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Gambling can be a thrilling and entertaining activity. The chance to win big, the rush of adrenaline, and the social aspects of casinos or online betting platforms can all be appealing.
While the interest in gambling can start as a simple pastime activity, things can later turn into a full-blown gambling addiction without any warning. And, with the kind of financial and emotional impacts gambling disorder has, it’s safe to say that the habit is a damaging one.
With so many lingering factors contributing to a gambling problem, the key is to have access to resources that can help in overcoming the complications in the long run. Sometimes, getting help on time is crucial to overcome the dark side of gambling.
We will discuss in detail the signs of compulsive gambling and ways you can overcome the challenges with professional help from the Sober Centre.
Why Do People Develop a Gambling Addiction?
When it comes to exploring the science and psychology behind people’s gambling behavior, the most important aspect is understanding why people do it in the first place.
Why do people with a gambling problem develop the issue in the first place? Let us take a closer look at the situation first.
The human brain is wired to seek rewards. Gambling exploits this inherent desire by offering the possibility of a significant payout for a relatively small investment.
Multiple studies indicate that the act of gambling often triggers the release of dopamine, a factor that has been found to push people to keep gambling, be it in real-time or online gambling.
When people find pleasure in gambling, it creates a positive reinforcement loop, which contributes to or pushes people to pursue gambling further. Beyond the biological factors, gambling can also appeal to our emotional vulnerabilities. It can offer an escape from stress, boredom, or loneliness.
In short, there are a variety of risk factors that trigger people to develop a gambling addiction. Despite knowing the ill effects, the idea of taking control is often pushed to the back of the mind, further keeping people hooked.
What are the Key Characteristics of Gambling Disorder?
Gambling may be a lucrative and “quick” way of making money, but with how quickly people get addicted, it makes sense that you’d need to focus on looking out for the signs.
Additionally, gambling studies indicate that the reason why people end up developing an addiction is because they fail to see the signs. So, the following are some telltale signs of compulsive gamblers that you need to look out for.
Loss of control when they gamble
The most common sign that you have a gambling addiction is when an individual fails to address the signs. They fail to keep an eye out for the signs and symptoms and can’t refrain from gambling. Despite the negative consequences, people with a gambling addiction have a hard time identifying the signs.
Chasing losses and keep gambling
People preoccupied with gambling often try to chase the kind of losses they have made. They make repeated attempts to regain control by betting with more money, not even thinking of the consequences of the situation.
Lying and secrecy lead to gambling addiction
Hiding gambling behavior from loved ones to protect the addiction. You will not even realize a loved one’s gambling until they want you to know about the same. They get addicted to gambling and often find it hard to express their shortcomings and other complications related to the situation.
Financial strain due to gambling problem
People with gambling disorders also face a lot of financial consequences. The time spent on gambling can also lead to a lot of debt and financial burden, etc. There are situations when gambling is causing a lot of issues in keeping their bills piling up and not getting paid.
Gambling addiction can have a devastating impact on every aspect of a person’s life. Relationships with loved ones become strained due to broken trust and financial burdens.
What Factors Contribute to Compulsive Gambling?
There is not one but multiple factors that develop a gambling problem. Be it for the money or for the thrill that the process brings; many people find acquiring gambling money a walk in the park.
Following are some of the factors that contribute to people’s gambling addiction:
Genetics contributes to the signs and symptoms of gambling disorder
As unique as it sounds, one of the most common problems gambling stems from is genetic issues. In most cases, people have a genetic predisposition to addictive behavior, which includes gambling as well. The same has been explored in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual as well.
Mental health issues as one of the risk factors
Gambling can become an issue for several people who have mental health complications. For example, people who have depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc., are more susceptible to developing a gambling addiction. You may have a gambling addiction when you are affected emotionally to a point where it’s pushing you to pursue addictive behavior.
Personality trait
Risk-taking personalities and those prone to impulsivity can be at a higher risk. These kinds of people also develop gambling issues and severe gambling. People with these kinds of behavior often experience impulse-control disorder and often lose control of their lives.
Exposure to gambling habits
Early exposure to gambling, either through family or environment, can increase the likelihood of addiction. Situations like these make people compelled to gamble, making them willing to risk something either for the money or for the kind of thrill the compulsive gambling may result in.
How to Help Someone with Problem Gambling and Regain Control of Life?
There are several ways to stop gambling and overcome the complications that come with it. However, the easiest of them all is focusing on getting the right treatment. Seeking help through cognitive behavioral therapy or peer support is one option available at the Sober Centre.
Much like Alcoholics Anonymous, there are self-help and professional treatment options that help in overcoming the complications associated with gambling.
These include:
- Self-awareness
- Support groups
- Therapy
- Financial counseling
- Self-exclusion programs
Gambling affects people’s lives in ways beyond comprehension. So, the key here is to look for the warning signs and understand that help is available.
Final Words
Gambling can be a fun activity, but it’s important to be aware of the potential complications that come with addiction. The key is to find an effective treatment for gambling addiction and refrain from using physical or gambling sites.
FAQs
Studies indicate that gambling affects the striatum and prefrontal cortex, leading to the inclination and repetitive behavior.
Owing to the negative impacts, the easiest way to stop gambling is to enroll in gamblers Anonymous and find healthy alternatives to gambling despite the situation that you might be in.
Technically, recovery from gambling addiction relies a lot on the kind of treatment you are receiving. It is usually better to entrust a professional treatment center to you than to do it yourself.
If you know someone who has a gambling addiction, the key is to identify the signs and offer them comprehensive treatment of gambling addiction. It is about finding the impulse to gamble and helping them overcome the same.
The easiest way to know it's time to seek professional help for a gambling problem is when things have gone out of your control. Not having that control over the urges is a sign that you need to talk to someone and receive treatment for the addictive tendencies.
