The dangers of gambling addiction -

Gambling addiction is a serious and pervasive problem all across the world, and yet it is rarely talked about with the same seriousness as other addictions or illnesses. Gambling is also frequently glamorized in film and television, making it hard to talk about for the millions of people around the world who struggle with compulsive gambling. Gambling addictions can take individuals down dark paths that lead to financial ruin, physical harm, and the loss of loved ones. Thankfully, however, there is hope and help available for anyone looking to get back on the right track.

Read on to learn more about the often-misunderstood world of compulsive gambling, and what there is to do about it.

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What is gambling addiction? -

Gambling can quickly become problematic when it begins to have serious, adverse consequences for your personal life and you begin finding it hard or impossible to stop gambling. Since gambling stimulates the reward center of your brain, it can become a serious addiction just the same as drugs or alcohol.

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How many people are affected by gambling addiction? -

A 2020 study showed that more than two million people over the age of 18 suffer from compulsive gambling, or gambling disorder, in the United States alone.

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Who is at risk? -

There are numerous risk factors involved that can lead to certain people being more susceptible to gambling addiction than others.

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Who is at risk? -

Studies show that younger people are more likely to develop gambling addictions than older people, but those problems frequently stick with people far into older adulthood. Certain psychological conditions can also make someone predisposed to compulsive gambling, such as OCD and bipolar disorder.

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Signs you might be a compulsive gambler -

It's not difficult to slip into a serious gambling addiction without even realizing it, as the habit is easy to get swept up in. That being said, there are a number of signs to look out for.

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Preoccupation with gambling -

Like other, less damaging hobbies and habits, gambling can easily start to fill up large parts of your brain, to the point where it's hard to think about anything else and all of your plans begin to revolve around gambling.

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Mood swings -

Incessant gambling can adversely affect the reward center in your brain, which can lead to erratic and severe mood swings at the cards table and in your public life.

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Always raising the stakes -

Another telltale sign of addictions of all kinds is a constant need to push your habit a bit further every time in order to find the same satisfaction as the first time. If you find yourself betting progressively more and more, it might be time to take a step back.

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Uncontrollable gambling -

A sure sign that you are developing a problem with gambling is when you feel you have no control over yourself. If you feel yourself placing bets almost against your will, it's wise to seek treatment as soon as possible.

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Restlessness or irritability -

When life revolves around gambling, other aspects of everyday existence can seem frustrating and taxing. Try to notice if you are particularly irritable and/or restless during your normal life.

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Gambling as a form of escapism -

Many people can causally gamble on a vacation to Las Vegas as a form of recreation and celebration without it developing into a problem. If, however, you look to gambling for an escape from the troubles of your daily life, it's easy to quickly become dependent on the habit.

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Chasing losses -

Casual gamblers are also able to set limits for themselves and easily adhere to them. Compulsive gamblers, on the other hand, feel an intense need to "chase" their losses, which usually leads to more losses and deeper debt.

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Hiding your habit -

Oftentimes, the subconscious mind can feel guilt regarding an addiction far before you realize it yourself. You might catch yourself hiding your gambling habits from friends and family, without even thinking about it.

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Strained personal relationships -

The myriad of side effects of a gambling problem can have serious consequences in your personal life. If your relationships with loved ones have become strained and you're not sure why, look to your habits and see if they might be to blame.

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Needing people to bail you out -

Compulsive gambling can quickly push us over the limit before we even know it. If you've put yourself in debt and need to rely on others to bail you out of financial troubles, it should be clear that you are no longer in control.

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How an unchecked gambling addiction can affect your life -

All of these symptoms can have serious effects that, if gone unacknowledged for too long, can change your life in irreversible ways.

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Deep, crippling debt -

One of the most common effects of gambling addiction is the quick and severe accumulation of massive debt. When you're compulsively betting money and losing more than you're winning, it doesn't take long until you have to resort to borrowing money that only becomes more and more difficult to pay back.

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Problems in interpersonal relationships -

As previously mentioned, compulsive gambling can easily destroy your personal relationships if left untreated. As is the case with any addiction, gambling can hurt and push away those dearest to you.

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Career troubles -

When your life revolves around gambling, it can become increasingly difficult to focus on or invest in anything else in your life, including your career. If you start to act erratically at work, or your lack of interest in your work becomes apparent, your financial troubles will only get worse in due time.

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Increased risk of suicide -

Studies have shown that individuals battling with a gambling addiction are at alarmingly higher risk of taking their own life. A 2020 study reported that 20% of "problem gamblers" surveyed contemplated life-ending actions that year, and 5% actually attempted to go through with it. That's compared to 4.1% and 0.6%, respectively, in non-gamblers surveyed.

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Anger issues -

Anger issues are common in people struggling with a gambling addiction. The stress and problems that come with uncontrollable betting, paired with the need to keep the destructive habit a secret, can lead to negative emotions being bottled up and only expressed in irrational, violent outbursts.

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Development of other addictions -

Another tragically common way for people to deal with the sorrows that come with compulsive gambling is to pick up other addictions, like drugs or alcohol, in an attempt to even everything out.

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What can be done? -

While overcoming compulsive gambling can feel like an insurmountable task, there are many resources available to help get you back on the right track.

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Attend Gamblers Anonymous meetings -

While not as well-known as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, there are Gamblers Anonymous meetings held around the world. These are excellent places to unload your sorrow and built a support system of likeminded people who want to help you recover.

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Cognitive behavioral therapy -

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, can also be immensely helpful in your journey to recovery. CBT can help tackle your compulsive habits and set you up with an arsenal of useful coping mechanisms that will serve you well for the rest of your life.

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Inpatient therapy -

If your gambling addiction feels to extreme to handle on your own for any amount of time, don't worry—there are still options at your disposal. Inpatient therapy programs are extremely helpful for those who feel the need for uninterrupted supervision during the first weeks of recovery.

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Medications to curb compulsiveness -

There are also psychiatric treatments available, although medications should always be accompanied by therapy. Fluoxetine and sertraline are commonly prescribed to help curb compulsive behavior.

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Be open and honest with friends and family -

Once you have admitted to yourself that gambling is a destructive presence in your life, it's best to share this with your loved ones. Clear and honest communication with your support systems is paramount in your journey.

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Stay accountable -

Keeping yourself accountable with the help of loved ones, professionals, and honest talks with yourself is immensely important in keeping you on the right track toward a better life free of the grips of gambling. The journey may be difficult, but if you stay diligent and accountable, a new, brighter, and healthier future can be yours.

Sources: (Mayo Clinic) (BeGambleAware) (Gambler's Help)

See also: Dopamine: Are we all addicted to something?

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