The effect of dopamine on the brain when playing
Introduction
Dopamine is the main neurotransmitter of the brain's reward system. When playing in an online casino, its release creates an emotional upsurge and motivates to repeat bets. Understanding how dopamine shapes habit and enhances the urge to gamble is critical to developing effective strategies for quitting gambling.
1. Neural reward system
Ventral and nucleus accumbens
It is here that at the sight of a chance to win or at the moment of winning, the peak of the dopamine signal occurs.
Over-sized activation
Multiple spins and bets create pathologically high dopamine receptor activity, which disrupts the balance between "want" and "need."
2. Variable reinforcement and "slot effect"
Unpredictability of winnings
With an irregular reward, dopamine is thrown away not only when winning, but also in anticipation of it, which increases the motivation for new bets.
The Power of Uncertainty
The less likely you are to win, the stronger the "hook": the brain learns to "hunt" for rare bursts of dopamine.
3. Learning through prediction error
Prediction error
Negative: When not won, dopamine drops below baseline, which provokes a desire for "revenge."
Positive: an unexpected gain gives a sudden super-release of dopamine, fixing not only the gain, but the entire context (sound, interface, place).
Loop closure
Gradually, the brain links the game itself to this "dopamine attraction," and attempts to stop cause discomfort and irritation.
4. Tolerance and "dopamine thirst"
Decreased receptor response
With frequent peaks of dopamine, receptors "get used" and require more and more incentives: the amount of bets and the duration of sessions grow.
'Dopamine deficiency 'crisis
During the non-gaming period, a person experiences apathy, a reduced mood, which increases the sudden desire to "get a dose" again.
5. Habit formation: from reward to obsession
1. Trigger → dopamine response → behavior → reinforcement
2. Automation
Gradually, the process starts without a conscious decision - according to the average trigger (notification, time of day, place).
3. Transfer of control
The desire to play becomes an "auto-response" to internal or external signals, rather than a conscious choice.
6. Consequences of dopamine dysregulation
Emotional instability: changes from euphoria to deep frustration.
Cognitive biases: increased illusion of control and exaggerated odds.
Social isolation: all for the sake of getting the next "dopamine hit."
7. Strategies to reduce dopamine cravings
1. Breaking triggers
- Disabling notifications, deleting applications and changing the usual environment.
2. Alternative sources of dopamine
- Exercise, hobbies, creativity: regular sport increases the basic level of dopamine without "swing."
3. Gradual reduction of incentives
- Reducing the number of weekly sessions, setting time limits and rates.
4. Mindfulness practices
- Meditation and emotional self-regulation reduce the reactivity of the dopamine system.
5. Professional support
- Cognitive behavioral therapy helps recognize automatic "dopamine" patterns and develop alternative strategies.
Conclusion
Dopamine is at the heart of the passion for gaming, but its mechanisms can also be used to regain control: through breaking automatic triggers, redirecting rewards and developing healthy habits. Awareness of the neurobiology of dopamine cravings is key to effectively quitting gambling.
Dopamine is the main neurotransmitter of the brain's reward system. When playing in an online casino, its release creates an emotional upsurge and motivates to repeat bets. Understanding how dopamine shapes habit and enhances the urge to gamble is critical to developing effective strategies for quitting gambling.
1. Neural reward system
Ventral and nucleus accumbens
It is here that at the sight of a chance to win or at the moment of winning, the peak of the dopamine signal occurs.
Over-sized activation
Multiple spins and bets create pathologically high dopamine receptor activity, which disrupts the balance between "want" and "need."
2. Variable reinforcement and "slot effect"
Unpredictability of winnings
With an irregular reward, dopamine is thrown away not only when winning, but also in anticipation of it, which increases the motivation for new bets.
The Power of Uncertainty
The less likely you are to win, the stronger the "hook": the brain learns to "hunt" for rare bursts of dopamine.
3. Learning through prediction error
Prediction error
Negative: When not won, dopamine drops below baseline, which provokes a desire for "revenge."
Positive: an unexpected gain gives a sudden super-release of dopamine, fixing not only the gain, but the entire context (sound, interface, place).
Loop closure
Gradually, the brain links the game itself to this "dopamine attraction," and attempts to stop cause discomfort and irritation.
4. Tolerance and "dopamine thirst"
Decreased receptor response
With frequent peaks of dopamine, receptors "get used" and require more and more incentives: the amount of bets and the duration of sessions grow.
'Dopamine deficiency 'crisis
During the non-gaming period, a person experiences apathy, a reduced mood, which increases the sudden desire to "get a dose" again.
5. Habit formation: from reward to obsession
1. Trigger → dopamine response → behavior → reinforcement
2. Automation
Gradually, the process starts without a conscious decision - according to the average trigger (notification, time of day, place).
3. Transfer of control
The desire to play becomes an "auto-response" to internal or external signals, rather than a conscious choice.
6. Consequences of dopamine dysregulation
Emotional instability: changes from euphoria to deep frustration.
Cognitive biases: increased illusion of control and exaggerated odds.
Social isolation: all for the sake of getting the next "dopamine hit."
7. Strategies to reduce dopamine cravings
1. Breaking triggers
- Disabling notifications, deleting applications and changing the usual environment.
2. Alternative sources of dopamine
- Exercise, hobbies, creativity: regular sport increases the basic level of dopamine without "swing."
3. Gradual reduction of incentives
- Reducing the number of weekly sessions, setting time limits and rates.
4. Mindfulness practices
- Meditation and emotional self-regulation reduce the reactivity of the dopamine system.
5. Professional support
- Cognitive behavioral therapy helps recognize automatic "dopamine" patterns and develop alternative strategies.
Conclusion
Dopamine is at the heart of the passion for gaming, but its mechanisms can also be used to regain control: through breaking automatic triggers, redirecting rewards and developing healthy habits. Awareness of the neurobiology of dopamine cravings is key to effectively quitting gambling.
