Addiction can come in many shapes and forms, among which is the addiction to gambling. Like other addictions to substances or other compulsive destructive behaviors, a gambling addiction can be just as severe. It can also be damaging to one’s emotional, physical, financial, and mental well-being.
A gambling addiction may have a quick onset and may not show signs or symptoms until it’s out of control. That’s why it is important to recognize the signs and patterns early on. There are a variety of helpful resources available to assist those who are struggling with an addiction to gambling.
According to a recent study that examined the relationship between substance addictions and gambling addictions, “problem gambling is an urge to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop.”
What Is Gambling?
Gambling can be defined as the of playing a game, using valuables or currency as a stake with the hope of gaining higher returns. Many people claim the knowledge or experience of patterns and sequences they have may put them at an advantage. But there is no assurance of their success and it “game” still relies heavily on luck.
Recently gambling has become more widespread because there are many avenues to pursue that include gambling or “quasi-gambling.” Originally, gambling used to occur only in specific locations and was even outlawed at times.
Now, however, online gambling, sports gambling, and many other avenues can be easily accessed from the ease of your phone or computer. Even betting in the stock market can count as “quasi-gambling” since it involves currency, uncertainty, and often high stakes.
Why Is Gambling Addictive?
Like other addictive behaviors, a gambling addiction relies on the brain sending reward signals to the body that cause a feeling of euphoria. And also like other addictions, the dependence on the chemicals released into the body can cause compulsive and eventually destructive behaviors associated with the addictive pattern.
Thus, the increased levels of dopamine triggered by addictive activities that stimulates that euphoria are attributed to the cause of addiction.
What is a Gambling Addiction?
If an individual suffers from a gambling addiction, they have become dependent on the bodily chemicals—the “rewards”—that are triggered when they engage in gambling activities. Some behavioral symptoms according to clinicians include:
- Periodic or continuous loss of control over gambling
- Preoccupation with time spent gambling
- Preoccupation with obtaining money to gamble
- Irrational thinking
- Continuation of behavior despite destructive effects
There is also a condition known as “pathological gambling,” which is an even more severe expression of a gambling addiction. With pathological gambling, the stakes become higher and the losses are even greater. This pertains not only to the amount of currency but the relationships, quality of life, and biological effects that the person puts at risk with their behavior.
Signs of a Gambling Addiction
If you think someone might be struggling with an addiction to gambling, being able to recognize the signs and patterns is of great importance. Like any addictive behavior, time is a very important factor: the sooner it can be identified, the sooner it can be addressed and treated.
- Loss of Sleep: A sign that someone may be on the brink of an addiction to gambling is the propensity to lose sleep or devalue the importance of sleep. Many people will stay awake late at night just so they can continue gambling. Now that online gambling is widely available, you don’t have to drive to a casino to get your “high:” you can do it from the comfortability of your home, making the temptation all the stronger.
- Inability to Stop: Another sign of a gambling addiction is the person’s inability to stop engaging in the addictive behavior. A person gambling for fun begins the game with a set amount of money with which they gamble. When they run out of money, the game is over. For those with addictions to gambling, they instead run to the ATM to immediately more money in order to keep playing. They may also increase the stakes by betting with property, possessions, or other valuables.
- Deteriorating Relationships: A third sign of a gambling addiction is the person’s difficulty in maintaining healthy personal and professional relationships. They may struggle to stay connected with family and friends, and instead spend all their time gambling. Moreover, if the addiction is pathological, the person may resort to lying, manipulating, and abusing the relationships in their lives in order to further their gambling behaviors.
Pathological Gambling
As demonstrated here, it is clear that addictions to gambling can be just as bad as addictions to alcohol, drugs, and other substances and behaviors. If the person’s addiction to gambling becomes pathological, their personal and financial risk of losing everything increases drastically.
In the worst cases, one may decide to take out a second mortgage on their home or funnel savings or all their income just to play another round. Job loss, along with physical and mental health deterioration, can also occur alongside gambling addictions.
But with the right resources, treatment, and support, there is hope for everyone to stop a gambling addiction— just like any other addiction.
Towards Recovery with a Gambling Addiction
Gambling addictions are particularly challenging to address because many people with the addiction are not aware that they are addicted. They may still see it as a hobby they especially enjoy and just spend a lot of time doing.
Even though it may be difficult to identify and address, recovering from a gambling addiction is more than possible:
Seek Professional Recovery Help: The first step is to contact a recovery center where the individual can receive professional assistance. Putting oneself in the hands of those who have the best in mind for the person is key. They will then be able to take their first steps to healing and recovery. If this is something you’re struggling with, get in touch with a professional at Heartwood Recovery today.
