Chasing the High: The Connection Between Gambling and Drug Addiction
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Nine years ago, I was living in a homeless shelter in Queens, New York, trying to piece my life back together after years of battling alcoholism and drug addiction. On June 29th, 2015, I got sober—cold turkey. Sobriety was the hardest test I’d ever faced, but it also gave me the tools to rebuild my life from the ground up. So, years later, as a master's student at UCL, when I wandered into a small casino in London out of curiosity, I wasn’t expecting to feel something so familiar—a fleeting rush of hope as I fed a few pounds into a slot machine, followed by the palpable disappointment of loss. That experience opened my eyes to the striking parallels between gambling addiction and substance abuse, two struggles that, despite their similarities, are treated very differently by society.
In the heart of London’s bustling streets, small casinos operate quietly, offering a mix of entertainment and temptation. Beneath the flashing lights and cheerful jingles, however, lies a darker story—one that mirrors the struggles of drug addiction in surprising and often overlooked ways.
Gambling addiction, much like substance abuse, is a condition that manipulates the brain’s reward system. Studies from Neurolaunch show that both behaviors trigger a release of dopamine—the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and reinforcement. This surge creates a “high” that keeps individuals returning to the source, whether it’s a slot machine or a drug. Over time, the brain adapts, demanding more intense experiences to achieve the same level of satisfaction, leading to a cycle of dependency.
While the mechanisms of gambling addiction are similar to those of substance abuse, the two are treated very differently in society. According to UCLA Health, drug addiction is often met with stigma and criminalization, while gambling is widely normalized and even celebrated—the “high roller” lifestyle often portrayed glamorously in films. Casinos are marketed as harmless fun, with little acknowledgment of their potential harm. This discrepancy allows gambling addiction to develop subtly, often going unnoticed until its devastating consequences—financial ruin, strained relationships, and mental health struggles—become impossible to ignore.
Unlike drug addiction, where physical withdrawal symptoms are a clear indicator of dependency, gambling addiction operates on a purely psychological level. The rush of near-misses and the hope of a win create an intense emotional pull, making it difficult for individuals to walk away.
Research cited by the University of Sydney highlights that the shame surrounding problem gambling often prevents individuals from seeking help, trapping them in a destructive cycle. In contrast, speaking from personal experience, drug addiction presents a different challenge: many individuals either fail to recognize their addiction or consciously choose not to seek assistance. In either case, gambling or drug addiction, the first step toward recovery is the same—recognizing the problem and the individual reaching out for help when they are ready. Recovery cannot be forced upon someone; it must be their choice, as attempts at forced recovery often lead to relapse. While it’s natural for others to want to help and sometimes feel helpless, the best approach is to offer support without judgment, creating a safe space for the individual to seek help when they are ready.
The parallels between gambling and drug addiction reveal a critical need for empathy and understanding. Both stem from a desire to escape—whether it’s from pain, stress, poor living situations, or a sense of emptiness. Recovery begins by addressing these underlying issues and creating systems of support that recognize the shared humanity in these struggles.
As scientists and specialists continue to explore these connections, one thing becomes clear: whether the addiction involves a glass pipe, a bottle, or the spin of a slot machine, the effects are devastatingly similar. Addressing addiction in all its forms requires us to challenge societal perceptions, provide better treatment options, and foster compassion for those caught in the cycle of dependency.
For me, walking out of that casino empty-handed was a reminder of how far I’ve come—and how important it is to help others find their way out of the darkness, too.