Gambling problems can start at any point in a person’s life. There are three problem gambler types. Those who are behaviorally conditioned, where a recreation turned into a problem. Those who are emotionally vulnerable due to an adverse childhood or other experience, thereby using gambling to stop an emotional pain. Third, those who are antisocial, ADHD, or impulsive.
Addiction qualities are
Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?
Gambling has been shown to change dopamine levels. Dopamine is the reward neurotransmitter that is elevated while playing. Once dopamine goes up, then it gets replenished and needs more stimulation to get return the reward. Other pathways can also be affected, such as serotonin levels that effect mood and sleep. Gluco-cortisol levels are also increased, thereby increase heart rate and stressing your adrenal glands. The frontal lobe of the brain can also be affected, leading to response inhibition, cognitive and verbal issues, and even planning and decision issues.
There are no current prescriptions to treat gambling. Naturopathically, we focus on the balancing biochemistry rather than physiology. We accomplish this with Nutrient IVs and supplementation designed to support raising and balancing neurotransmitters. We find that once the brain’s biochemistry is balanced, then people can respond more effectively to cognitive and behavioral counselling techniques. We also encourage attendance in gamblers anonymous.
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