Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is more than just a bad habit; it can have serious consequences for the person affected. It affects all aspects of their life, including work and family life. This can lead to financial problems and strained relationships. It can also make people feel depressed, anxious and guilty. It is important to get help as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Unlike causal gamblers, addicted people are unable to stop gambling or set loss limits. They keep gambling to try and recoup their losses, which can cause them to spend even more money. Eventually, this can lead to debt and bankruptcy. It can also have a negative impact on health and wellbeing, with many people experiencing depression or anxiety disorders.

People with a gambling problem are drawn to places that promote mood marketing and catchy slogans. They may also associate their casino or betting company with positive things in their life, such as a holiday, good times, friends or a significant other.

This is because gambling causes the brain to release dopamine, which can trigger feelings of pleasure. This can be a similar feeling to that of using addictive substances like cocaine or meth, which can increase levels of dopamine by up to 10x normal.

Often, addiction is the result of several factors, such as genetic predisposition, learning behaviours from parents and family members who gamble, low self-esteem, high stress levels and poverty. To break the cycle of gambling, it is important to strengthen a person’s support network and find new ways to relax. Taking up sports, joining a book club or volunteering are some great ways to do this. They should also consider a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.