For many people, gambling is an enjoyable form of entertainment and a way to earn extra money. However, as it turns out, many people who begin their gambling adventure, whether in-person or online, fear that a harmless hobby will turn into a serious addiction.
Gambling, of course, isn’t as addictive as hard drugs—you’re unlikely to experience physical pain in withdrawal. However, the problems stemming from gambling addiction cannot be ignored, even if we ignore the financial aspect. Gambling addiction has devastated countless families and ruined many professional careers.
Therefore, before you decide to enter a casino or its website, it’s worth reading a responsible gambler’s guide. This will ensure that the casino remains a source of entertainment for you, and not the first step towards serious problems.
Gambling addiction begins when a player loses control over their contact with the casino. When they begin to neglect work, family, responsibilities, and other hobbies. In this situation, it’s impossible to definitively say whether playing poker once a week is too much or not. What matters is that the chosen gambling game slowly begins to become the sole purpose and pleasure in life. It ceases to be something acceptable and begins to be something necessary, regardless of the consequences of not quitting.
Who can become addicted to gambling?
Gambling addiction specialists distinguish three types of addicted gamblers. It’s important to remember that addiction is a disease, and the person suffering from it can’t quit gambling at will, even if they explicitly claim they can. This is a common theme among addicts—they constantly think they can quit. Yet, they always find a reason not to.
Players in the early stages of addiction slowly begin to lose control over their gaming. Even if they experience consecutive losses, they can’t stop. They begin to believe they’re close to a big win—after all, after several losses in a row, the tide must eventually turn. Often, during this phase, they begin to lie to their loved ones about their gambling or how much they’ve lost. They have to do this because they start playing more and more often. The biggest challenge here is realizing that the game is getting out of control. But here’s the biggest problem: the player at this stage still believes they have everything under control and can quit at any moment.
When a player completely loses control, we can call them compulsive or pathological. This is the moment when all inhibitions are released. What matters is the game itself, regardless of winning or losing. Even if it results in debt. This is the point at which, without professional support, recovery from addiction is very difficult. Of course, it’s not impossible, but it’s much easier to recover from this disease with the help of a psychologist or a support group.
In between these states, we also have gamers who occasionally experience gaming frenzy. This compulsive behavior doesn’t occur regularly, but only at specific times. Generally, such a person may not appear addicted and generally don’t even play at all. Such gamers are often found among those recovering from addiction. They manage their addiction on a daily basis, but in moments of crisis, they can “forget about the game” for days at a time. In such situations, it’s especially important to seek help from support groups—the members have often overcome the urge to gamble and can offer advice on what to do in such situations.
How to recognize addiction?
No addicted gambler will have this written all over their forehead. Sufferers, as with other psychological addictions, often try to hide their problems from the world, family, and partners. They fear a certain stigma—many people consider addiction a result of weakness or even stupidity. This complicates both diagnosis and subsequent recovery.
Psychological causes
Psychologists advise that if you’re worried someone close to you may be a victim of addiction, check for any sudden behavioral changes. For example, if they’ve given up hobbies, or are avoiding family events they used to attend, or if they’re becoming more withdrawn and withdrawn. In more advanced stages of the illness, neglect of responsibilities, work, or even childcare can occur. A person with addiction can sometimes disappear for a day or several days, only to return without a word.
Financial reasons
Another group of symptoms is financial problems. It begins with spending savings on gambling—money from deposits or savings accounts. Some people start taking on extra jobs to have money for gambling. Later, when this money runs out, they start borrowing—from friends, family, and finally from loan companies. If you gamble, check whether you’re not gambling with borrowed money. An important turning point is when you realize you regularly exceed your gambling budget. Then it’s worth calculating whether casino spending has become a significant part of your household budget.
Long way down
Then, when no one wants to lend money anymore, they start selling things from home—jewelry or electronics often find their way to a pawn shop. Often, at this point, the pawned items don’t belong to the player, but to their family or friends. Sometimes, a player “gets a break” and starts throwing money around. This is supposed to compensate for previous problems. However, it later turns out that the money from subsequent games has been returned to the casino account.
This is especially true in more advanced stages of addiction, as it turns out that gambling for small stakes doesn’t provide the same thrills it did just a few months earlier. This necessitates increasing stakes, making losses more painful. It turns out that gamblers lose more often than they win, despite having carefully planned how to win and what to do when they do.
Moreover, the panic associated with mounting debt and the lack of a way out leads many addicts to commit petty crimes to gain additional funds. Legal problems are a sign that recovery from addiction will be very difficult without professional help. Especially since if an addict ends up in prison, they are unlikely to receive treatment for addiction.
The emotional and financial rollercoaster causes mood swings and sudden outbursts of anger. The addicted person struggles to focus on anything other than their favorite gambling game. Health symptoms appear, including headaches and stomach aches, trouble sleeping or eating. They either overeat or go through long periods without eating.
In the most advanced stages of the disease, the gambler realizes there’s no way out. Suicidal thoughts emerge, and many people develop other addictions during this time. Sufferers seek a way out through alcohol, medication, or drugs. However, this only compounds the problems, and recovery becomes much, much more difficult.
Of course, it’s important to remember that even if you or someone else experiences a whole list of these symptoms, it doesn’t mean you’re suffering from addiction. Psychiatrists are responsible for making a diagnosis. If you have any doubts, schedule an appointment or suggest one to a loved one. This will make it easier to get professional help. Even the best online guide or forum shouldn’t replace such a diagnosis. Especially since if medication therapy is necessary, only a doctor will be able to select the appropriate medications and write a prescription. Never self-medicate!
What causes gambling addiction?
There’s no single, definitive answer to this question. Addiction is the sum of at least several factors that can ultimately lead to illness. This means that not everyone will become addicted, but on the other hand, you can never be sure that you’re safe and can definitely gamble without worry.
Imagine if every time you gambled, your brain produced a large dose of serotonin—the popular happiness hormone. As a result, every game brings you joy, you don’t have to go to sleep, and you even (if you wanted to test it) have a higher tolerance for pain. This, according to British scientists, is how the gambler’s brain works.
Of course, serotonin production during various activities is nothing unusual. Many people derive joy and satisfaction from playing video games or watching movies—it’s a normal brain function. The problem begins when the amount of serotonin produced by the brain facilitates the decision to throw another coin into the slot machine. Especially since the level of happiness hormones is similar to that produced when taking another dose of a drug.
Genetically determined gamblers
Moreover, some scientists claim that the tendency to engage in gambling and other addictions is genetically determined to some extent. While we haven’t identified the specific gene combination responsible for addiction, researchers believe that if a parent or grandparent was addicted to gambling, a son or grandchild is much more likely to develop the condition. Therefore, it’s worth exercising caution if you’ve observed addictions in your family.
Other researchers point to psychological factors related to a person’s mindset as the cause of gambling addiction. It turns out that if someone believes they can influence the outcomes of random events—for example, by inventing a special combination of numbers that will eventually come up.
This triggers the “one more game” syndrome, which makes them oblivious to how quickly time flies and money disappears. Especially since, for such people, each loss is simply “another step closer to the big win.” You probably know or have heard of someone who has been betting on lottery tickets for several years to win their dream prize. Or they count on the fact that the probability of thousands of losses in a row is zero—they have to win eventually, regardless of the costs they incur in the meantime.
How Society “Raises” Gamblers
However, experts believe that the most common cause of addiction is social factors. Many people are raised with the belief that gambling involves not only great risks but also great rewards. This is compounded by the fact that this type of entertainment is often considered a way to escape the problems of everyday life.
Gambling when we’re experiencing problems or severe stress only makes the problems persist after leaving the casino, sometimes even worse than before we entered. This creates a desire to return to a place where we can briefly forget about what’s troubling us. This, however, leads to gambling becoming more frequent, as gambling begins to be associated with something pleasurable, and certainly something that allows us to momentarily forget about the pain.
Addicted not only to gambling
People suffering from gambling addiction often develop additional illnesses and problems. The lack of a way out of their financial situation, combined with the need to gamble for increasingly higher stakes, makes addicts more likely to experience depression. Psychiatrists note that treating addiction often involves pharmacotherapy to address additional mental health issues first. It’s worth emphasizing that selecting medications to improve the patient’s condition can take several months, during which psychotherapy will be necessary to help the sufferer understand the causes of their addiction and how to cope with the urge to gamble again.
Additionally, addicts often develop additional addictions. For example, gambling addicts often use alcohol or drugs more frequently. This is a way for them to cope with the increasing stress resulting from increasingly frequent losses, financial problems, and even debt. Regular use of such substances makes life impossible without them. And this is precisely what we define as addiction. Therefore, it is not worth trying medications on your own—it can lead to addiction.
How does gambling addiction affect life?
Gambling itself doesn’t have to have a negative impact on a player’s life. It can be entertainment, a hobby, a way to pass the time. However, when we start talking about addiction, we begin to consider its negative consequences.
The most obvious external issue is financial problems. Playing for increasingly higher stakes and waiting for the moment when they can finally recoup their losses requires more and more cash. Few people decide to take on another job for this purpose, especially since the days are so short, but they still have to gamble sometime. Then, they need to tap into savings, borrow money, and ultimately, sell their home.
Addiction also leads to problems at work or school. Time spent gambling and difficulty concentrating on anything else impact productivity and performance. Many people even decide to quit their jobs, which certainly doesn’t help with debt.
Gambling addiction also affects family relationships. It’s not just about the lack of time devoted to gambling. As the addiction progresses, gamblers increasingly experience sudden outbursts of anger or panic. Statistics show that addicts are more likely to use violence against their partners or children. An addicted person may also want to cut off most non-gambling friendships, which also affects their relationships with others.
Long-term gambling addiction leads to suicidal thoughts and depressive episodes. All of these problems accumulate, affecting the addict’s well-being. Somatic symptoms, such as headaches and stomach pain, also contribute to this. Eating problems, quite common among addicts, often lead to overeating or, conversely, periods of fasting.
How common is gambling addiction?
It’s difficult to determine the exact number of people addicted to gambling. Some addicts don’t seek medical attention for treatment. Many are able to cope with the problem, either on their own or with the help of family and loved ones. However, many will suffer for years without even knowing how to seek help. Therefore, all we have are estimates and approximations.
Data for the United States show that as many as two to three percent of the country’s population may have a gambling problem. The percentage of those actually addicted is estimated at around one percent. These addictions are not evenly distributed across the country. In states where gambling is not restricted (for example, Nevada), the prevalence is obviously higher.
Statistics for Canada also indicate that approximately three percent of people are addicted. This translates to approximately one million people who may require treatment in the near future. We’re talking about adults here. The rate for those under eighteen who are addicted to gambling is alarming—in this group, approximately two percent experience symptoms of addiction.
Men are generally more susceptible to gambling addiction than women. Some researchers believe this stems from the fact that men are less likely to seek help in stressful situations, and are more likely to choose gambling or alcohol as a distraction.
How to deal with gambling addiction?
Generally speaking, it’s best to seek help from a specialist—a psychiatrist or psychologist. Especially if you’re experiencing several symptoms of a gambling problem or have heard from loved ones that you might be experiencing such a problem. Yes, you probably think you can stop at any time, but a visit to a doctor certainly won’t hurt you, and it might even help.
The beginning of overcoming the problem is realizing that you are part of it. The sooner you do this, the better—the less damage addiction will cause in your life. It’s not worth trying to overcome addiction on your own, however—it’s not only much more difficult, but for many people, downright impossible. If possible, find a support group—among those recovering from addiction, family, or loved ones.
It’s worth noting when gambling becomes more necessary—is it related to a stressful situation? If so, perhaps meditation or talking to someone about the problem itself might help instead of another round at the casino. This might be a good time to start that hobby you’ve been wanting to pursue for a few months, but poker was more important.
It’s also worth considering solutions that allow you to cut yourself off from online gambling. Some online casinos allow you to place a lock on a user’s account at their express request. This lock lasts from 12 hours to several months, and access to the game is not unblocked even if the user changes their mind and contacts user support.
A similar effect applies to maximum account balance limits, above which the casino won’t accept additional funds. This means that even if you lose the limit, you won’t be able to deposit more money, protecting yourself from losses. In such a situation, it’s also impossible to lift the limit, even at the request of the person who set it. It’s difficult to say at this time how many people regularly use these options.
How to help an addicted person?
If the addict is your partner, family member, or close friend, you may have mixed feelings. On the one hand, you want to help them and want them to be happy. On the other, you may be furious if your efforts don’t seem to be working. Finances may also be a problem—an unpaid loan or a few items that just turned up in a pawn shop make you fear for your future and financial security.
Therefore, it’s best to start a conversation about gambling not when you’re stressed or feeling irritable. You’ll need to explain to your partner that you’re not fighting it, but that their addiction is impacting your life and that of your family. Be prepared that the process of overcoming addiction will be difficult and certainly won’t end in a few days.
If you have children, it’s also worth telling them about the problem. This isn’t just about potential loans, but also about ensuring they’re not afraid of the unknown. The message will need to be tailored to the child’s age – you want them to understand that there’s a problem in the family, but not worry about it as if they were responsible for it.
You need to realize one thing: you can’t force someone to quit their addiction. The decision to seek treatment and help must always come from the person suffering from it. Otherwise, there’s no way they’ll recover.
Of course, if they want it, you can be supportive and steer them in the right direction, but it’s impossible to get them out of gambling altogether. Furthermore, if treatment isn’t effective, it’s not your fault either. When helping someone with a gambling addiction, it’s worth remembering the following four points.
- Take care of your own safety . This is the most important principle in providing help. Take care of your own needs and those of your children first. Without this, you won’t help anyone. Don’t blame yourself if this prevents you from helping an addicted person.
- Seek support . Helping others can be exhausting. It’s worth finding a support group to avoid burnout. Perhaps there’s a support group in your area for loved ones of addicts—connecting with them will help you understand that you’re not the only one struggling with this problem.
- Set financial boundaries . Remember that gambling is the most important expense for an addicted person. It’s up to you to determine how to manage your budget to cover basic needs. If a separate account is necessary, set one up. If your spouse is addicted, find out how to protect yourself from having to repay their debt.
- Prepare for requests for money . This is the most difficult advice—an addicted person can try to extort money from you in many ways. You need to be prepared for manipulation, requests, and even threats or blackmail. This isn’t just about helping the addicted person, but also about ensuring your own financial security.
How to prevent suicide among gambling addicts?
A gambling addict, especially in the later stages of addiction, has very low self-esteem. Financial and health problems do not help to improve it. Many people see no other way out of the situation than suicide. Suicide is often a cry for help.
If you suspect someone close to you may be considering suicide, it’s worth contacting Befrienders Worldwide, an organization that provides support in such situations. Their website provides information on how to find help in these situations and who to call in your country.
What to do instead of gambling?
Gambling generates emotions—that’s a pretty obvious statement. However, when searching for substitutes, you must remember that without these emotions, it will be harder to stick with your chosen activity. Therefore, it’s worth considering why you decide to gamble in the first place.
Let’s start with an adrenaline rush—watching the symbols on a slot machine move sends a rush of adrenaline into the brain. Many people, in such situations, choose activities that provide similar thrills—mountain climbing or driving on a car track offer a similar set of thrills, but at a much lower cost.
Others see gambling as an opportunity to get out of the house and meet people. For them, any other activity that requires interaction with others can be a substitute. Perhaps there’s a volunteer program in the area that allows them to meet new people? Many people also get involved in discussion clubs and even politics. This allows them to meet new people, and their activities begin to have a purpose.
For many people, gambling is simply a way to combat boredom. In such cases, finding a new hobby is a welcome relief—even playing video games offers a thrilling activity. Many people recovering from gambling return to books they were supposed to read or movies they haven’t seen. This allows them to occupy their time and avoid returning to gambling. Of course, it’s worth choosing a hobby that suits your temperament—if you’re feeling down at home, don’t start the evening with Netflix and tea.
Gambling is also used as a way to relax, especially after a stressful day. For those who use it this way, meditation or regular exercise can be a good alternative, as they help relieve stress. Perhaps a massage combined with aromatherapy is worth considering? Such methods allow you to unwind without having to spend money on gambling.
Another reason people gamble is the desire to win big. This becomes a problem, especially when winning is supposed to help with debt. In such a situation, it’s better to seek the help of a financial advisor who can prepare a debt-free plan for you than to rely on chance and a win that may never come. A well-planned debt recovery or savings plan may not net you millions, but it will help you avoid losing your life savings.
The most common myths about addiction
You have to play every day to get addicted – MYTH .
Frequency isn’t necessarily important. What matters is whether gambling interferes with a normal life and doesn’t create problems in relationships. Of course, the more frequently you engage in risky behavior, the greater the likelihood of developing an addiction, but you can become addicted even if you don’t gamble every day.
Gambling is only a problem when you can’t afford to lose – MYTH .
Addiction affects not only finances but also relationships within families and relationships. An addicted person may also experience problems at work and have to cover losses from their own savings. Furthermore, addiction also leads to emotional problems, potential depression, and suicidal thoughts. Of course, gambling addiction also translates into financial problems, but they aren’t the only ones.
Gambling addiction is a problem of mentally weak people – MYTH .
Addiction problems affect people from all walks of life and with varying histories of gambling. It’s impossible to single out one “type” of people who become addicted. It’s not possible to say that they are irresponsible, mentally weak, or inferior. Such stigmatization actually makes recovery from addiction more difficult. An addicted person has low self-esteem and seeks escape through gambling.
Problems at home or conflict with a partner cause gambling – MYTH .
An addicted person often rationalizes their behavior. The reason for their increasing gambling behavior could be anything. This is especially important for those with loved ones who are addicted—it’s not your fault your partner is going to the casino again, even if you hear it repeatedly in an argument.
The way to solve gambling problems is to pay off someone else’s debts – MYTH .
At first glance, this seems like a good solution—it certainly takes one burden off the addict’s shoulders. The problem, however, is that if the addict has money to gamble—or the ability to take out further loans—they’ll have an excuse to keep gambling. It’s not worth paying off someone else’s debts, especially when it could threaten your own financial security.
Where to find help for addicts?
For English-speaking people, there are several sources that allow you to find information for people with addictions or those looking for information about gambling addiction.
BeGambleAware
One of the most popular sites is BeGambleAware—a free service offering help to those who suspect they or a loved one has a gambling problem. They have a 24/7 chat and helpline to help find information about addiction or direct help. The site also offers a simple test to determine if you have a gambling problem.
The California Department of Public Health is offering a free book designed to help addicts overcome gambling addiction on their own. This can be helpful for those who have severely isolated themselves from the outside world and are trying to overcome their addiction on their own. The book is less than 40 pages long and can be a good start in overcoming addiction.
Problem Gambling
You can also contact Problem Gambling. They’ll provide basic information about addiction and how to begin the recovery process. They also offer many self-help methods for overcoming addiction, though it’s important to remember that the support of others is crucial in coping with the problem.
GamCare
In the UK, the most popular option is GamCare. They also run a 24-hour helpline for people suspected of addiction. The organization offers confidentiality and professional support. Furthermore, it provides access to other addicts, allowing you to talk to others in a similar situation and find answers to your questions.
