Identifying the Signs of an Addiction to Gambling
Gambling is a popular leisure activity that has social and economic impacts on both the gambler and his/her family members, as well as society. It also provides positive social benefits such as mental development and skills improvement. However, it can become a problem when it becomes an addiction and can negatively affect the individual’s health, relationships and social life.
Addiction to gambling is a progressive disease, and it can have negative psychological, physical, social and financial repercussions. It is classed as an impulse-control disorder, and is included in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
The Brain’s Response to Gambling
A person with an addiction to gambling is unable to control their behavior. This is because of the way the brain responds to the pleasurable feelings that result from gambling. The brain releases dopamine, a chemical messenger that causes the body to experience a feeling of pleasure. When someone wins, this release of dopamine is a major trigger for them to want to gamble more. This cycle continues and can create a downward spiral of compulsive gambling, increasing the person’s desire for more money to be spent on gambling.
Identifying signs of an addiction to gambling can be challenging, and often a combination of factors is necessary to determine whether gambling is a problem for the individual. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Losing Money
People with a gambling addiction lose money because they are in a habit of “chasing” their losses, or trying to win back what they have lost. This can have serious repercussions for the individuals finances, including high credit card debt and bankruptcy.
Depression and anxiety
A person suffering from a gambling addiction can also suffer from depression or other mental health conditions. This is because the high that results from a winning wager can be more stimulating than other activities, and the devastation of losing can make people feel helpless and depressed.
In addition, people with a gambling addiction may experience anxiety and migraine. These can result in a greater need for stress relief and can lead to an increased risk of suicide.
Recovering from a Gambling Addiction
A gambling addict may have to spend a lot of time, money and effort to recover from their addiction. This can be very stressful and hard on the individual, as well as their loved ones and friends. They may have to take time off work and study, change jobs or even relocate.
Recovering from a gambling addiction can be difficult because it takes a lot of willpower to stop and resist the urge to gamble. The best thing a family can do is to seek support, and set some boundaries for the gambling addict to keep them accountable for their behavior.
While there are many different types of gambling, the most popular forms include casinos and online gambling. There are also numerous advantages to gambling that people do not realize. For instance, the social aspects of gambling are beneficial and can help people relax and have fun with their friends and family. The mental stimulation of playing games such as blackjack and poker can also be a great form of exercise for the brain. It also improves the ability to think critically and apply tactics.