Chasing the dragon and gambling addiction.

I’ve always been fascinated by the slang phrase “chasing the dragon”. It originated in Hong Kong during the 1950’s. The combination of the aluminum foil and the vapors coming off the heated heroin gave the illusion of a dragon. 

Being addicted to opiates is as illogical as a dog chasing its tail. The addict is forever seeking that feeling of their very first high. But it’s impossible; they can’t get the euphoria they experienced once. Every time they get high, that peak experience moves farther and farther away. 

This is chasing the dragon.

Every generation seems to have its drug of choice. Heroin in the 70s, then oxycodone in the 2000s. Not all drugs are ones that we ingest.  Surprisingly, today’s new drug is sports gambling.

Gambling addiction is not unique.  As a matter of fact, it is triggered by the same brain chemistry and compulsions that lead to alcoholism.  Just as an alcoholic self-medicates a hangover with an early morning drink (the hair of the dog), gamblers are also caught in this terrible cycle.

According to Michelle Malkin of the East Carolina University Gambling Research and Policy Initiative, “gamblers think the source of their problem is also their antidote. In the mind of a gambling addict, their next great bet can fix both their financial and relationship problems. You need this big win, but it never fully comes. You keep chasing.”

Here’s a strong example from Steely Dan’s song:  Do It Again;  Now you swear and kick and beg us that you’re not a gamblin’ man.  Then you find you’re back in Vegas with a handle in your hand. Your black cards can make you money, so you hide them when you’re able. In the land of milk and honey, you must put them on the table. You go back, Jack, do it again, wheel turnin’ ’round and ’round. You go back, Jack, do it again.  

Chasing that first perfect high is similar in many addictions. Gamblers are also looking for the euphoria they experienced at the very time they “cashed” or won big. They drain their bank account to try and experience that feeling one more time. But they are also, at the same time, in horrific denial. They are in denial about how much they started with, about how much they’ve lost, and about how large their debt has grown.

Gambling is a progressive disease. The gambler’s dream of hitting the jackpot increases, not decreases, even though they have less money to wager.  And when they lose, they don’t think about grinding and committing to hard work to make up for their deficit. They think about a shortcut and the next quick fix. With each loss, the financial mountain grows.  Gamblers grow more and more hopeless and miserable. A bigger bet is required to solve greater debt.  It’s not logical; they can’t win, especially with less money, but they keep trying. 

They just keep chasing that dragon. 

If you think your family member may be heading towards, or already has, a gambling problem, contact me. Gambling addiction can be addressed and treated effectively, but it won’t go away without therapy with an addiction expert and a spiritual program of recovery. 

Bye for now.

Max Yusim

Gambling addiction specialist