Dopamine Rush

Acrylic, playing cards and dice on board

84.1 x 59.4cm

Dopamine is chemical produced when the brain predicts a reward. Some people are susceptible to compulsive gambling because their reward circuitry is naturally underactive—which may explain why they seek greater thrills (and dopamine highs) to start with. Dopamine replacement drugs for Parkinson’s have caused some patients to become addicted to gambling.