What is Gambling Addiction or Compulsive Gambling?

A compulsive, or pathological, gambler is someone who is unable to resist impulses to gamble. In fact, compulsive gambling is a progressive illness, which starts out as a recreational activity and ends up being destructive to both the gambler and his family. Compulsive betting has mental, physical and spiritual consequences. The main symptom of this addiction is denial and the major characteristic is loss of control. Gambling addiction is something that can happen to anybody.

Course of Gambling Addiction

Compulsive gambling usually begins in early adolescence in males and at a later age for females. Some people are fascinated from the time of their initial exposure, but for others the process is more gradual, until they suddenly have a big win, or there is some other stressor bringing on a period of compulsive gambling. Usually, people who go on to become gambling addicts, have a big win early on in their gambling experiences. We must not confuse social gambling and professional with gambling addiction. Social betting usually takes place, as a social activity for a brief period and losses are predetermined and within certain limits. Professional gamblers tend not to take big risks and are often much disciplined. As time goes by, gambling addicts tend to bet larger and larger amounts, take greater and greater chances, gamble more frequently and become progressively more and more obsessed with gambling and getting money with which to gamble. Periods of stress or depression tend to exacerbate gambling activity. The process of winning, then losing, followed by desperation, is a known cycle in the world of the gambling addict.

Symptoms of Gambling Addiction

How do you know if you are a compulsive or pathological gambler? Although some people like to gamble occasionally, the pathological gambler usually progresses from occasional to habitual gambling. As the gambling progresses, the gambler begins to risk more, both personally and financially. This often leads to severe personal problems, financial ruin and criminal behavior to support the gambling habit. Deterioration of physical and emotional health is general sign of a gambling addiction.

List of common symptoms :

• Habitual gambling
• Loss of self-control
• Deterioration of physical and emotional health
• Lack of concern for society's expectations and laws
• Irrational behavior

Pathological gambler often fantasies about great life of luxury for him or his family. Sadly, the fantasy seldom realizes itself as most winnings are gambled away again.

Causes of Gambling Addiction

The obvious cause of compulsive gambling is not known yet. One risk factor may be excessive alcohol use, which lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment. Another risk factor is a genetic component as people with any addiction history in their families are at increased risk of developing this problem. We can attribute gambling problems and the habits underlying pathological gambling to some aspects of an individual's personality and to outside factors such as current environment.

Impulsivity

Impulsive people are naturally at risk because of their personality. That is not to say that all impulsive people will develop gambling habits, but they could if the right factors were in play at the right times.

Gender

Men develop gambling problems more frequently than women do. Men's willing to get more money or just the desire to win, in association with a high impulsivity level, can drive them to gamble more frequently or to relapse after treatment.

Age

Family problems and behavior problems are indicators and possible precursors of pathological gambling in adolescents. Besides, teenagers hardly know the true value of money.

Socioeconomic Status

Internet gambling has become more popular and it enables more types of people to start gambling more frequently and comfortably. Less affluent gamblers prefer play online, because online gambling is more convenient and absolutely cheaper.

Can Compulsive Gambling be treated?

Treatment begins with the recognition of the problem. Extensive therapy, preferably in groups, is the only way to treat gambling addiction. It is essential that the person concerned acknowledges the progressive illness and has a real desire to stop. Continued denial about this disease will result in the failure of therapy. Abstinence principles that apply to other types of addiction, such as substance abuse and alcohol dependence, are also relevant in the treatment of compulsive gambling behavior. Antidepressants medications are beneficial in combination with psychotherapy. Many people are able to gain control over their lives after undergoing treatment. One important fact - compulsive gambler can never gamble again. People who have had a problem with compulsive gambling in the past will not be able to gamble in a responsible manner again. The old obsession returns and the same destructive behavior patterns come to the front once more. Prevention of compulsive gambling is challenging and may not always be possible.