What Causes Gambling Disorder

• What Causes Gambling Disorder
• What Causes Gambling Disorder Dsm 5
• What Drug Causes Gambling Addiction
• What Medication Causes Gambling Addiction

Opportunities sufficient to cause gambling disorder vResearch shows: Exposure is necessary to develop a gambling disorder but not sufficient – Best evidence: Epidemiological research in the US. 1979 rate of gambling problems: 0.7% (Kallick et al., 1979). 2008 rate of gambling disorder: 0.6% (Kessler et al., 2008). Gaming disorder is defined in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as a pattern of gaming behavior (“digital-gaming” or “video-gaming”) characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation.

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There is evidence to suggest that a considerable subset of problem gamblers have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with characteristic features of impulsivity and difficulty sustaining attention. The two disorders, problem gambling and ADHD, interact on various levels; for instance, gambling impulses are poorly controlled and ADHD symptoms such as chronic boredom, depression and low self-esteem are relieved by the stimulus and reward of gambling. This article outlines some of the clinical issues encountered in this population and uses case studies to illustrate common ways in which these clients present. Suggestions are made with regard to identification and assessment and it touches on interventions, including medication, therapy and the use of strategies to improve functioning and reduce impulsivity.

The article “Pathways to Pathological Gambling: Identifying Typologies” (Blaszczynski, 2000) in the first issue of the Electronic Journal of Gambling Issues suggests that there are three main subgroups of problem gamblers: (1) “normal,” (2) emotionally vulnerable and (3) biologically-based impulsive gamblers. This last group consists of individuals who, due to the presence of neurological or neurochemical dysfunction, are impulsive and/or have difficulty sustaining attention. Blaszczynski outlines evidence suggesting that neurological differences are precursors to problem gambling. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one particular condition, which is often present in the third subgroup of problem gamblers.

There is no question that a percentage of clients who seek treatment for problem gambling have symptoms of ADHD. Specker, Carlson, Christenson and Marcotte (1995) found that 20% of pathological gamblers studied met the criteria for ADHD. Clinical experience suggests that at least this number are triggered to gamble by impulses and issues related to this disorder. This article will explore the interface between ADHD and problem gambling through case studies, with a focus on identification and treatment.

ADHD, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – fourth edition of the DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994), is the most common psychiatric disorder in childhood, with three main impairing symptoms: impulsivity, inattention and motor hyperactivity. Motor activity tends to subside by adulthood, although an individual may present as restless and fidgety. Some outcome studies (Barkley, 1990; Weiss & Hechtman, 1989) suggest that ADHD is robust into adulthood with a prevalence rate around 3% to 5% of all adults.

Common symptoms and characteristics in adults with ADHD include low self-esteem, underachievement, poor concentration, lack of organization, impulsive behaviour, emotional lability, chronic boredom, and interpersonal relationship problems. Impulsivity is a central feature of the disorder and seems to result from disruptions in the brain's inhibitory control processes.

Individuals with ADHD have difficulty maintaining adequate levels of stimulation in some brain centres. They apparently compensate for this by having a heightened sensory arousal system that draws in more information than usual from the environment and tends to process it indiscriminately. This results in distractibility, racing thoughts and a scattered presentation. Individuals act impulsively on sensory information before they consider consequences. They also seek out novel or changing stimulation from the environment and without such stimulation they are easily bored. When they engage in this type of activity, and gambling is a good example, they tend to become excessively involved to the point of hyperfocus and the exclusion of other stimuli. Novelty seeking and high exploratory behavior, as in gambling and ADHD, can be akin to self-medication for a low mood state.

Case examples may illustrate some of the ways in which ADHD interacts with problem gambling. These individuals all present somewhat differently, but they typify the issues found in clients with ADHD: (Note: Client names and identities have been changed.)

James, a 32-year-old man, related a story of lifelong underachievement, inability to sustain attention, frequent job changes and susceptibility to boredom. The difference between his abilities and his actual accomplishments was frustrating, depressing and continuous. He was about to embark on another attempt at a new career, but he reflected pessimistically on his inability to follow through and attend classes. He noted that his mind raced from one thing to another, making it difficult for him to focus on tasks. Throughout his school history he had struggled with boredom, had trouble focusing on reading and had a tendency to bother other children. James saw gambling as his only area of achievement since high school. Generally, he managed to make money at it, usually by hustling at poker.

Ryan, a single man aged 27, reported only a six-month history of problem gambling with a rapid financial decline. He was a bright, high-energy individual, with a great deal of drive and creativity, particularly around initiating new projects. However, he was so disorganized and bored with detail that he was poor at following his projects through to completion. He developed a business that was initially very successful until he won $25,000 at a casino, lost it within two weeks and began to gamble $1000 a week. Ryan described himself as having ADHD and wanted to address the resulting disorganization and impulsivity.

Eve, a 37-year-old divorced woman, had a long history of problem gambling, depression, mood swings and difficulties in concentrating and making use of her considerable talents. Her extremes of mood and her feelings of vulnerability caused serious relationship difficulties and often left her living from one emotional crisis to another. Although well able to be intensively introspective on personal philosophy and psychological issues, at times she had great difficulty accomplishing day-to-day tasks. She went to bingo or casinos on impulse when depressed or upset and had failed to be consistent in her long-term plan to avoid all gambling.

Jack, a 48-year-old married man, presented as restless, talkative, and impatient when others were speaking. He changed subjects frequently. Jack described himself as “scattered” and somewhat depressed. He had poor self-esteem. He had had an alcohol problem off and on and had started gambling in his teens – it supplied “action” when he was bored. (His initial experiences with gambling was so exciting that he described it as “what he had been waiting for all his life.”) His marriage was in trouble due to these and other problems, and his wife had asked him to get help. His occupational history was unstable. Jack quit gambling when he entered treatment but his resultant boredom increased the depression he was already experiencing. His fights with his wife intensified. Although relieved that he was not gambling, she complained of Jack's mood swings and his intense, negative persistence when angry.

Poor self-esteem and depression are extremely common in people with ADHD. Their poor performance and their impulsive behaviour often baffle them and those around them and may be attributed to lack of will or laziness. Constant disapproval and negativism from others creates a sense of failure. Symptoms of chronic boredom or an “I don't care” attitude are consistent with the learned helplessness model of depression. A lack of stimulation can lead to depression in individuals with ADHD.

Gambling is an antidote to depression. The variable stimulation it provides is exciting and challenging, which can lead to intense over involvement in the activity. An appearance of success, at least in the short term, counters feelings of failure and depression. Exaggerated levels of confidence (i.e. feelings of omnipotence or an “I can't lose” mentality) are common in this population of gamblers and are highly rewarding. Such feelings provide escape from a life in which lack of control and failure are common experiences. Arguably, gambling by a person with ADHD could be seen as an attempt to self-medicate.

ADHD of the hyperactive-impulsive or combined subtypes seems to have a connection with the dramatic cluster of personalities (Jain, 1999). There is a strong tendency to antisocial, narcissistic, histrionic and borderline personalities. Inherently, these personalities have a common feature of being self-centred, superficially omnipotent, though with fragile coping strategies. Interpersonal issues around trust, abandonment, rejection and attachment are constant factors. There are issues around emotional isolation and lack of empathy for others. When these personality issues exist, the act of gambling may be a self-serving and destructive behaviour with grave consequences for an individual's loved ones and associates.

However, it is important to note that not all individuals with ADHD behave destructively or experience chronic failure, as symptoms vary in severity. Gambling counsellors are familiar with the extroverted, optimistic, somewhat egocentric, somewhat impulsive client who is highly focused on the present and does not worry much about past gambling losses or future plans. These clients often have a great deal of success in their lives, including a loving, if exasperated, family. They may be more vulnerable than average to developing addictions or other problems but they have compensating resources and skills. Such clients appear to have milder forms of ADHD. Blaszczynski (2000) describes impulsive gamblers as having many antisocial features; however, a client who physiologically tends toward impulsivity is not necessarily antisocial.

Checklists available in self-help manuals can be helpful in identifying clients with ADHD. There are also longer screens available (e.g., Brown, 1996). It helps to take a developmental history with collateral information. At the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 62% of all referrals to the adult ADHD clinic were parents of children who had been recently diagnosed with ADHD. Therefore, it is worth asking gambling clients about their children's behaviour, or indeed, about any family history of learning or impulsivity problems.

When working with clients that have gambling problems with concurrent ADHD, the first strategy is always education. Of the four clients described above, only one had been diagnosed with ADHD as a child and yet all four had suffered years of frustration and failure. It was extremely helpful to discuss the possibility of a neurochemical basis for some of their experiences and to give them information about ADHD. The central issue for these individuals was the sense that some of their impulses, thoughts and feelings were simply out of their control in ways that outward circumstances, history, and so forth were insufficient to explain. It was a tremendous relief for them to have an explanation that validated their perceptions and one that offered more effective solutions than they had found to date.

James was referred to a specialist, and was diagnosed as having the disorder. He was prescribed both stimulants and fluoxetine (Prozac). The results were dramatic. James found he was able to concentrate and learn steadily for the first time in his life. He was able to continue with his course, organize himself and plan ahead. His interest in gambling faded and he noted that he was much less impulsive in other ways as well. His self-esteem improved markedly.

Jack finally agreed to an assessment for ADHD at his wife's insistence. He was diagnosed and placed on stimulant medication. He experienced greatly improved levels of concentration. His relationship with his wife improved, as he was able, at least sometimes, to listen, to react more calmly to stress and to think before he acted. They began to work more successfully on managing their finances together. His impulses to gamble lessened, particularly as he experienced more success in other areas of his life.

Ryan was not unhappy with his high-energy, creative approach to life. He was interested, however, in acquiring some help in staying organized. He began looking for a business partner who could provide the solid backup and attention to detail that would complement his own vibrant salesmanship. He was not concerned that he would gamble again because he was experiencing no urges. Typical of the overly optimistic segment of this population, he tended to focus on his immediate experiences rather than on any examination of the past or anticipating problems in the future. Thus, he had no interest in relapse prevention efforts.

A lengthy counselling process was necessary with Eve who was preoccupied with her internal processes and had difficulty focusing on behavioural change. She finally attended an assessment with an ADHD clinic and was given a trial of Ritalin (methylphenidate). She noted that she could tolerate more stress without becoming reactive. She had to go off Ritalin for medical reasons, and began to look at antidepressant medications instead to address both her depression and her ADHD. Cognitive-behavioural strategies were somewhat successful in reducing her gambling binges. Interestingly, focus on her emotional issues tended to make her feel worse as she would become overly focused on her current misery. Like Jack, Eva tended to perseverate on negative feelings, elaborating and catastrophizing until she was exhausted. Changing the focus, although difficult, often helped her to gain some distance from her problems, and thus, deal with them more effectively through behavioural strategies.

Eve and Ryan typify two common, contrasting temperamental characteristics: one was highly ruminative and steeped in negativity, and the other was positive in outlook, no matter what the circumstances, and uninterested in the past or the consequences of his actions. Both had a characteristic affective response at either end of the continuum. Although life history may play a part in such characteristics, neurodevelopmental precursors are also likely. Helping individuals to see the other side of the seesaw is usually achievable.

It is vital that a doctor who specializes in this area investigate concerns about ADHD. Self-diagnosis and self-medication are to be discouraged. Connecting to ADHD clinics may not be easy but they are available by referral from family doctors. A minimal assessment should involve a psychiatric interview to exclude other disorders, self-report questionnaires that establish a threshold for including ADHD as a diagnosis, a collateral history to establish childhood symptoms and some assessment of functioning to establish impairment in various domains.

Individuals with ADHD often seek medical treatment. Stimulants such as Ritalin are often the treatment of choice to address impulsivity. For depression, the addition of a serotonin-based medication is likely. Of course, careful monitoring and an evaluation of the efficacy of this intervention are indicated.

The many emotional issues resulting from a history of ADHD cannot be resolved simply by identifying a neuropsychological disorder, even if treatment is successful. Therapy in either individual or group settings can help resolve some of these issues and help the person move forward. Groups are particularly valuable as they give a person the opportunity to share experiences and cognitions that previously may have seemed unique to the individual. Due to their interpersonal relationship problems and a lack of internalized structure, a therapeutic relationship based strongly in cognitive-behavioural strategies is helpful. More importantly, the therapeutic alliance may be critical in helping clients with ADHD achieve a sense of security and trust that was missing in their childhood.

There are many ways to manage the symptoms of ADHD, apart from or in addition to medication, which address the specific nature of the problem. Self-help manuals and Web sites offer many techniques that can help someone with ADHD function more effectively. Suggestions include strategies such as reducing distractions, keeping lists and notes, and finding ways to make tasks stimulating. Some people find mentors to help them organize each day.

Gamblers need to acknowledge their requirements for stimulation and challenge and find new avenues to achieve them. Specific day-by-day planning can reduce their vulnerability to impulsive behaviour. They can benefit from practice controlling their impulses, starting with life areas easier to handle than gambling urges. For instance, one client characteristically rolled through stop signs. He took up the suggestion to come to a full stop each time and practiced this new way of driving. He found that the learning generalized; he was more able to pause and think before acting.

As mentioned above, impulsive individuals may never have developed the circuitry to effectively say “no” to impulses. Even average individuals (such as Blaszczynski's “normal” subgroup) can experience deterioration in the inhibitory circuitry if they do not use it. It is not unusual to see gamblers with a good previous history of self-control having difficulty dealing with their impulses after a long period of self-indulgence. Gamblers with ADHD have obeyed innumerable impulses; this habit would be hard to break even if their inhibitory processes had originally been strong. These clients can benefit from changing any habit; the learning will likely carry over to other areas, and it can be used in the counselling process to promote self-efficacy.

There are organizations offering education and support such as the national chapter of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD) and the local support group Attention Deficit Disorder Organization (ADDO). The ADDO has monthly meetings for adults as well as for parents of children with the disorder. There are over 44,000 Web sites on the topic of ADHD, which can be overwhelming, however, it is a useful forum to deal with some issues. Popular texts on the subject include Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood (Hallowell & Ratey, 1996) and You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Crazy or Stupid?!: A Self-Help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (Kelly & Ramundo, 1995). Centres that offer resources on learning disabilities can be helpful with referrals and materials.

Gambling addiction is quickly on the rise.

Four out of five people will admit to indulging in gambling over the last twelve months, and gambling addictions are touching all age groups in society, even teenagers.

Unfortunately, there are many reasons why people get addicted to gambling.

Most people who have a gambling problem have poor impulse control, which can lead to the destructive behaviors associated with gambling addiction, and others look for a distraction that gambling provides.

Knowing the most common gambling addiction causes can help you identify what causes the addiction, which can help with treatment.

Contents

1. Poor impulse control

Almost all gamblers who become addicted suffer from poor impulse control.

Impulse Control Disorder (ICD) is a specific type of mental illness in which people can’t control their behavior.

People with these types of behavior problems also suffer from many abuse problems and mental disorders, such as alcohol and substance abuse, mood instability, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Impulse control has only recently become classified as a mental disorder.

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic manual DSM-5, impulse disorder has only become its own section of the manual in 2013.

2. Past trauma

According to a study from in the United Kingdom, male gambling addicts are more likely to have suffered past trauma.

Psychologists identify childhood trauma, such as physical and sexual abuse, as triggers in those who become addicted to gambling.

Researchers claim that addiction treatment needs to address these triggers need, or patients will be more than likely to relapse.

In those patients who are undergoing treatment for gambling addiction, those who have suffered childhood trauma will also experience trauma in their adult lives connected to their addiction, such as loss of personal relationships, loss of employment, and bankruptcy.

3. Desire for psychological escape

According to a study conducted in New Zealand, women use gambling as a coping mechanism related to a desire to escape.

While men tend to use gambling as a form of control connected to the desire to win, women approach gambling differently.

There are many reasons why women may feel this need, whether it is problems in their home life, relationships, or work.

Gambling provides a stimulus or experience to focus on, which can alleviate any psychological problems that she may be enduring, allowing them to experience a sense of detachment, which will enable women to be undisturbed by the time and money spent on their addictions.

4. Illusion of control

Many gamblers suffer from believing that they are in control of their situation.

Having an illusion of control is when someone believes they are in control of a situation that they usually can’t control.

Gambling wins are purely based on chance, and gambling addicts believe that every time they gamble, they will win.

According to the scientific journal Frontiers of Psychology, this illusion of control is not just connected to gambling; it is a particular psychological condition that can spread to other areas of addicts’ lives.

The study indicates that problem gamblers have a higher instance of the illusion of control compared to other people who just indulge in gambling recreationally.

5. Addiction to euphoric sensations

Now that gambling is taken seriously as a legitimate addiction, many factors can contribute to the development of gambling addiction.

According to the Scientific American, researchers state that people innately feel a rush, also known as a “high,” a euphoric sensation when they first gamble.

All addicts feel this euphoria, regardless of what they are addicted to, caused by the release of dopamine, a hormone in the brain related to the feeling of happiness.

Over time, as the risky behavior continues, the body gets used to the amount of dopamine, and it makes it more difficult for the brain to create it, leading to people needing to engage in the behavior more frequently to get the same feeling, quickly leading to addiction.

6. Desire for excitement

Up to 90% of gambling addicts receive treatment for gambling from slot machines.

Psychologists and researchers have found that the characteristics of slot machines that make gambling fun are what makes gambling so addicting.

The bright lights, the payoff relating to payment and winnings, and the immediate gratification of slot machines tap into the desire for the excitement that we naturally feel.

The excitement is directly related to the exact nature of gambling: the investment made that can turn into a small or a large reward, and the inability to predict when winnings will happen.

7. Adrenaline release

The release of adrenaline in our brains when gambling is one of the most significant causes of gambling addiction.

Psychologists used to believe that the adrenaline release that we feel when we are gambling and winning was one of the causes of addiction.

If that’s the case, then why do gamblers who are losing keep playing over and over again?

Recent research, according to a story by the BBC, claims that our brains still feel that adrenaline rush during gambling losses, which leads to more bets and higher stakes.

Psychologists believe that gambling provides the brain with the stimulation it needs to produce the adrenaline, as well as other endorphins, to which the body becomes addicted.

8. Genetic factors

Recent studies have found that there are genetic factors that can contribute to developing a gambling addiction.

Much like other substance addictions, faulty genes can be responsible for the production of dopamine and adrenaline in the body, which can explain why addiction tends to run in families.

According to the Journal of Gambling Studies, researchers have found a genetic abnormality in most addicts that affects the hormone production of the brain, which contributes to developing addictions like gambling to create the hormone levels that someone who doesn’t have the disorder can achieve on their own.

9. Obsession with sports of gambling-related activities

According to a treatment center based in Los Angeles, the connection between sports and gambling is hard to ignore.

Over 40% of people in treatment for gambling addiction primarily bet on sports games.

The behavior is a learned one, often coming from factors introduced from an early age, watching parents and loved ones bet on the outcome of sports games.

Research also suggests that sports-related gambling is a predominant characteristic in male gambling addicts, with very few women suffering from gambling addictions to sports games.

Gambling addicts become so emotionally invested in the outcome of the games that they are betting on that everything else in their lives seems not to matter as much as it did before.

10. Developing failure to resist games of chance

The true nature of gambling addiction is not being able to stop engaging in a specific activity that relates to taking chances, despite the negative consequences that the behavior may cause.

According to a treatment center in Tampa, Florida, the connection to gambling addiction and the need to indulge in games of chance is the primary reason people become addicted to gambling.

The act of making a wager, or playing a game, or any other method of gambling creates dopamine in the brain, which can give us the happy, satisfied feeling we get when we make a wager; our minds quickly become addicted to this feeling.

11. History of financial thievery

One of the many characteristics of someone with a gambling addiction is someone who has financial problems.

Gambling, and the need to win, makes financial problems seem less important.

However, those who have suffered money problems before, and who have resorted to criminal activities related to that, are more likely to become compulsive gamblers.

Studies have shown that many gambling addicts had stolen from friends or family, or neglected to pay their debts, long before they became addicted to gambling.

This history of financial thievery may contribute to the ability to become addicted to gambling.

12. Innate quality of impulsive lying

According to many gambling treatment centers, lying is a central characteristic of all gambling addicts.

They will lie to their friends, family, and employers about the state of their lives, their financial situations, and many other things in their lives to hide their addictions.

Many addicts live in denial, so one of the many lies they will tell their loved ones is that they don’t have a problem.

Over time, the lies that gamblers will tell become so habitual that the addicted person often believes it.

Other lies, such as about financial resources or the ability to control their activities, are also common among gambling addicts.

13. Excessive defensiveness regarding personal activities

Also connected with impulsive lying about their addiction, many gambling addicts become incredibly defensive when confronted about their actions.

They will become hostile to questions about where they are spending their time, how they are spending their money, or when they were gambling.

Many addicts insist that they don’t have a problem, and they will attack those who insist that they do.

This type of behavior can contribute to the loss of relationships and the loss of employment.

Many gambling addicts will do whatever they can to keep up with their behavior, and the isolation of themselves using these defensive tactics is very common.

14. History of antisocial behavior

Despite most gamblers engaging in public gambling, such as on sports games, at slot machines, or at gaming tables in the casino, many psychologists agree that gambling addicts usually have a history of antisocial behavior.

According to the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, Antisocial Personality Disorder is a recognized psychological condition that often presents as people who engage in neglectful or harmful behavior without any regard to the consequences.

Gambling addicts often have a history of this behavior, which often leads to a progression in their addiction as they no longer care about who or what they are sacrificing, as long as they can keep gambling.

15. Inclination to take massive risks

Compulsive gamblers who suffer from an antisocial personality disorder, or have a history of antisocial behavior, are also inclined to continue their actions, despite the enormous risk involved.

Often diagnosed in those who have other depressive disorders, such as bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, people who suffer from antisocial tendencies often become addicted to gambling.

It is easy for them to engage in risky behavior, more so than those who do not have the condition, because they don’t feel guilty about it, leading them to even more risk-taking behaviors.

16. Failure in professional life

For many people, struggling to excel in their career can negatively impact their lives.

If someone isn’t making enough money at work or has been fired or laid off from work, this can lead to the desire to gamble.

The idea that gambling can give them enough money to get back on their feet is what drives them to the activity, which can lead to an addiction.

Once someone is addicted to gambling, it is hard for them to stop.

Their addiction becomes more important to them than anything else in their lives, which can lead to abandoning personal and professional responsibilities.

In many cases, this can lead to the loss of their employment altogether.

17. History of anxiety-related issues

Gambling addicts often also suffer from anxiety disorders, which are often induced or worsened by stress levels.

According to the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, compulsive gamblers also suffer from anxiety disorders at alarming rates: over 10% have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, and as much as 22% have a panic disorder.

A professional from the University of Calgary has claimed that the anxiety that comes from having stress in life is connected to the desire to gamble, which is essential in the study of how addictions develop and how to treat them.

18. Excessive financial pressure

What Causes Gambling Disorder

Often, the spiral into addiction begins because addicts have lost the money they have invested in the activity, and they try to win it back.

According to a study in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, financial concerns are often related in the many stages of the addiction.

Often the addict will suffer a significant financial loss in their activities, and they will often lose more money or assets than they can afford.

This leads to many compulsive gamblers to approach family and friends to provide funds to cover the losses, often with extra to keep gambling.

Many gamblers often keep placing bets to make up for the money they have lost, hoping for a large payout.

19. Negative peer pressure

Many recovering gambling addicts report that negative peer pressure contributes to relapse.

This pressure can come in many forms and from many sources, from gentle urging to an insistence on engaging in the behavior to become part of the group.

Recovering addicts find that the impulse to gamble can return after just one event.

According to a gambling recovery foundation, many gambling addicts and recovering addicts find themselves in situations where they feel pressured into gambling, which can lead to the downward spiral into addiction.

20. Pure happenstance

When gambling addicts finally begin treatment, one of the first things many of them will say is that they don’t know how they got addicted.

What Causes Gambling Disorder Dsm 5

Many will remember the first time they gambled: a random trip to a casino on vacation or an outing with a friend or significant other.

What Drug Causes Gambling Addiction

They also report that they felt a “high”, or an extremely positive feeling, that they tried to emulate again, which led to more habitual gambling.

Knowing the common causes of gambling addiction can help addicts receive the treatment they need.

What Medication Causes Gambling Addiction

Psychologists and psychiatrists today have been combining the treatment of the addiction with its underlying cause, making treatments more effective.