Ep. 40 - Why Can’t I Stop Gambling: Let’s Look at the Brain for Answers
When gambling gets out of control it’s upsetting and confusing. Most people make a pledge of “never again” or “the next time will go differently” only to find themselves back in the same place.
A common question with gambling problems is, “Why can’t I stop?” In episode 40 of our podcast, Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems, we provide answers to this question by looking at what happens in the brain with gambling addiction.
Tune in to episode 40 to learn about:
how gambling addiction changes the brain - making it hard to stop
how people with gambling addiction have a harder time stopping or pulling back from “positive rewards”
how changes to the brain from compulsive gambling are different from changes with substance addiction
how to re-wire your brain to help resist gambling urges and other addictions
where to find a great video and handouts that explain more about gambling problems and the brain
In episode 40 of Fold em, hear my conversation with Deirdre Querney, MSW, who has worked as a problem gambling counsellor in Ontario for more than 20 years and Dr. Iris Balodis, a professor at McMaster University and Associate Director of the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research. Together they created Brain Connections where you can find a video and informative handouts on gambling addiction and the brain.
Listen now to episode 40 of Fold em by clicking on the green play button at the top of the blog.
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The brain provides important clues to understanding and addressing gambling problems
Learn more by listening to this episode and visiting BrainConnections.ca
What Happens in the Brain With Gambling Addiction?
There is a common story we hear with addiction. It tells us that a chemical we produce in our brains called dopamine is released in pleasurable or rewarding experiences, particularly when using alcohol, drugs, but also with gambling. The story goes that dopamine trains your brain to pursue more of these pleasurable and sometimes addictive experiences and to avoid unpleasant ones. In this way, pursuing a dopamine rush becomes a central aspect of addiction.
It turns out that the role of dopamine in addiction is complex. And, that while dopamine plays a role with substance addictions it doesn’t play a central role with compulsive gambling.
So, what do we know about what happens in the brain with problem gambling?
In Brain Connections, Deirdre Querney and Dr. Iris Balodis tell us that there are real changes in the brain with gambling addiction. And, these changes contribute to gambling feeling so out of control. These changes involve two parts of the brain:
The Reward Hub, and
The Top-Down Control Network.
The Reward Hub involves parts of the brain that respond to excitement, uncertainty and unpredictable outcomes. Like pressing the gas pedal in a car, these parts of the brain are like the “GO” signal that move us into action towards something we want.
The Top-Down Control Network in the brain acts like the brakes to the Reward Hub. It helps us to pay attention , slow down and stop, which is very helpful when we are pushing the gas pedal to the extreme.
Research has shown that people with gambling addiction press the gas pedal too much. They are drawn to highly rewarding behaviours and may not get as much excitement from more natural rewards such as socializing or a good meal. And, that their brakes are applied more inconsistently. They may either miss the signs that they should stop or they try to stop but can’t.
How Can I Train My Brain to Apply the Brakes With Gambling?
In episode 40 of Fold em, Deirdre and Iris tell us some good news: the brain is always changing and with time and practice you can apply the brakes more consistently to slow down or stop gambling.
Here’s How to Help Yourself Have More Control Over Gambling:
Don’t Rely Only on Willpower: Why? Because we know that the brakes (Top-Down Control Network) are a little faulty in people who gamble compulsively. It’s helpful to use additional strategies to help the brakes, e.g. self excluding or closing gambling accounts, and/or restricting access to money.
Learn More About Changes in the Brain With Gambling Addiction: Relapses don’t happen because you don’t care or are not trying hard enough. They are connected to real changes in your brain. Understanding this will help to ease shame and embarrassment and increase your motivation to do what works to regain control of gambling.
Get Support: It can take time to re-wire your brain and change habits. Getting support from people who know about gambling problems will ensure that you are doing what works and that you keep going.
Build in More Natural Rewards: activities that give a slow, steady supply of pleasure won’t seem as exciting, but with time your brain will come to associate these as rewarding. As your brain is re-wired, it will be easier to resist the pull of gambling and other behaviours that can get addictive if done in the extreme.
Learn more about gambling addiction and the brain and how to re-wire your brain from Deirdre and Iris in episode 40 of Fold em.
Listen now by clicking on the green play button at the top of this blog or the red “Listen and Subscribe to Fold em” button below.
Check out other episodes of Fold em and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out when new ones are released.
Want to Learn More About Gambling Addiction and the Brain?
You can watch a great video and read more on Deirdre and Iris’ Brain Connections website.
Want to Connect With Support and Counselling in British Columbia?
If you live in British Columbia and would like to learn more about free, confidential support and counselling services from Gambling Support BC, click on the red “Connect with Support in BC” button below. Or, go to the Gambling Support BC website. You can also access our services through the Gambling Support Line. It is available 24/7 at 1-888-795-6111.
Gambling Support BC services are available to residents of British Columbia who are concerned about their own or a loved one’s gambling.
Fold em is a podcast hosted by Adrienne Cossom and her colleagues at Gambling Support BC. Whether you are looking at stopping or scaling back your own gambling or supporting a family member with a problem, this podcast will help you take back control. Hear from gamblers who have been through it and get tips from counsellors. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.
To learn more about gambling concerns and how to access resources and support, go to the home page of this website, click on the red “Learn More” button below, or connect with us through Facebook.