The human brain is an extremely complex system that changes almost continuously. Experiences are particularly important for the brain because they create new connections. But we couldn't process all the impressions at all if we didn't have sleep. Regeneration during the night is essential, because if you do not sleep, you could even lose your memory.
The brain is thirsty for happy moments
Brain cells consist of dendrites and axons, at the end of which synapses can form. The number of synapses plays a more important role in the exchange of information than the number of nerve cells. Click to enlarge.If we enjoy something, then this moment should be relived over and over again. This applies, for example, to roller coaster rides, but also to gambling winnings. 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 entertainment in the evening. It is also okay if the monthly budget has not been fully invested.
But it must also be understood that these moments lead to a change in the brain. The situation and the mood will always make you long for playing. However, addiction must not occur, because gaming must continue to be viewed as a hobby.
Dopamine rush through gains
Responsible gaming is important because winnings create a dopamine high. Dopamine is the happiness hormone, which is why feelings of happiness arise. The neurotransmitter also activates the reward system and after a few rounds of the game even when a win could be imminent.
This is similar to a normal video game played on the PlayStation or Xbox. The upcoming showdown already creates tension or a pleasant feeling. It only becomes problematic when one's own limits are exceeded.
The effects of dopamine in detail
The effect unfolds in the central nervous system, but the dopamine serves as a messenger substance between the brain and nerve cells. The effect of dopamine definitely has an influence on other parts of the body - this is also how it is used in medicine. When kidney failure occurs, the neurotransmitter is often given as well, as the blood flow to the kidneys is stimulated.
Fast-wins stimulate 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 fast winnings ensure that feelings of happiness are distributed. This also creates a whole new atmosphere with the right music. This can be seen above all in casinos, which create a completely new environment with their 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 a new celebration is attended every weekend.
All of these realities need to be understood as this is part of responsible gaming. If you have the knowledge, you will hardly fall into an addiction, because the game is done consciously.
Seniors benefit from it
A study from the USA examined what the key factor in gambling is - how does the release of happiness hormones increase so much? Obviously it's up to self-determination.
In a nursing home, the seniors were confronted with a simulated game of chance. It was found that a feeling of happiness occurred even though the patients had previously had rather highly isolated behavior. There were already symptoms of social neglect.
Measurable events in the body
Schematic representation of the anatomy and structure of the brain. Click to enlarge.The University of Hohenheim has dealt with the extent to which gambling and personal happiness are related. For this purpose, the researchers examined the heart and also the skin. Both organs have given clear signs, but all of them were in the healthy range.
A healthy acceleration of the heart rate was measurable when there was a profit or an almost profit. In addition, there were increased values with regard to the skin conduction measurement. Thus it was also recorded that there was also a reaction in the event of an almost win.
Another study from Germany also examined players with magnetic resonance imaging. A win or a corresponding win situation activated the reward center of the brain in all players. This also, although it was a simulated game of chance.
This again confirms that the mood can be lifted as a result, insofar as playing is seen as a leisure activity or as an entertainment program. The already mentioned video games for common consoles work in a similar way.
The mood can also change
As with any hobby or leisure activity, budget management must also be right. Otherwise the mood quickly turns negative with every activity. In order for all of this to work, there are important tips to consider.
Under no circumstances should you gamble 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 begins with the choice of the right use, which should always be in relation to the budget.
In addition, the money should then also be used as a contract, because the brain does not want loss - it is even afraid of it, as a study by Benedetto De Martino from University College London in the UK shows.
Numerous myths floating around
There are also numerous myths about the brain and its development of happiness hormones. It is said that chocolate has a good effect on cognitive abilities. This is not true, however, because studies could not confirm the effect. As a brain doping agent, chocolate therefore fails.
It's also said that alcohol can even kill brain cells. But this is not true, because even when you are intoxicated, no brain cells are destroyed. However, connections are severed, which can lead to memory loss. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause lasting damage from a certain point in time.
As mentioned at the beginning, the brain is a highly complex system that science and medicine may never be able to fully investigate. New information about this comes to light again and again. It will be a few more decades before humans can possibly fully decipher the brain. With Neuralink, billionaire Elon Musk has at least created a suitable interface between the brain and the machine.