Researchers from the Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCyC) of the University of Granada have analyzed the similarities and differences in psychological and brain function that exist between people addicted to cocaine and gamblers. The results reveal that people addicted to gambling have abnormalities in their brain function that affect their ability to make decisions .
In two articles, recently published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience , scientists have confirmed by electroencephalography (EEG) that cocaine has cumulative detrimental effects on the functioning of areas of the brain (anterior cingulate and part of the prefrontal cortex) necessary for correct impulse control.
However, and although these negative effects on correct impulse control are not present in players , since their addiction does not involve the use of toxic substances, research carried out at the UGR has revealed that people addicted to gambling do manifest other abnormalities in their brain function , also located in areas of the prefrontal cortex. These abnormalities are related to the severity of the disorder, and affect your ability to make decisions. Specifically, those who suffer them make “bad decisions affect the recognition and valuation of the losses that these people have, even when said losses do not refer to monetary matters,” the authors say.
In addition, in the volunteers who participated in the research, it was also observed that the tendency to make bad decisions is significantly increased when negative emotions such as anxiety or sadness are experienced.
