Addiction: When Gambling Becomes a Problem

Addiction is when a person becomes addicted to something that they can't control and it changes their life in many negative ways. When gambling becomes an addiction, problems arise with family, friends, and finances because the person is not spending time on things they should be. People become obsessed with winning at gambling which leads them to do risky behaviors in order to gain more money. These behaviors can include illegal activities like stealing and prostitution for funds. This leads people into bigger issues like jail or overdosing due to the pressure of not being able to pay back debts or how much money they have lost from compulsive gambling behavior. Gambling addiction is a mental disorder called Pathological Gambling, which is characterized by preoccupation with gambling to the extent that it becomes a dominant activity and gambling behavior that disrupts family, school, work, or other important areas of life. People who suffer from Pathological Gambling show signs of preferring gambling to having other kinds of fun activities. They become so consumed with the idea of winning money through gambling that they ignore the negative outcomes and consequences associated with it. Pathological Gambling itself is a progressive disorder that gets worse as the person continues to engage in these addictive behaviors, resulting in negative consequences (Center for Problem Gambling).

Pathological gamblers are obsessed with gambling and can't stop thinking about it. The behavior is highly pleasurable and exciting. It's a great stress reliever and they falsely believe that they can control the outcome.

Problem gamblers often experience feelings of extreme highs and lows while gambling, which are followed by feelings of guilt, depression, and worry for money spent or lost. They lie about how much they have spent gambling, which results in family problems because of neglect. They become financially dependent on their spouse to cover their debt emergencies resulting in marital problems, fights over money, and divorce. Gambling addicts spend more time at casinos than at home with their family resulting in conflict with loved ones over spending quality time together (Center for Problem Gambling). Most gambling addicts have problems with alcohol and drugs because they are trying to escape the stress or pressures of not being able to pay off debts. Alcohol and Drugs are substances that mask feelings of guilt, depression, and worry. Problem gamblers lose interest in activities that they used to enjoy and become irritable when reminded of gambling losses. They often put their families in bad situations from financial stress. Some people try to cure their addiction by quitting cold turkey but most end up back at the casinos because of the intense cravings for gambling (Center for Problem Gambling). Withdrawal symptoms from quitting gambling include both physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms. Gamblers who are not able to stop gambling can result in suicide attempts.

Problem gambling is a treatable condition. It's important to get treatment for this disorder because it can lead to bigger issues you would never want happening (Center for Problem Gambling). There are many types of treatment options that have been effective with treating the Pathological Gambling Disorder including:

The first step in seeking help is reaching out and admitting that there is a problem and you need help.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, addiction is when a person becomes addicted to something that they can't control and it changes their life in many negative ways. When gambling becomes an addiction, problems arise with family, friends, and finances because the person is not spending time on things they should be. People become obsessed with winning at gambling which leads them to do risky behaviors in order to gain more money. These behaviors can include illegal activities like stealing and prostitution for funds. This leads people into bigger issues like jail or overdosing due to the pressure of not being able to pay back debts or how much money they have lost from compulsive gambling behavior.