The core concept of gambling is that you risk something of value in the expectation of getting back something of even greater value. Though gambling is a socially acceptable recreational activity, for a small but significant number of people, gambling negatively impacts their whole life and that of their loved ones.
Pathological gambling, also called as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder is characterized by an irrepressible impulse to gamble ignoring the serious consequences.
According to scientists, gambling, similar to alcohol and drugs, stimulates the brain’s reward system with a potential for addiction. A person with compulsive gambling problem is likely to constantly chase stakes that lead to losses, drain savings, amass huge debt, or even choose to resort to theft or fraud to keep the habit going.
Exactly what causes gambling addiction is not yet fully understood. However, understanding and acknowledging the problem helps people seek help through professional treatment.
Signs that you or a loved one may have a gambling problem:
- Restlessness and irritability when trying to cut down on gambling
- Preoccupation including excessive thinking and planning for the next game of gambling
- Increasing urge and use of more and more money to get the same level of thrill
- Trying to regain lost money by betting higher stakes
- Gambling as a way of relief from problems or feelings of guilt, anxiety or depression
- Neglecting family, job or school work because of gambling
- Resorting to illegal behavior, theft or fraud to continue gambling
Risk factors
Anyone can develop pathological gambling problem but there are some factors that make people more vulnerable to this addiction. These include:
Mental health disorders: It is observed that who are dealing with have substance abuse issues, depression or anxiety and other mental health disorders could also develop a compulsion to gamble.
Age: Addiction to gambling is more common in younger and middle-aged people though it could be seen the older adult population also. Gambling Another societal factor is that it is
Men and women: A study to understand gambling behavior differences based on sex noted associations of specific gambling activities for both genders. For example, problem gambling was strongly associated with gambling machines among women, whereas it was related to sports betting, poker and casino games among men.
Influence of others: If your family members or friends have a gambling problem, the chances are greater that you will, too.
Compulsive gambling may result from a combination of biological, genetic and environmental factors. Sometimes people with a compulsive gambling problem may have remission where they reduce the number of times they gamble less for some time. However, without treatment, the remission usually isn’t permanent.
If you recognize your own behavior from the list of signs and symptoms for compulsive gambling, seek professional help.
For additional information and resources check out: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/compulsive-gambling/symptoms-causes/syc-20355178