section_path: Behavioral addiction/Gambling
section_name: Gambling
paragraph_text: Gambling
  
  Gambling provides a natural reward that is associated with compulsive behavior. Functional neuroimaging evidence shows that gambling activates the reward system and the mesolimbic pathway in particular. It is known that dopamine is involved in learning, motivation, as well as the reward system. The exact role of dopamine in gambling addiction has been debated. Suggested roles for D2, D3, and D4 dopamine receptors, as well as D3 receptors in the substantia nigra have been found in rat and human models, showing a correlation with the severity of the gambling behavior. This in turn was linked with greater dopamine release in the dorsal striatum.
  
  Gambling addictions are linked with comorbidities such as mental health disorders, substance abuse, alcohol use disorder, and personality disorders.
  
  Risk factors for gambling addictions include antisocial behavior, impulsive personality, male sex, sensation seeking, substance use, and young age.
  
  Gambling addiction has been associated with some personality traits, including: harm avoidance, low self direction, decision making and planning insufficiencies, impulsivity, as well as sensation seeking individuals. Although some personality traits can be linked with gambling addiction, there is no general description of individuals addicted to gambling.