Chapter 1. Compulsive Gambling and the Brain's Pleasure...

Short Description

University of Minnesota research findings on compulsive gamblers like Theodore may provide insight into a variety of obsessions. They all seem to share similarity in brain circuitry. Theodore's casino visits release chemicals that stimulate the brain areas that process pleasure and urge.

Long Description

All people share this underlying process for recognizing and enjoying pleasurable experiences. However, for those who become obsessed, the process seems to physically change their brains and pleasure pathways begin to dominate. In Theodore's case, any reminder of the casino sets off the uncontrollable urge to gamble. Researchers believe that the brain changes produce a variety of obsessions. In each case, compulsive behavior takes on an uncontrollable life of its own. Theodore notes that, while his gambling is exciting, it is also destroying his life. He enrolls in an experimental treatment that uses medication to block the pleasure-giving chemicals in his brain. The therapist assures Theodore that the drug will not dampen his more general pleasure. It should only dampen the pleasure associated with his compulsive behavior. The medication normally treats drug addiction. A higher dosage is used to treat Theodoreís gambling. Initially, he still has an urge to gamble and, on at least one occasion, visits the casino. However, as he increases the dosage of the drug, the urge and even the thoughts associated with gambling dissipate. Five weeks later, while still on medication, Theodore searches for an activity that will produce the pleasure once associated with gambling. At one time he enjoyed piloting helicopters in the military and begins flying again. He frankly wonders whether the activity will ever restore the thrill of gambling. Returning to the casino, Theodore finds that his gambling obsession is gone. He is amazed at the success of the treatment.

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