger men and boys.
