Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is a serious mental health disorder that can affect every aspect of an individual’s life. The disorder is associated with a loss of control and can be destructive to personal, professional, or family relationships. A person’s financial stability can be jeopardised and the person may lie to their friends, family, or employer to conceal their gambling behaviour. Some people with a gambling addiction experience periods of “remission,” in which they do not gamble, but these are often short-lived and the behaviour eventually returns.

Like other addictive substances, gambling increases dopamine levels in the brain, resulting in feelings of reward and pleasure. This is what leads some individuals to gamble, as they try to recreate these feelings through risky activities. In the long-term, this can lead to addiction, as they continue to gamble in an attempt to recover their money or even break even.

If you or a loved one suffers from gambling addiction, there are many treatment options. Some of these options include psychodynamic therapy, which helps an individual understand how unconscious processes influence their behaviour, and group therapy. Medications can also be helpful, especially when they are used to ease the symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Identifying and managing triggers can help you stop gambling. For example, if watching sports matches makes you want to place bets, change the channel or avoid going to sporting venues. It’s also a good idea to reduce financial risk factors, such as keeping credit cards at home and not carrying large amounts of cash with you. You could also engage in activities that aren’t associated with gambling, such as exercise, socialising with friends, or volunteering.