30 Mar 2006
Anti-gambling lobbyists are quick to tell us that gambling addiction is a matter of moral integrity. However, new evidence may shift this theory to one that states that gambling addiction is actually a problem of brain biology.
We've all heard the cries of the anti-gambling bloc. They claim that gambling addiction comes about because 'weak' people cannot resist the temptation of immoral casinos and wagering sites. They call for the banning of anything connected to gambling because it is the cause of all society's woes. They link gambling to moral integrity and are quick to judge those who did not have the courage to stand up against the temptation of betting. However, new research may actually dispel the belief that gambling addiction is linked to morality, as evidence shows that it is actually a problem of brain biology.
A Finnish company, BioTie Therapies, is in the process of developing a drug that will ultimately combat gambling addiction. Based on the theory that gambling addiction is a problem of brain biology, the company produced this opiate blocker that basically affects the part of the brain that is associated with addictive behavior. Scientists studying the effects of gambling addiction to the human brain noticed some of the same changes in the brains of pathological addicts as could be found in the brains of other addicts, such as alcoholics and drug addicts.
It is interesting to see how the anti gambling lobby will take this news. Will they continue to call for the banning of everything associated with gambling or could they be convinced to lobby for the right of gambling addicts to receive government assistance in purchasing the addiction drug, nalmefene??
