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rom the Casino to the Home: How Does Gambling Addiction Affect Every Area of Your Life
Gambling addiction, also known as gambling disorder or gambler compulsion, is repetitive gambling behavior that cannot be stopped despite the presence of harm and negative consequences. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), this condition can be diagnosed as a mental illness when certain diagnostic criteria are met. The disorder has significant social and familial impacts and is characterized by behaviors similar to those of substance addiction. In an update from the American Psychiatric Association, gambling disorder has been reclassified as an addictive disorder rather than an impulse control disorder. This change reflects the strong association between gambling behavior and substance use disorders.
Studies have found that gambling addiction and alcohol problems are often highly comorbid, and many gamblers have impulsive traits.
Signs and symptoms of gambling addiction
Research on gambling addiction has combined various definitions, with Australian research developing a general definition of the phenomenon: "Problem gambling is characterised by difficulty limiting investment of money and/or time, leading to gamblers, According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, pathological gambling is “the inability to resist the urge to gamble, which may result in serious personal or social consequences.”
DSM-V reclassifies pathological gambling as gambling disorder and includes it in the category of substance-related and addictive disorders rather than impulse control disorders. To be diagnosed with gambling disorder, an individual must have at least four of the following symptoms over a 12-month period:
- Increasing amounts of money must be gambled to achieve the desired thrill.
- Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
- Repeatedly fails to control, reduce or stop gambling.
- Frequently obsessing over gambling, constantly thinking about past gambling experiences or planning the next gambling experience.
- Gambling frequently when feeling distressed (such as helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression).
- After losing money, often come back to "chase" losses.
- Concealing the extent of gambling involvement.
- Risk or loss of important relationships, work, or educational opportunities due to gambling.
- Depending on others for money to alleviate financial hardship caused by gambling.
Factors that lead to gambling addiction
According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, compulsive gambling can be caused by biological, genetic and environmental factors, such as mental health disorders, age and gender, and the influence of family or friends. A higher risk of gambling addiction may also be associated with work stress, loneliness, other addictive behaviors, etc.
If left untreated, problem gambling can have serious and lasting effects on an individual's life, including relationship problems, financial difficulties, legal and health issues, and can even lead to suicide.
Gambling addiction and suicide risk
Untreated gambling addicts may consider suicide during periods of despair. According to research, problem gambling is associated with increased suicidal thoughts and attempts, and early onset of problem gambling may increase the risk of suicide throughout life. A 2010 Australian study showed that 17% of suicidal patients presented to emergency departments were diagnosed with problem gambling.
Biological Mechanisms
Studies have shown that pathological gambling can be addictive in a similar way to substance addiction, with some pathological gamblers having lower levels of norepinephrine than normal gamblers. For some patients, antidepressants can have a positive effect on pathological gambling, especially under the action of 5-HT1/5-HT2 receptor antagonists, which provides new ideas for treatment.
Psychological Mechanisms
Several psychological mechanisms may influence the development and maintenance of gambling problems. These may include lower sensitivity in reward processing and some people may use gambling as a form of escapism. Furthermore, gamblers may develop cognitive biases, such as the illusion of control and overconfidence.
Diagnosis and treatment
The most commonly used screening tool for diagnosing gambling problems is the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), while treatment usually includes counselling, step-by-step programs, self-help and mutual aid, and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely used because of its in-depth exploration of the thought processes related to gambling. At the same time, spiritual therapy has also been shown to play a positive role in the recovery of compulsive gamblers.
SummaryGambling addiction affects every aspect of an individual's life, from financial status to interpersonal relationships and even life choices. Can problem gamblers find suitable solutions when facing the heavy pressure on themselves and their families?
