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How can gambling, something that is displayed as fun and rewarding turn into addiction? Typically gambling is “casual entertainment” which means it’s ordinarily offered for relaxing and pleasure. What can start as something to do to unwind or get a quick buck often and does quickly turn into a downhill spiral. Gambling can affect us more than we realize. It can be difficult to recognize when it is becoming a problem, however in this blog post, we will cover how to identify what is a gambling addiction, how to understand the addiction as well as the causes and risk factors and lastly, learning how to get the proper treatment.
Addiction, itself, is the inability to control doing, taking, or using something even if it is harmful to self and others. Gambling addiction is a behavioral condition where the individual cannot control their urge to gamble regardless of outcome. Behavioral addictions usually involve participating in the activity over and over while maintaining that persistence is how that behavior leads to significant problems when it goes untreated. The instant gratification portion of addiction is often how most addictions start. While for some it is hard to understand why someone may be addicted to gambling, like any addiction, it brings a sense of relief even if it overall causes issues.
So what causes gambling addictions? Gambling addiction involves a combination of environmental, psychological, and biological factors. This temporary distraction can be costly if it continues untreated. What can start as getting a “high” off winning and the adrenaline rush that makes us feel so good can lead to financial loss and damage to personal relationships. People may also look at gambling as a quick, easy way to make money. They might gamble because of peer pressure or it could even be their place of employment or a place they often go to blow off steam. Those three factors combined means it can turn dangerous when money runs out or they're on a losing streak.
How can these factors increase the risk of developing a gambling addiction? If there is a history of any type of addiction in a person’s family, they automatically have a higher chance of getting addicted to something as well. Biological factors are factors we have little to no control over so being cautious is another way to prevent falling into an addiction. Psychological factors such as impulsivity, OCD, or low self-esteem can increase the risk of someone turning to gambling to fill the void. Lastly, the environmental factor. We have a little more control over this one, so if you see you or a loved one jumping at every opportunity to hit the slots, be wary as they may be fostering an addiction.
Have you ever heard someone plead for “just one last play” before leaving the casino or a place that has slot machines? Not knowing when to stop is a part of having any addiction, however gambling does stop when there is no money left to play. The warning signs of a gambling addiction can vary and like most addicts, it can be easy for those to hide. So what do you look for when you’re not sure if a loved one has a gambling addiction? If someone you know is going to the casino often or when they have had “bad days” regardless of financial status. Another warning sign is that they will increase their bets, this will especially happen the longer the addiction carries on for. They might try to chase their losses, and also they might ask for financial assistance from their closest friends and family. The warning signs are there, but you have to pay attention as they can be easily concealed.
Gambling addiction doesn’t happen overnight. It can happen quickly or over a period of time, however it typically happens in stages. The four stages are:
Good news! There are treatments for gambling addiction. There are many success stories of people, who with the right support, got better and no longer have this issue. This has been completed in one of two ways. The first route is cognitive behavioral therapy and the second is support groups and counseling. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of therapy that helps individuals identify and change the current thought pattern that led them to their gambling addiction. This therapy specializes in teaching coping skills that manage triggers and cravings. There are a multitude of group therapies, individual one on one therapy, and even a Gamblers Anonymous in which all provide emotional support and accountability to help the individual fight their addiction. Therapy is a safe space for those to share experiences and relate to others to feel less alone while going through treatment. Remember, taking the first step toward recovery is the hardest—but it is also the most important. You don’t have to face this challenge alone. If you or a loved one is suffering from gambling addiction, please reach out to North Palm Beach.
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