Does a physical addiction like gambling affect the body the way meth addiction does?

No: However, there will be changes in the way the certain areas of the brain function- similar to that of more traditional drug addictions. Interstingly, naltrexone-an opioid blocker, has been shown to reduce gambling in certain studies in the past.

Similar: Most addictions seem to affect similar brain pathways connected to the neurotransmitter Dopamine linked to pleasure. Some agents, like methamphetamine , have especially powerful effects.