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Who has not made a bet at least one time in their life? “I bet I can jump higher than you!” or “I bet you don’t know the name of this song.” Gambling comes in all shapes and sizes and so do gamblers. While one person can sit in front of a slot machine one time, win a little cash and then never give the casino another thought, the next person may use the same machine, lose a little money, win a little and then become hopelessly addicted to the thrill of it all. Why do some become addicted but not all?

Some medications actually increase the dopamine activity in the brain. Users of Pramipexole, usually prescribed for Parkinson’s disease, are noticeably affected by this. Several mental health issues seem to make people prone to compulsive gambling as well. Bipolar disease and schizophrenia are two of the most commonly seen issues among gamblers. People with anti-social personalities commonly suffer with compulsion and people who have drug and alcohol addictions seem to ease right into an addiction to gambling.

While there are many physical reasons that can cause a gambling addiction, not every compulsive gambler has a mental health issue. A gambler may simply choose to spend his free time at the casino. This does not become a problem until other areas of his life are affected by it. If his gambling causes him to lose his job, friends or family then it is time to see a counselor or check out Gamblers Anonymous.