I’ve been hearing a lot about how gambling addiction can be as harmful as drug addiction when it comes to the brain. I’d like some help understanding exactly how this happens. It is puzzling how an activity that seems to be just about having fun and taking risks could potentially cause such significant harm to our brains.
Specifically, I’m looking to understand the relationship between habitual gambling and the brain’s reward system. I’ve heard that gambling can actually modify this system, leading to addiction. What are the mechanisms behind this? Does habitual gambling affect the intensity or frequency with which we experience pleasure or satisfaction?
Lastly, can anyone shed light on the long-term impacts of gambling addiction on the brain? I understand that short-term, there might be an increased need for the “high” that gambling provides, but I’m curious about things like memory, focus and cognition, especially as we age. Any insights into this would be highly appreciated.
