Gambling
Addiction
​Gambling can be a fun once-in-a-while activity or, for the lucky few, a way to win that illusive jackpot. Unfortunately, gamblers can become obsessive and compulsive about playing the ponies or pulling the one-armed bandit. They may find themselves in the throes of an addiction that could ruin them financially, socially, psychologically or even physically.
1
What is Gambling Addictions?
​This is the urge to continuously gamble even though there is a desire to stop and the consequences are negative and harmful. It is also known as problem gambling ludomania or compulsive gambling.
2
Why is gambling addictive?
Gambling addiction can act very similarly to drug addiction. In both cases, the reward pathway in the brain can be stimulated, creating a sense of satisfaction. More specifically, the stimulation of this reward pathway triggers the release of a chemical messenger called dopamine, which leads to a euphoric feeling. Gambling products that enable easy and fast play, seen in particular with fixed-odds betting, can also be addictive, as ‘near wins,’ which are losses disguised as a win, also excite the reward pathway in the brain.
To regenerate this feeling, some individuals may repetitively engage in gambling behavior. Eventually, gamblers can build up a tolerance, causing their brain’s neurons to adapt and produce less dopamine in response to that behavior. To overcome this, compulsive gamblers often engage in riskier ventures to create the same sense of satisfaction and may find it difficult to stop gambling. This cycle of behavior can lead to addiction and gambling disorders. However, it is important to note that not all individuals who gamble will develop a gambling addiction.
3
What are the signs of gambling addiction?
-
Being preoccupied with gambling, such as constantly planning gambling activities and how to get more gambling money
-
Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same thrill
-
Trying to control, cut back or stop gambling, without success
-
Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down on gambling
-
Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression
-
Trying to get back lost money by gambling more (chasing losses)
-
Lying to family members or others to hide the extent of your gambling
-
Risking or losing important relationships, a job, or school or work opportunities because of gambling
-
Asking others to bail you out of financial trouble because you gambled money away.
4
How is gambling addiction treated?
Treatment for gambling addiction begins with the individual acknowledging their disorder. This can be one of the most challenging parts of treating compulsive gambling, as it is often difficult for compulsive gamblers to admit they have a problem.
In some cases, medications that treat mental disorders, such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers, can aid in reducing gambling behaviors. Long-term treatment to overcome gambling addiction often focuses on behavioral changes and support. Oftentimes, behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy may be beneficial. Behavior therapy employs systematic exposure to gambling behaviors to reduce urges. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on replacing unhealthy behaviors and beliefs with healthy and positive ones. Support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, can also be helpful. Through these interventions, individuals should aim to create barriers between themself and gambling, change how they view gambling, and develop new hobbies. Another suggested tool is self-exclusion, which refers to blocking oneself from gambling temptation.
It is important to note that despite treatment, one can still be at risk of relapse, especially if exposed to other gamblers or gambling environments. It is recommended to reach out to a physician or mental health provider if one feels particularly at risk of relapse.