The human brain is an extremely complex system, which changes almost permanently. Experiences are particularly important for the brain, because new connections are created through them. But all the impressions we could not process at all if we did not have sleep. Regeneration during the night hours is essential, because if sleep is foregone, memory loss could even occur.
The brain is thirsty for happy moments
Brain cells are made up of dendrites and axons, at the end of which synapses can form. The number of synapses plays a more significant role in information exchange than the number of neurons. Click to enlarge. When we enjoy something, we want to experience that moment over and over again. This is true, for example, of roller coaster rides, but also of gambling wins. The brain immediately feels reminded of the “happy moment” in the respective context. In the case of a casino game, this would be the impressive music or the interactive graphics. Usually, this even creates a new world that can be entered when everyday life becomes too stressful. This is not at all reprehensible, because these games also provide a certain amount of entertainment in the evening. Furthermore, it is okay if the monthly budget has not yet been fully invested. However, it must also be understood that these moments cause a change in the brain. The situation and also the mood will always make you long to play. However, it must not come to addiction, because furthermore gaming must be regarded as a hobby.
Dopamine rush through winnings
Responsible gambling is important because a dopamine rush is created by winnings. Dopamine is the happiness hormone, this is what creates feelings of happiness. The neurotransmitter additionally activates the reward system and this after some game rounds even when a win could be imminent. This is comparable to a normal video game, which is played on the PlayStation or Xbox. Already the upcoming showdown provides a tension or a pleasant feeling. It only becomes problematic when one’s own limits are exceeded.
The effect of dopamine in detail
The effect unfolds in the central nervous system, but dopamine serves as a messenger between the brain and nerve cells. By all means, the effect of dopamine still has an influence on other parts of the body – so it is also used in medicine. If there is kidney failure, then the neurotransmitter is also often administered, as the blood flow in the kidneys is stimulated.
Fast-onset stimulates the brain similarly
Schematic representation of the functional areas of the human brain. Click to enlarge. In addition, it is important to know that even almost-wins provide for the release of feelings of happiness. With the right music, this also creates a whole new atmosphere. This can be observed especially in casinos, which provide a completely new environment with the exclusive ambience. The feelings of happiness come earlier and earlier and this is similar to the consumption of alcohol. This also creates the happiness hormone serotonin and this in turn ensures that every weekend a new party is visited. All these realities need to be understood as this is a part of responsible gambling. Those who have the knowledge are unlikely to fall into addiction, because gambling is thus done consciously.
Seniors benefit
A study from the USA has investigated what the key factor of gambling is in the first place – what increases the release of happiness hormones in such a way? Apparently, it’s self-determination. In a nursing home, the seniors were confronted with a simulated game of chance. It was found that there was a feeling of happiness, although the patients had previously had a rather strongly isolated behavior. There were already symptoms of social neglect.
Measurable events in the body
Schematic diagram showing the anatomy and structure of the brain. Click to enlarge. The University of Hohenheim has studied the extent to which gambling and personal happiness are related. For this purpose, the researchers examined the heart and also the skin. Both organs showed clear signs, but all of them were within the healthy range.Thus, a healthy acceleration of the heart rate was measurable when a gain or near-gain occurred. In addition, there were increased values with regard to the skin conductance measurement. Thus, it was also noted that there was also a reaction when a near win occurred. Another study from Germany also examined players with magnetic resonance imaging. A win or a corresponding winning situation activated the brain’s reward center in all players. This was also despite the fact that it was a simulated game of chance. This confirms once again that the mood can be lifted by this, insofar as gambling is seen as a leisure activity or as an entertainment program. The aforementioned video games for popular consoles function in a similar way.
The mood can also change
As with any hobby or leisure activity, however, budget management must be right. The mood otherwise quickly turns into the negative with any activity. So that all this works are important tips to consider. On the one hand, you should never play to make money. Furthermore, the loss is more likely than a big win. However, there are methods to keep the game fun for a while. This already starts with the choice of the right stake, which should always be in relation to the budget. In addition, the money should then also be completed, because the brain does not want a loss – it is even afraid of it, as a study by Benedetto De Martino of the British University College London shows.
Numerous myths in circulation
In addition, there are numerous myths about the brain and its deployment of happiness hormones. For example, it is said that chocolate has a good effect on cognitive abilities. However, this is not true, because in studies the effect could not be confirmed. As a brain doping agent, chocolate therefore fails. Moreover, it is also said that alcohol can even kill brain cells. But this is not true, because even when intoxicated, no brain cells are destroyed. However, connections are severed, which can cause memory loss. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause lasting damage after a certain point. As mentioned at the beginning, however, the brain is a highly complex system that science and medicine may never be able to fully investigate. New information about this is coming to light all the time. It will still take several decades until mankind has possibly completely decoded the brain. Billionaire Elon Musk is already creating a suitable interface between brain and machine with Neuralink.
