• Gambling Addiction is a psychological dependence to gambling, which has become a growing problem as the years progress. Compulsive gamblers lose their ability to control their betting behaviors, no matter what the consequences may be. Gambling addiction can affect all parts of an addicts life including their job, school, family and friends. In some cases, an addict may resort to crime in order to fulfill their needs.

  On February 11, 2009, scientists studying MRI scans of the brains of gamblers indicated that gamblers who narrowly miss on a payoff get the same type brain activity that winning get. In addition, the same parts of the brain are activated that are thought to be involved in drug addiction.CBC Radio: Losers With Winners' Brains (February 21, 2009) University of Cambridge: Winning responses to near-misses (February 11, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. 37 states have lotteries
  2. Over 15 million people have a gambling addiction
  3. [http: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_gambling Internet gambling] has doubled since 1997
  4. In some cases associated with depression, drinking alcohol and doing drugs
  5. Men are more likely to develop gambling addiction than women
  6. Symptoms: Preoccupation with gambling, trying to stop but unable to, lying to friends and family, continuing to gamble despite risks
  7. People who gamble in there youth increase gambling as they get older
  8. Gambling activities can take many different forms
  9. American Psychiatric Association classifies gambling as [http: //www.psychologyinfo.com/problems/impulse_control.html impulse control disorder]
  10. Treatment: Psychotherapy, support groups
  11. Children of gambling addicts often suffer abuse and neglect
  12. Higher chance for teens to become addicts who's parents also gamble
  13. Crime rates higher in gambling communities

• Health Implications of Compulsive Gambling

  Compulsive gambling is considered a impulse control disorder similar to OCD. Gambling addiction can affect any gender or age. In many cases, a gambling addict is hard to treat, since their problems tend to be hidden from others. The first step in treatment is admitting the problem, then one should seek help.

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor for more information on Gambling Addiction.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Gambling | Casino | Betting | Casino Gambling | Online Gambling | Video Poker | Craps | Poker | Blackjack | Video Game Addiction | Tadeusz Krupa | How to Bet on Basketball | How to Win Mega Millions

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