With easier access to gambling venues, addiction specialists are wondering how much these sites will impact the lives of current gamblers and if it will initiate more gambling addictions.

Privacy Raises the Stakes

Nancy Petry, a psychologist at the University of Connecticut, is one of the few researchers who have started studying online gambling. She found that most gamblers still gamble outside the home; but of the ones who gamble online, most of them have gambling problems. The 2007 British Gambling Prevalence Survey found that online gamblers are 10 times more likely to have a gambling problem than those who gamble in public places.

Petry says that an online gambling addiction is similar to a drinking addiction. Some alcoholics don’t drink in public. They only drink in the privacy of their home. Gamblers can now do the same-gamble right from their kitchen table or couch.

Marvin Steinberg, executive director of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, believes that those types of people who like to use slot machines are the same types who partake in online gambling. There is privacy in both.

But gambling in privacy causes the same dangers that drinking in privacy causes. With no one there to pass judgment, an individual feels more comfortable to indulge excessively and will have a more difficult time determining how much is too much. At a race track or casino table a person can take cues from others as to when their gambling gets out of control.

Online Gambling is Reaching a Younger Crowd

In order to gamble in public, most places require individuals to provide identification that they are 18 years old or older. A group called Action for Children conducted a study in 2004 that found that children as young as 16 years old were gambling online. Out of 37 websites analyzed by the group, the 16-year-olds were able to use credit cards to gamble on 30 of them.

Petry and her research team have studied the impact that online gambling has on adolescents. They found that those who gambled had a high rate of addiction. However, their early gambling addiction did not lead into their adulthood.

Can Online Gambling Cause More Addictions?

The most significant question that researchers would like answered is whether online gambling causes more addiction to gambling. David Hodgins, a professor of psychology at the University of Calgary, says that online gambling could definitely hinder the recovery of someone who already has a gambling addiction. It is too accessible and tempting when it is always at your fingertips.

But, how much does online gambling attribute to new gambling addictions? Addiction specialists know that much research still needs to be done on this emerging trend. With research, support, and education, they can find the best ways to protect their clients from falling deeper into gambling addiction and help prevent a new wave of gamblers from falling into the tempting world of online gambling.

An estimated three to five percent of the U.S. adult population is believed to have sexual addiction, with thousands of patients experiencing a loss of family, personal relationships, careers, finances and symptoms such as depression and anxiety each year.

Sexual addiction is hallmarked by obsessive, repetitive sexual behaviors that the patient is unable to control despite the consequences. Like other addictions to substances or alcohol, sexual addiction and compulsive sexual behaviors are progressive in nature and are believed to cause changes at the brain-level, especially in the frontal regions of the brain that are related to pleasure and reward.

While hypersexuality is under consideration for the forthcoming edition of the DSM, experts suggest in research articles that terms like sexual addiction and sexual compulsivity are not yet included because more science-based research is needed, in addition to a set of defined terms related to these disorders.

Further research on the ways patients with sexual addiction can demonstrate both addictive behaviors and obsessive/compulsive behaviors, as well as exhibit behaviors related to impulse control, is called for to help experts further define the complicated nature of sexual addiction and identify specific treatments that will help patients reach lasting recovery.

The solution, as explained in recent articles, is a digital detox in which a person deliberately sets aside their cell phone and social media accounts for a set period of time. Many people begin the experience with one week, such as celebrity musician John Mayer, who praised the concept to his fans last year after finishing his own seven-day unplugged period.

Digital detox destinations are also increasing, with a focus on relaxation, physical activity and even storytelling as a way to connect with others in a non-technological setting. The results can have strong benefits both mentally and physically. Many employers are also recognizing the consequences of employees who are too plugged in and are becoming distracted and overly stressed on their jobs by constantly managing social media and smartphones.

In March, a two-day period is designated as National Day of Unplugging, reflecting what experts call a trend for people to seek a release from their technology and a reestablishment of more simple types of communication. The symptoms of high stress, periods of panic and similar disorders may be connected to the constant stimulation provided by technological devices, with some people remaining in "alert" mode for up to 12 hours a day. A planned digital detox can help break the adrenaline-based cycle.

Even children are seeing the consequences of too much technology, with some children viewing an estimated eight hours per day of media or entertainment in technological format. Experts recommend that parents set aside time each day to truly disconnect from their devices and focus on their children to help their levels of safety and security, which can have lifelong effects.

A Chinese Study

A team of experts led by Hao Lei of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan set up a study to examine potential brain changes among those addicted to Internet use. Internet addiction is a genuine clinical disorder distinguished by uncontrolled use of the Internet. The team used specialized brain scanning to look for potential impact among 35 male and females between the ages of 14 and 21. Of the 35 whose brains were scanned, 17 were identified as suffering from Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD). The diagnosis was founded upon answers to a questionnaire which asked participants things such as: Have you made repeated but unsuccessful attempts to curb, control or even stop your use of the Internet?

The highly specialized brain scans used MRI to detect alterations in the brain’s white matter. White matter is the substance in the brain which contains nerve fibers. The scans indeed found changes in the white matter of the brain among those who were classified as an Internet addict as compared to those who were not addicted to the Web. The changes in white matter were evidence that connections in nerve fibers which link areas in the brain concerned with decision making, emotions and self-control were disrupted. Such changes suggest that IAD shares some of the same psychological and even neural mechanisms implicated in other impulse control disorders and addictions.

Reaction in London

Psychiatric experts in London report that findings similar to those made in the Internet addiction study have also been found when studying those addicted to video games. Both studies present demonstrable changes within the neural connections between areas of the brain and even in brain functionality. For this reason, British experts have told the BBC that the studies are breaking new ground in terms of understanding how addictions impact the brain.

Long-held Suspicions Now Confirmed

In fact, the two studies (Internet addiction and Video Gaming addiction) confirm what clinicians have long suspected: abnormalities of white matter in the orbito-frontal cortex and other highly significant areas of the brain are present not only in those addicted to substances but in those suffering from behavioral addictions as well.

Experts commenting upon the China study not only applaud its findings which confirm their clinical observations and suspicions, they suggested further studies with greater numbers of subjects. Such studies are expected to confirm what the China study and studies on video gaming addicts have demonstrated thus far – behavioral addictions change the brain in ways similar to changes experienced by substance abusers.

States eagerly embraced lottery sales as an easy and painless way to boost government revenues. Now they are ready to embrace online gambling with the same open arms. A recession has brought a halt to government largesse and a population not able to support big government spending. Yet no one is willing to sacrifice services. What are states to do? Many states see Internet gambling as an easy fix.

States Interested

Nevada and Washington D.C. are poised to launch government sponsored online poker and lottery sales. In Kentucky the governor is eager to expand the states involvement in Internet gambling and Illinois is looking to boost lottery purchases via online sales. Many other states (California, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan and Virginia) are looking into the possibilities of raising revenue through online gambling sites. Other states (Florida and New York) would like to benefit from legalized casino gambling.

The Young, the Poor, the Addicted Likely to Be Harmed

The National Council on Problem Gambling warns that the maximizing of state revenues may require a heavy toll on the citizenry. According to the Council, the nation currently has a half million 12-17 year olds who are already considered problem gamblers. The proposed games move much faster than table games and speed is a known contributor toward addiction. Additionally, while some states/sites claim they will limit player losses, other states have no current plans to protect against such income wreckage. A 2009 report from Oregon found that the majority of dollars gained through gambling machines in that state came from just 10 percent of those who played and with losses regularly measured at $500 per month.

The Lure of Tax-Free Revenue

The windfall to government is expected to be huge. Poker is estimated to generate around $12 billion per year and lotteries which already garner $60-$70 billion are expected to deliver even higher. A report from Morgan Stanley analysts predicts that Internet gambling could be expected to produce $5 billion in profits. The temptation is great.

The financial pressures facing states are real. States see online gambling as a tax without pain. But is it responsible governance to create a revenue stream at the cost of youth, the poor and those with addictive behaviors?

A recent online article refers to the latest triggers for compulsive spending, coupon sites that offer easy accessibility such as Groupon. These sites offer deals at a discount that draw shoppers in. The anonymity online shopping gives shoppers leads to increased spending as well.

The cause of compulsive spending can vary but experts say shopping is one way to mask bad feelings and memories. This then can turn a normal, enjoyable activity into a preoccupation and lead to damaging consequences.

Compulsive spending and buying may soon be considered as definite disorders of their own. Usually, like gambling, it’s treated as a disorder of impulse control and is considered to cause the same euphoria and heart-pounding feelings. One expert in Illinois, said in the past year, Proctor’s 800 numbers have increased by up to 50 percent relating to spending and shopping.

Compulsive spending is difficult to break free from without outside assistance. The normal protocol for treatment of compulsive spending has been outpatient therapy and 12-step programs but sometimes may even include hospitalization.

Society has yet to recognize this problem as an addiction but it is a real and increasingly common struggle.

A study conducted by Boston University School of Public Health found that of nearly 330 girls ages 14 to 20, more than seven percent had participated in a group sex activity. The girls who had viewed pornographic material in the last 30 days had a five times higher likelihood of saying they had participated in group sex, and noted a strong connection between teen viewing of pornography and being pressured to perform acts their partner had seen in the materials.

Similarly, the study also found that the teen girls who had experience with group sex had a higher occurrence of being a victim of sexual abuse as a child, in comparison to other teens who hadn’t participated in group sex. During the study, researchers acquired 328 surveys from teen girls who visited a health clinic, either at their school or in the community. Questions pertained to their sexual activity as a group, including consensual group sex or gang rape situations. The term researchers use, multi-person sex, also includes activities like teen parties based on having sex with multiple people.

Of the participants, the initial group sex activity occurred on average at 15.5 years old. Researchers also point out that more than half who had engaged in multiple-partner sex said they had experienced pressure to do so. Nearly half (45 percent) said the male partner had not used a condom.

Researchers also found a connection between multiple-partner sex and alcohol or drugs. Nearly 33 percent of the participants who had engaged in group sex said they had also used alcohol or drugs before the interaction. Fifty percent believed their alcohol or drug consumption was promoted and encouraged by a partner to the point of being involuntary.

In addition to questions about group sex, researchers asked the participants about other risky behaviors, including smoking, being victimized on a date or occurrence of an STD. They found that the girls who were involved in multiple-partner sex were also involved in these behaviors or reported these experiences more often.

Researchers continue to stress, as published in the study article in Journal of Urban Health: Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine, that more than half of the sexual encounters in a group situation took place without a condom. It also highlighted that most of the girls said they felt threatened, forced or pressured to take part in multiple-partner sex. They hope more education and information about group sex will help teens avoid the behavior and its lifelong physical and emotional consequences. These include reproductive problems later in life and a higher risk for other dangerous behaviors.

While no one study has shown conclusive evidence that video games are dangerous for children, there have been multiple studies over the years that have been given attention in the media. Another such study was recently conducted by the Radiological Society of North America. The study showed the impact of video games on certain functions of the brain.

The study focused on a short period of intense video game play, followed by an examination of the brain for changes that might represent long-term differences in brain functioning.

The researchers recruited 22 young adult men between the ages of 18 and 29. Half of the participants were asked to play 10 hours of video games for the first week and then abstain from any video game play the next week. The video games were considered violent in nature. The other half of the participants were instructed not to participate in any video game playing at all during the course of the two-week period.

The participants were each given tests using MRI to examine their brain functions during the exercises. The MRIs were conducted before the video game playing began, during the two-week period and after the course of video game play was complete.

The analysis showed evidence that during the week following the violent video game play, the left inferior lobe exhibited less activity during an emotional test and a reduced level of activity in the anterior cingulated cortex while the participants were completing a counting test. The authors of the study believe that the results indicate a long-term change in the brain following video game play.

In addition to the publication of the study, there has been increasing interest in the inclusion of video game addiction to the DSM for the fifth edition. While the experts involved with the DSM consider the evidence for video game addiction, some hope that it will be included in order to bring more attention to the problem and funding for research.

In addition, with the increase of online gambling, pathological gambling is suspected to have increased significantly in recent years. While the research on that topic is in initial stages, there are high costs associated with pathological gambling behaviors. Like other pathological behavior patterns, problematic gambling can result in loss of employment and financial difficulties.

A report from the Illinois Family Institute highlights the cost to the public. The toll on the public from pathological gambling for treatment and other support for those with a problem may outweigh any economic benefit to the community. The report is issued at a time when Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill that would approve a large increase in gambling in that state.

The report cites a National Gambling Impact Study Commission analysis that indicates that approximately 15 million Americans struggle with a gambling problem or have been diagnosed with a pathological gambling addiction. In addition, the analysis shows that proximity to a casino is a significant predictor of gambling problems. Addiction rates are twice as high within a 50-mile radius of a casino.

There are certain symptoms that help clinicians identify a case of pathological gambling, provided by the American Psychiatric Association. For some, gambling is a problem, but for pathological gamblers, life begins to fall apart. Pathological gamblers are identified by their need to borrow money to cover their losses, participating in illegal activities in order to obtain money for continued gambling, lying about the extent of their gambling activities, and gambling ever-larger amounts to try to cover losses.

Just as in other types of pathological addictions, such as alcoholism, the effects of the condition reach beyond the individual. Divorce rates are higher for those with a pathological gambling problem when compared with non-gambling individuals. In addition, there are more cases of neglect and abuse. There are even instances reported in which young children have died in a hot car because their parent was gambling. Suicide rates are also higher for pathological gamblers.

The report cites a book by an economist, Earl Grinols, who makes a case for the excessive cost of pathological gambling. Grinols’ book, "Gambling in America: Costs and Benefits," states that the costs of gambling in a community outweigh the benefits by a three-to-one ratio.

Recent posts are addressing the reality of sexual addiction within marriage. This includes strong feelings of shame, anger, guilt and depression. Most spouses say finding out their partner has a sexual addiction is similar to finding out their partner has had an affair, even if physical sex hasn’t happened outside of the marriage.

For many others, learning about the sexual addiction brings to light a series of sexual relationships with multiple partners and causes the spouse to question the nature of the addiction and whether or not they may have had a role in its development.

Sexual addiction, like addictions to drugs or alcohol, is believed to involve biological factors as well as psychological factors. Brain-imaging studies are increasingly pointing to the similarities between sexual addiction and cocaine addiction, as well as the changes that take place at the brain level during the addiction.

Emotionally, sexual addiction brings both partners strong feelings of shame and guilt, and professional help is needed to work through these successfully. Some experts believe people undergo a reaction of trauma when a partner’s addiction is learned; others believe the grief-based reaction may be strongest. Still other professionals in sexual addiction focus on helping the spouse repair deep wounds to their sense of self-worth that a partner’s sexual addiction brings.

Research indicates marriages are more successful at sexual addiction recovery when both partners participate in professionally guided counseling or therapy, and as the disease becomes more known worldwide, new treatment centers are becoming more available.