Compulsive gambling addiction
Gambling addiction refers to a strong, compulsive desire to continue gambling that is disproportionate to the harm that results from the gambling. The idea of gambling is for a person to risk something in order to win even more
Winning at a game of chance stimulates the "stimulatory", pleasure-seeking region of the brain, like drugs or alcohol. If you have a tendency to gamble, often gamble, hide your behavior, use saved money, accumulate debt, or sometimes even steal for fun, it is likely that you have a compulsive gambling addiction.
Compulsive gambling addiction is a serious mental condition that causes significant harm to you and those around you. Treatment is difficult, but many people with gambling addictions have recovered after professional counseling
What exactly drives a person to compulsive gambling is unknown. As in other similar problems, a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors is likely
Signs of a compulsive (pathological) gambling addiction include:
- Deriving pleasure from taking large risks
- Gradually increasing risk while playing
- Excessive thoughts about gambling
- Thoughts about past gambling memories
More often, the problem develops over time Some people have been gambling on and off for years without having these problems Playing more often, due to life stress, may become the reason for the formation of addiction
During stress or depression, the urge to gamble becomes stronger, creating an escape from reality. Over time, an addiction develops and a person has excessive thoughts about playing the game and collecting the necessary money
In compulsive addiction, gambling is not so much about the money as it is about the associated emotions and excitement. In order to maintain these emotions, people often take greater risks when playing, which leads to spending more money than they can afford.
In the normal course of gambling, one stops after losing or has a set loss limit. In gambling addiction, a person does not stop playing and wants to get back the money they lost
Some addicts go into remission when they play less or not at all Without treatment, remissions are almost always temporary
When to see a doctor or psychologist/psychiatrist
If your family or friends are concerned about your habit, listen to them Denial is one of the symptoms of compulsive addiction It is difficult for you to notice that you really have a problem
It is likely that you have a gambling addiction if:
- Gambling causes you problems in relationships, finances, work or school
- You devote more and more time and energy to gambling
- You have had unsuccessful attempts to quit
- You hide from friends
