Dopamine release - a form of addiction?

[Ecolando]

I notice that poker for me is a very alluring game mostly because of what I think is a release of dopamine - whenever I win a hand or get really good cards, whenever I win a sng, or even just looking at the payouts of a MTT before entering.

Its very similar to other addictions I've had that offer similar rewards, however I still don't quite agree with calling it an addiction.

I don't Have to play, and I've taken many breaks.
It hasn't caused disruptions to other healthy aspects of my life.

Curious what your thoughts are on this.

 

[MattRyder]

For me - it's a very strong draw but not an actual addiction.

 

[Joe]

I notice that poker for me is a very alluring game mostly because of what I think is a release of dopamine - whenever I win a hand or get really good cards, whenever I win a sng, or even just looking at the payouts of a MTT before entering.

Its very similar to other addictions I've had that offer similar rewards, however I still don't quite agree with calling it an addiction.

I don't Have to play, and I've taken many breaks.
It hasn't caused disruptions to other healthy aspects of my life.

Curious what your thoughts are on this.

I'm a recovering alcoholic and drug addict so, have first-hand experience regarding addiction..

Different people can, and will, get addicted to different things.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer...

For me, neither poker nor gambling are addictions but that isn't to say some people aren't addicted to them.

In my case, poker has actually helped me break free of my dependencies and reassess my life choices.

There were times when I was playing far more than a 'healthy amount' of poker but, given the circumstances, there certainly were worse things I could have been doing with my time.

Life often boils down to balance.

If poker or gambling is having a negative impact on other areas of your life, you might have a problem.

If you do not have control of poker or gambling and instead, it controls you, you definitely have a problem!

Be honest with yourself and mindful of any warning signs.

Only risk what you can afford to lose.

Please gamble responsibly!

 

[A fox 666]

If you treat poker as a means of earning, it can turn into an addiction over time. You will constantly be dissatisfied with your results, you will more and more think about how to improve your results and earn more money. Everything else will go to the second a plan, and it will seem insignificant. This is a direct path to gambling addiction!

 

[fishfood80]

While I do "jones" to play poker if it's been a few days I don't consider it an addiction per say. Gambling on the whole can be addictive but if you consider something your profession I'm not sure it can be considered an addiction. I mean are there professional slot players or roulette players? For me I think the opportunity to compete, try to outsmart opponents, and make $$ are the draws that get me itching to play.

 

[Dzob]

I think that if we play high stakes that we can't afford - (without maintaining capital management) just to feel the risk, adrenaline then it's addiction.

Definitely losing your monthly payout in one night of poker is an addiction.

I think that if someone is looking for adrenaline in online games, they will choose casino games - in which the dose of adrenaline will be the highest.

 

[Newzooozooo]

Hi.
For me, poker is fun, a favorite hobby but no more. I think the main thing is to enjoy the game. But if you start losing money, you better stop and find another hobby.
Good luck.

 

[quartz]

You can try "dopamine fasting" where you abstain from everything while meditating or practicing mindfulness. It's becoming somewhat of a trend and I'm thinking of trying it out in some form

 

[neptun1914]

Everything that creates positive emotion causes release of dopamine, adrenaline and similar by the brain. That's why there is term adrenaline junkie for people who constantly do some strange activities to get emotion. Poker and gambling in general can also create such emotions so balance is the key just like with everything else in this life.