Like alcohol and drugs, gambling triggers the release of dopamine, leading to a euphoric feeling.įrequent gambling can lead to an uncontrollable urge to relieve this euphoric feeling, leading to excessive gambling behavior. In most instances, however, compulsive gambling is related to casino games (whether at brick-and-mortar casinos or online gambling sites), sports betting, slot machines, scratch cards, and lottery tickets.Įssentially, everything comes down to how gambling stimulates our brain's reward system, acting similarly to substance abuse. So yes, even an innocent $5 bet with your friend can be considered gambling. Gambling is when you risk putting something of value to gain something of greater worth.

Gambling addiction, otherwise called compulsive gambling, is a type of behavioral addiction that refers to experiencing a constant urge to gamble. That's something Miracles Asia can help with, providing compulsive gamblers with a state-of-the-art holistic approach to behavioral addiction treatment. That is why it's vital to act immediately whenever you suspect you or your loved one might be a compulsive gambler. In many cases, compulsive gambling leads to drug and alcohol abuse, further destroying one's life. Untreated, it can lead to severe financial, physical, and mental problems. Gambling addiction is as destructive as any other behavioral addiction or substance abuse.

And that is something you can no longer underestimate.

However, once you start putting your money on the line more and more often to satisfy your excessive gambling cravings, it may be a sign you've developed a compulsive gambling problem - aka, a gambling addiction. After all, what is wrong with playing a few rounds of poker with your friends or going to a casino every now and then to spin the roulette wheel? Many people underestimate the destructive effect gambling may have on one's life.

Warning signs of compulsive gambling