Gambling may seem random, but it can be highly addictive. Psychologists and neuroscientists have identified several factors that contribute to gambling addiction.
These include the illusion of control-the gambler’s belief that they can exert skill over a game defined by chance. Commonly referred to as loss chasing, this belief is often at the root of gambling addiction.
Why People Gamble
Gambling psychology is complex, with different people gambling for various reasons. Some gamble to win money, escape or socialise, while others do it to relieve stress.
Gambling can be enjoyable, but it has the potential to become addictive. Understanding what drives people to gamble is essential if you want to help them stop.
Some people turn to gambling in order to escape or relieve stress, such as when a family member mistreats them or they face cyberbullying. Others use it simply for pleasure or an “euphoria”.
Gambling’s psychological effects on the brain are similar to those experienced by drug addiction, leading some people with addictions to develop a gambling habit – this is known as pathological gambling or compulsive gambling. Problem gamblers can face severe financial, social and professional difficulties if they continue gambling despite losing money and becoming indebted.
The Illusion of Control
People often mistakenly perceive causal connections where none actually exist. This type of delusionary belief, coined by psychologist Ellen Langer in the 1970s, is known as “illusory control.”
Gambling is no different. Studies have demonstrated that gamblers believe they can influence their chances of winning even though most outcomes are unpredictable.
These effects can be attributed to factors such as competition, familiarity with the task at hand and personal preference. For instance, gamblers tend to place higher bets when allowed to throw the ball onto the wheel themselves rather than when someone else does so.
In addition to these effects, gambling involves cognitive processes that are heavily influenced by beliefs about luck and God. This makes it difficult for gamblers to distinguish between the outcome of a game and their personal choice; leading them to experience an irrational sense of control over events – which explains why so many become addicted to it.
The Reward System
Under normal, healthy conditions, the reward system releases dopamine to give us feelings of euphoria and pleasure when engaged in stimulating activities. Drugs also increase this release of dopamine, creating a high and increasing motivation to repeat those same activities.
The reward system is integral to the brain’s control and planning processes. People with problems gambling tend to have less activation in the prefrontal cortex, an area involved in decision-making and suppressing impulses.
Gamblers also experience less activation in the ventral striatum, which activates reward pathways similar to what occurs with drug addictions.
Researchers theorize that people with problem gambling tend to keep gambling, even after experiencing losses. Their impulsivity and incapacity for long-term consequences of their choices make it difficult for them to resist temptation – creating a vicious cycle which may eventually lead to gambling disorder.
Addiction
Addiction is a serious mental health disorder that is difficult to overcome. It alters your thoughts, feelings and behavior in ways that significantly disrupt daily life. Furthermore, addiction may cause physical, psychological or social complications as well.
People are at risk for addiction for many reasons, including genetics and environmental elements. Exposure to addictive substances, family history, and poor coping skills all increase one’s likelihood of becoming addicted.
Research has demonstrated that genes account for 40-60% of the risk for addiction. Other risk factors such as gender, ethnicity, mental health issues and socio-economic status also play a role.
There are various methods to recognize and treat gambling addiction, including therapy and medications. Medications used to treat substance abuse such as opioid antagonists can reduce cravings for addictive behaviors or drugs while helping patients quit. Psychotherapy teaches individuals strategies for handling stress without resorting to addictive behaviors or drugs; these tools are essential in the recovery process from addiction.