Book Online Counselling and Treatment for Gambling Addiction

A Quick Overview

Gambling addiction is not a failure of will. It is a brain disorder that can have many social, physical, and psychological effects. Classified as an impulse-control disorder, it involves repeated betting. It is not restricted to only casinos and slot machines. Lottery tickets or betting with your friend could also be forms of gambling. Depression, distress, and other anxiety-related problems are commonly seen in people with this disorder.

It might start with the motive of earning a large sum of money. But there could be other reasons like the need to experience the emotional high of risk or entertainment. In any case, it often comes with harmful consequences for the person and their loved ones. Once addicted, the person can get drawn into the cycle of winning and losing. It can be hard to get out of this cycle, and the person might even attempt suicide in their attempt to escape.

Major Causes

Different biological and environmental factors could cause someone to become a compulsive gambler.

• Substance abuse and depression: Reports suggest that nearly half of the people who exhibit characteristics of this condition indulge in substance misuse. They are also more likely to suffer from personality disorders and depression.
• Stress: Many traumatic and stressful life experiences may push someone towards compulsive betting. The death of a loved one, financial problems, or relationship issues could all cause someone to become an addict. Betting offers an escape from these issues. The emotional high of trying your luck can divert someone's attention from other life problems.
• Isolation: Someone with much free time might gamble as a social activity to pass the time. It may also offer them a chance to make associations with new people. Despite starting as a social activity, the adrenalin rush of betting can get someone addicted to it.
• Easily Available: As mentioned earlier, you may not indulge only in casinos and big establishments. A roadside shop selling lottery tickets can also offer the temptation to gamble. Fundraising raffles in school or a game of cards at a family get-together can also cause someone to get addicted.
• Dopamine: Medication used to treat Parkinson's disease may have a rare side effect. That is that it may cause someone to become a compulsive gambler. This could be due to the release of dopamine in our bodies, making us seek pleasure in any way possible. The uncertainty associated with gambling can induce a sort of pleasure in certain people, and this can lead to forming a habit.

Common Signs

Compulsive gamblers often feel ashamed of their compulsion. Hence, they avoid telling others but there are few signs seen in people with this disorder.

• If you are a casual gambler, you are likely to stop after losing or winning a certain amount of money. But a pathological gambler would keep betting in the hope of recovering all the lost money. This behavior can become destructive over time.
• It can become so addictive to gamble that a person might go to extreme lengths to arrange money. They might lie to their family and friends or borrow money with fake promises. Some might even resort to committing crimes to get money.
• Some people with this ailment might go through phases where they spend less time and money gambling. But that usually isn't permanent if left untreated. They may feel restless and irritable. Anxiety and distress are also common in people trying to cut back.
• A compulsive gambler may spend a lot of time thinking about betting. They might recount their experiences of success. They are usually looking for ways to arrange more money so they can gamble large amounts to feel the excitement.

Risk Factors

Some risk factors may include:

• Environment and Genetics: A person who grows up in a family where parents or other family members gamble is more likely to develop such problems. Some reports suggest that genetics might also play a significant role in someone becoming a compulsive gambler.
• Age: This disorder is more common in middle-aged and younger people. Someone who gets into it at a young age is more likely to develop a habit.
• Sex: Men are more likely to become compulsive gamblers. They are more drawn toward strategic forms of betting like sports betting or card games. On the other hand, women may prefer to indulge through lottery tickets or a game of bingo.
• Mental disorders: A study conducted in 2018 suggested that people with psychiatric disorders are seventeen times more likely to develop this condition.

Common Triggers

Triggers may vary from person to person. The same trigger may not compel all individuals to become an addict. Some of the common triggers are:

• Drug Addiction: People with one addiction are likely to develop another form. Gambling and alcoholism/drug consumption are closely associated with each other. Individuals who get high on drugs might want to experience the high of betting. It could happen the other way around as well, as someone who gambles might do drugs to aid his experience of ecstasy.
• Social Life: Someone who hangs out in a circle of people who gamble often might also want to try their luck. People leading a stressful life due to a job or family may also be more prone to fall prey to this condition. It could also be that if someone had an extremely social life but is now deprived of that may indulge in this for the social experience. This is usually seen in people who have just retired.

How to Deal With Your Symptoms

There are various ways to deal with your symptoms. These may involve:

• Self-realization: The first step in dealing with this problem is to accept that it is a problem that can affect your private and public life. If you see any of the signs mentioned above, then you must reflect on your habits. Understanding the consequences of this habit on yourself and your family should give you reason enough to acknowledge the problem.
• Taking responsibility: You should put your responsibility towards your family members ahead of your habit. Making sure you take care of all the bills and expenses might leave you with less money to spend on betting. It will also ensure that even if things go downhill, your family won't have to bear the consequences in the short run.
• Seeking help: It can be tough to open up about your addiction to anyone. But lying to hide it away will help no one. Be honest with your family and friends. Let them help you in getting your addiction under control. Knowing that you have support from them may also reduce the chances of depression.

Get Treatment From a Licensed Therapist Who’s Right For You

If you suspect that your casual gambling is turning compulsive, you might need a health care professional to assess it. They can give a more detailed assessment of your condition.

There could be different causes behind people developing this addiction, so they might need a different treatment plan addressing those causes. Factors like personal life, family, job, and financial issues may need consideration. A professional can refer you to an appropriate therapist after looking into all this. And with the right assistance, you can combat this condition.

Schedule a Virtual Psychotherapy Appointment with a Counsellor Today

We at DocVita make the whole process a lot easier and a lot less exhausting. By scheduling an appointment with one of our counsellors, you can better understand your situation. They can also guide you on how to approach it. Our team of experienced therapists can provide you with a treatment that is best suited for you.

One person's addiction can ruin the life of a whole family. Let us help you in getting over it. Book an appointment with us right now.