Breaking the Cycle of Gambling Addiction

The act of gambling can create a lot of negative feelings. Stress, regret and guilt are all commonly associated with gambling. Those feelings can lead to a downward spiral that impacts all areas of one’s life. Attempting to resolve these issues alone can be a struggle, and professional help is often needed to break the cycle of gambling addiction. Depending on the individual, some methods may be more effective than others, but each person should work to find his or her own path to recovery.

While most individuals have gambled at some point, a small proportion develop gambling disorder, which is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as “a persistent, recurrent pattern of gambling that is characterized by distress or impairment” (American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5, 2021). This condition is considered an addiction because it results in significant social, family, and financial problems.

Gambling is considered a vice and is illegal in most jurisdictions. However, the definition of what constitutes gambling is broad and can include anything from playing cards with friends in a private setting to placing bets on sporting events. A major consideration in determining whether something is gambling is the intention of making a gain.

The amount of money that is wagered and lost each year on legal forms of gambling is in the billions. Although people of all ages participate in gambling, the fastest growing group is adolescents. They are also most likely to participate in the newest forms of gambling, such as sports betting and video games that mimic the actions of gambling. Moreover, these types of gaming can be more addictive and more difficult to stop than traditional casino gambling.

Aside from the large profits, other benefits of gambling include a sense of enjoyment, excitement, and pleasure. When a person wins, he or she receives a chemical reward in the brain that makes him feel good. While this reward is temporary, it can keep a person hooked on gambling.

Other reasons for engaging in gambling include recreational interest, a desire to socialize with friends, impaired mathematical skills, and distorted perceptions of risk. Some researchers have even linked gambling to psychosis and other mental illnesses.

While it is hard to know when a person’s gambling has become problematic, there are several warning signs that should be heeded. These include lying, cheating, missing important events and spending more time gambling than with family and friends. If these behaviors persist, it is recommended that the person seek out therapy for mood disorders like depression and anxiety, which can be exacerbated by compulsive gambling. Seeking support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous is another great way to get professional help. Family therapy and marital, career and credit counseling can also be helpful. For a more immediate solution, it is important to set limits in managing money, take control of the family finances, and review bank and credit card statements on a regular basis. This can be a difficult process, but it is crucial to the health of everyone involved.