Reasons behind Gambling Addiction
You know you have addiction when you cannot stop yourself from repeatedly performing a particular activity, knowing very well that it is causing harm to your own self as well as your loved ones. Addiction of any form is injurious to health. Once addicted, it becomes very difficult to take one self out of this disorder. It is a prolonged illness and can take years to come out of it. Addiction is undoubtedly a debilitating disease. Ironically, majority of the people suffering from compulsive gambling is aware of the ill-effects of gambling. Then why do they still continue to gamble?
Unfortunately, the scientists are yet to find out the precise reasons behind gambling addiction. However, it is believed that gambling addiction does have a biological connection. Chemicals such as neurotransmitters, serotonin, non epinephrine and dopamine are largely responsible for compulsive gambling. While gambling these chemicals in the brain is seen to be working actively. The secretion of serotonin which is responsible for mood behavior and the hormone, non epinephrine, which causes stress and anxiety increases. Dopamine on the other hand acts as a reward system. It makes human beings attracted towards any substance or activity that causes pleasure, such as food and sex. The more the gambling game induces pleasure, the more is the release of dopamine. When all these chemicals start functioning in a coherent manner and actively, it increases the level of addiction.
Other reasons contributing to compulsive gambling are unemployment, boredom, and loneliness. Unemployed people, especially the youths, take recluse in gambling. The dream of becoming rich and pocket full of money attracts them more towards gambling. People lacking purpose in life and leading a solitary life are also prone to become compulsive gamblers.
And lastly, it is the lust and crave for more and more money that forces a person to come to the casinos or play online gambling regularly. No amount of money seems to satiate the hungry gamblers. If one is aware of his problem, then he should immediately consult a therapist.
