How to Cope With Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction can be a difficult condition to cope with. It can cause family members to worry, but it’s also treatable. By getting help, you can take steps towards a more positive, healthier life.

Gambling can be a fun, social activity. It can give you a sense of euphoria. That feeling of euphoria is a result of dopamine, which releases in the brain when you engage in a pleasurable activity.

The reward system in the brain links the pleasure you receive from an activity with your motivation to engage in it again. When you feel a strong urge to gamble, you must resist that urge. If you don’t, you may be at risk for withdrawal or depression.

Problem gambling is associated with the release of dopamine. This chemical is found in the brain, and the more you use a substance that produces it, the more it increases.

Research has shown that the insula, an area of the brain, can be overactive in people who are addicted to gambling. This can lead to distorted thinking and the occurrence of near misses.

Excessive gambling can cause many negative effects, including weight gain, acne, and depression. These symptoms can interfere with the functioning of the brain, and can even lead to suicidal thoughts.

A loved one of a gambling addict should not allow the person to participate in activities without their approval. Family members can encourage the person to seek professional help and to begin a recovery journey. However, they should not pressure or threaten the individual to stop.