Pathological gambling

Pathologicalgambling is the inability to resist impulses to gamble, leading to severe personal or social consequences.

Gambling - compulsive; Compulsive gambling; Addictive gambling

Pathological gambling affects 1-2% of adults, andup to 4% of adults living within 50 miles of a casino. It typicallybegins in early adolescence in men and between ages 20 and 40in women.

Pathological gambling is a brain disease that seems to be similar todisorders such as alcoholism anddrug addiction. These disorders likely involveproblems with the part of the brain associated withbehaviors such as eating and sex. This part of the brain is sometimes called the "pleasure center" or dopamine reward pathway.

In people who develop pathological gambling, occasional gambling leads to habitual gambling. Stressful situations can make gambling problems more severe.

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