Gambling addiction describes a behavioral addiction where a person has an irresistible craving for gambling or computer games. It causes the same destructive personality changes as classic drug addiction, but it doesn’t involve psychoactive substances. Read more about the signs and varieties of game addiction below.

Common signs of gambling addiction: top 10

Internet resources spread game addiction among people of all ages, including children and teenagers. Loved ones of a gamer need to contact a specialist when they detect the first signs of addiction.

Loss of control

The first symptom of game addiction shows when a person cannot stop or reduce time spent playing, even with physical ailments or the desire to stop. Continuous play for several days has caused deaths in computer clubs due to dehydration or acute circulatory system disorders.

Excessive fascination with gaming

Interest in video games is normal, but in addicted people it turns into an obsession. Identify addiction by these signs:

1. Constant thoughts about games, ignoring other hobbies and interests
2. Memories of past gambling sessions
3. Obsessive planning of video game or gambling strategies
4. Fixation on video games or gambling, inability to talk about other topics

Uncontrollable outbursts of aggression while gaming

Feeling anger or frustration after losing is normal, but in addicted people it becomes too intense. After a failed bet, a person with a gambling problem might scream, show aggression, break things, or cry. This shows an excessive emotional attachment to gambling.

Desire to hide the problem from others

The gambler knows he has lost control and tries to hide his addiction from others. Hints about the harm of his hobby cause anger and irritation. The addict lies and manipulates to hide his true motives and actions.

Chasing losses 

An addicted person tries to “win back” immediately after a loss, gradually increasing the stakes. In this case, he is not guided by logic and any strategy, but acts impulsively.

Financial problems

Gambling addiction can ruin a person’s financial situation. Even someone with a stable income can end up homeless and destitute. Initially, the addict loses their entire salary. Then they start selling personal belongings. In the end, they can lose everything – house, business, car, furniture – accumulating huge debts and facing increasing financial problems.

Increasing the stakes 

The ludomaniac starts with small amounts, but gradually increases the size of bets to achieve the desired level of excitement. For this reason, over time he faces great financial difficulties. 

Ignoring real problems

A person gets so drawn into the game that they forget about studies, work, relationships, friends, hobbies, and pastimes. They stop thinking about the future and focus only on planning game strategies.

Psycho-emotional disorders

The gamer experiences constant “emotional swings,” which strain their nervous system. Over time, loved ones notice changes in behavior:

1. sudden outbursts of aggression;
2. tearfulness;
3. overly elevated mood;
4. unusual sensitivity, especially when talking about the harm of games.

Ignoring natural needs

This issue affects both children and adults. The gamer skips meals to keep playing, ignores hygiene rules, and doesn’t comb hair or wash clothes. Insomnia, weight loss, or rapid weight gain (due to inactivity and quick junk food snacks at the computer) occur.

How can gambling addiction be prevented?

These measures are fundamental to protecting not only individuals, but also their families and communities.

Raising awareness

Informing the population about the risks and consequences of excessive gambling is essential. Talks in schools and communities, the distribution of information materials and the inclusion of information about the risks of gambling in advertisements are all effective measures. 

It is important to demystify the idea that gambling is an easy way to make money. Showing real cases of people who have faced difficulties due to addiction can help raise awareness of the dangers involved.

Adequate support

Support centers and helplines should be available to provide immediate assistance. Treatment for gambling addiction can include individual therapy, support groups and, in more severe cases, rehabilitation programs.

Family members and friends also need guidance on how to deal with the situation. They are often the first to notice the signs of addiction and can play a crucial role in encouraging the individual to seek help. 

How to help a gambling addict

Friends and family face cold or aggressive behavior, lack of attention, financial issues, and other problems. Attempts to help often lead to arguments or aggression, making loved ones unsure if they should intervene. Do not assume the addiction will disappear on its own. Overcoming addiction requires hard work, and the support of loved ones often proves invaluable.

 3 factors to avoid

Before helping someone, understand that wrong actions can worsen the relationship without achieving results. Here are actions loved ones often take in good faith that do not bring results.

1. Directly telling the person they have an addiction: Most times, this approach leads to opposition, arguments, and aggression instead of results.
2. Isolating the person from electronic devices or gambling money: Parents of teenagers often try this method. However, people of any age will look for ways around the restriction, leading to lying, running away from home, and stealing.
3. Underestimating the severity of the addiction: One might think a person just does not want to fight their habit and can quit easily. Gambling addiction does not occur on its own. It often has various causes, some rooted in the person’s past. Overcoming gambling addiction involves a long, laborious process that does not yield immediate results.

How to behave with an addict

Help your loved one realize the problem gently. Guide them to reach the right conclusion on their own. Use a trusting conversation in a calm setting. Ask rhetorical questions that encourage reflection. When the person realizes time, money, and resources go nowhere and they lack self-control, they take the first step toward recovery.

Find the cause of the problem. Easy money often attracts those with childhood psychological traumas or failures in work or relationships. When a person feels confident in these areas, they feel less need for self-assertion in gambling.

Help create a plan of action. If the person acknowledges their problem, they might need help organizing themselves. If they agree to cooperate, suggest these steps:

1. Set a limit on time and money spent on gambling.
2. Avoid using borrowed funds for gambling.
3. Replace gambling with other recreational activities.

Be present and show understanding. A person with addiction might not always be a pleasant conversation partner or neighbor. However, when close ones do not turn away, it helps the person build confidence. The chance to talk frankly also helps the person cope with emotional tension.

Find an engaging way to spend time. Try a sport, fishing, board games (without gambling or betting), or simply going for walks. Show the person that time spent on other activities can be just as exciting and more beneficial for the mind and body.

Stay persistent. Treating gambling addiction takes a long and laborious effort. Expect setbacks, possibly even prolonged ones. However, don’t abandon the person struggling and don’t let them give up. Offer encouragement, support, and praise for their successes. Motivation plays a crucial role in recovery.

Is There a Test or Self-Assessment I Can Do?

Self-assessment tools exist to help you understand your gambling habits. These tools ask questions about your gambling behavior, frequency, and impact on your life. You should answer honestly to get accurate results. Here are a few questions to consider:

If you answer yes to several of these questions, you might have a gambling problem. 

When to See a Doctor or Mental Health Professional

If self-assessment results indicate a gambling problem, consider seeing a doctor or mental health professional. You should also seek help if you experience any of the following:

1. Inability to control gambling. If you find it hard to cut down or stop gambling despite repeated efforts, you need professional help. 
2. Financial problems. When gambling causes serious financial issues, such as accumulating debt, borrowing money, or selling belongings, it is time to see a professional. Financial stress often worsens the gambling problem and creates a vicious cycle.
3. Emotional distress. If gambling leads to anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems, you should seek help. Emotional distress often drives people to gamble more as a way to escape, which only exacerbates the problem.
4. Relationship issues. If gambling causes frequent arguments, mistrust, or isolation, a professional can help address these issues and provide support.
5. Compulsive behavior. If you experience strong urges to gamble and engage in compulsive gambling, you need professional intervention. 

Mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or counselors, specialize in treating gambling addiction. They use various approaches to help you manage and overcome your addiction:

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you identify and change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors related to gambling. It teaches you coping strategies and problem-solving skills to manage urges and prevent relapse.
2. Motivational interviewing. This technique helps you find internal motivation to change your gambling behavior. It involves setting goals and developing a plan to achieve them.
3. Group therapy. Participating in group therapy provides peer support and helps you share experiences with others facing similar challenges. Group therapy offers a sense of community and reduces feelings of isolation.
4. Family therapy. Family therapy addresses the impact of gambling addiction on your loved ones. It helps improve communication and rebuild trust within the family.
5. Medication. In some cases, medication helps manage co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders. These conditions often exacerbate gambling addiction and require treatment for effective recovery.

Besides professional help, self-help groups like Gamblers Anonymous offer support and guidance. These groups follow a 12-step program and provide a network of people who understand the challenges of gambling addiction. Attending regular meetings and engaging with the community helps reinforce your commitment to recovery.

Conclusion

Preventing gambling addiction requires a concerted effort to raise awareness, provide adequate support, impose restrictions and strictly control access to minors. By educating the population, offering assistance and implementing control measures, we can significantly reduce the negative impact of gambling on society. It is crucial that everyone involved – from authorities to families – works together to create a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

recognizing and addressing gambling addiction early makes a significant difference in recovery. Self-assessment tools help identify potential gambling problems. Seeking professional help when you experience an inability to control gambling, financial problems, emotional distress, relationship issues, or compulsive behavior proves crucial. Mental health professionals use various approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, group therapy, family therapy, and medication to treat gambling addiction. Self-help groups like Gamblers Anonymous provide additional support and a sense of community. Taking these steps helps you regain control over your life and overcome gambling addiction.

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