Researchers in South Korea have conducted a study that suggests altering brain neurons could be the key to treating gambling addiction. The Severance Hospital found that changing the shape of certain neurons can lower levels of neuronal excitability. This study was conducted on mice, where they were given the choice between a low-risk option with small, consistent rewards or a high-risk option with big rewards but at a lower frequency.
The researchers found differences in excitability levels between the mice that were more risk-averse and those that went for the higher payout alternative. By altering the neurons in the risk-averse mice to lower neuronal excitability, they observed that the mice engaged in riskier behavior. Professor Kim Jeon-hoon concluded that the “dendritic morphology and electrophysiological properties in the nucleus accumbens” differ depending on risk-taking behavior, and changing these structures could potentially “modulate risk choices.”
The study highlights the increasing levels of gambling addiction worldwide and the need for effective treatment methods. By understanding the role of brain neurons in gambling behavior, researchers hope to develop new strategies for treating and managing addiction. The findings from this study could have significant implications for the field of addiction research and provide a new perspective on how to address this growing problem.
Overall, the study suggests that altering brain neurons could be a promising approach for treating gambling addiction. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the potential therapeutic applications of this approach. The study opens up new possibilities for understanding and addressing the complex nature of addiction and offers hope for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.