Gambling Addiction:
Gambling, compared to all behavioural addictions, is the only one that can cause the most financial damage in the short term. This addiction can bring even the wealthiest person down to complete destitution.
Gambling addiction today is not limited to sports betting, casino roulette or slot machines – the explosion of online betting has made it very accessible to anyone with a phone and apps.
In just a few clicks, compulsive gamblers can place bets that could lead to ruin. Unlike substance abuse, where an addict’s consumption is limited by physiology and the body’s ability to cope with a given amount of drinks or drugs, the only limiting factor is a gambler’s potential spending. No matter how wealthy they may be to start with, a person can lose everything they own.
Although definitions differ from one authority to another, gambling addiction is generally considered an impulse control disorder manifesting as a compulsion to gamble (betting on horses, playing slot machines, etc.) regardless of the negative consequences, and sometimes despite the desire to stop.
To be diagnosed as having a “gambling disorder”, a patient must present certain symptoms over a given period. Other diagnoses may have conditions that need to be met. Because our understanding of behavioural addiction continues to evolve and because it can manifest in very different ways from one person to another, many doctors may consider a patient as suffering from gambling addiction even if they do not meet such strict criteria. If someone gambles regardless of the harm caused to themselves or others, and finds it difficult or impossible to stop gambling, they may need treatment for their condition.
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Types of Gambling Addiction Problems
In principle, any type of gambling can lead to addiction, as it is the behavioural pattern around anticipation, then placing a bet, and subsequently anticipating a result, that becomes habitual and then addictive; it is possible a gambler may take risks with their health and safety, such as playing Russian roulette.
Most gambling involves risking money and, naturally, it is this kind of betting around which the gambling industry revolves.
The most significant and damaging types of gambling include sports betting (including horse racing) and event betting, casino and card games (with online versions also available), lotteries and scratch cards.
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Stages of Gambling Addiction:
Although each case of addiction is unique, experts often divide the progression of gambling addiction into several stages:
The winning phase:
The winning phase often begins with a big win, leading to excitement and a positive view of gambling. Compulsive gamblers believe they have a special talent for gambling and that winning will continue. They begin devoting more time and money to gambling.
The losing phase:
Compulsive gamblers become increasingly preoccupied with gambling. They begin gambling alone, borrowing money, skipping work, lying to family and friends, and not repaying debts. They also begin trying to chase their losses.
The desperation phase
Compulsive gamblers lose all control over their gambling. They feel ashamed and guilty after gambling, but they cannot stop. They may cheat or steal to fund their addiction. The consequences of compulsive gambling catch up with them: they may lose their job, get divorced or be arrested.
Gambling Addiction Treatment:
Through a combination of therapy (particularly cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational therapy and motivational interviewing), medication (where appropriate to treat underlying conditions and complications arising from addiction), support groups and more, it is possible for even the most desperate and devoted gambler to change their life.
Our rehabilitation centre offers treatment services for various types of addiction, including gambling addiction. If you are struggling with a gambling addiction, no matter how severe your condition, it is never too late to seek help.
