Understanding Gambling Problems
The differences between problem gambling, gambling addiction and compulsive gambling are nuanced.
When we discuss problem gambling, we are discussing any gambling related behavior that has a negative impact on your life; gambling addiction and compulsive gambling refer to any individual that cannot control their urge to gamble.
The majority of people engaged in problem gambling do not have a gambling disorder. However, problem gambling can be seen as gambling addiction in its early stages: the compulsions of a gambling addict are the reinforced habits of a problem gambler.
Common ways in which problem gambling can have an affect on a person’s life include:
- Finances – It’s common for problem gamblers to accumulate significant debt.
- Relationships – Problem gamblers are likely to lie or attempt to conceal their habit from close friends and family.
- Work performance – Problem gamblers may struggle to focus on tasks that are not associated with gambling.
- Mental health – Problem gambling is associated with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
- Legal issues – Many problem gamblers resort to illegal activities to fund their gambling habit.
- Basic self-care – Problem gamblers may become so preoccupied with gambling they neglect personal hygiene, sleep and food.
Early Signs of a Developing Gambling Problem
Recognising the early signs of problem gambling is difficult. Problem gambling develops in a pernicious way, and many people don’t understand they have an issue until they are immersed in the process.
It is therefore crucial that we are all aware of the signs of problem gambling before we engage in gambling.
Here are some of the signs we should look out for:
- Spending more than intended – Most people go into gambling with either a budget or a vague idea of how much they are willing or capable of losing. Problem gamblers often exceed these limits.
- Borrowing money – Be wary of the urge to borrow money to fund your gambling habit. This is a sign that you are beginning to neglect your financial responsibilities in order to indulge your desire to gamble.
- Gambling to avoid issues – Problem gamblers are likely to use gambling as a way of distracting them from personal issues. Do not resort to gambling in order to alleviate anxiety, depression or other emotional issues.
- Neglecting responsibilities – Problem gamblers will struggle to focus on day-to-day responsibilities. This can be in multiple domains, from work and parenting responsibilities, to basic self-care.
- Chasing losses – A problem gambler will respond to the negative emotions of losing a bet (or successive bets) by betting more and trying to recover their losses. This is a common sign of an irrational, and therefore unhealthy, attitude towards gambling.
Rates of Problem Gambling Around the World
Key Takeaways: Recognizing the Signs
Recognising the signs of problem gambling is difficult because it develops quickly. Consequently, it is critical that you approach gambling in a healthy way.
Psychologists recommend what they call “meta-cognition” to help ensure your attitude towards gambling is healthy.
Meta-cognition is a term that basically means “thinking about thinking.” It signifies the ability we all have to be aware of our own thought patterns. Meta-cognition can be used to identify how and when we feel the urge to gamble.
For instance, you might realize that you feel the urge to gamble more intensely after you have a drink, after having an argument with your partner, or after a bad day at work. All of these instances are signs of a developing gambling problem, and should be addressed immediately.
To ensure you can effectively recognise the signs of problem gambling, we recommend you take the following steps:
- Self-Monitoring – The best way to track your relationship with gambling is by keeping a physical record of your thoughts, feelings and actions. Recording how long you’ve spent gambling, the amount you’ve wagered, and the thoughts and urges you have will help you maintain clarity.
- Mindfulness – This is another term for “meta-cognition.” Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings and patterns of activity.
- Education – Learn by heart the many signs of problem gambling. You will then be able to accurately place your actions within the context of having a healthy or unhealthy attitude towards gambling.
The Stages of Problem Gambling: From Recreation to Addiction
Problem gambling begins with recreational gambling. When we gamble, our brain’s reward system is activated. The brain subsequently releases dopamine – a chemical associated with pleasure and reward.
Dopamine makes us feel good. Subsequently, we respond to this release of dopamine by seeking more dopamine. In other words, we respond to gambling by wanting to gamble more.
The more frequently we gamble, the more adapted our brain becomes to this sustained release of dopamine. We eventually develop a tolerance and have to gamble more in order to experience the same level of pleasure.
On a psychological level, this is around the time that a potential problem gambler will start to think more about gambling in their day-to-day life. This is especially the case when compounded by personal or financial issues, as gambling is seen as a reliable source of pleasure.
Once someone becomes a problem gambler, they experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to abstain from gambling. Withdrawal occurs when our brains have been accustomed to a regular release of dopamine of which it is now deprived.
Psychologically, we will start to feel a compulsion to gamble and we will struggle to control our impulses. These impulses will affect our mood throughout the day, making us feel restless and irritable, impacting our personal relationships and day-to-day responsibilities.
This is problem gambling at its most severe. At this stage, our brain’s reward system has become significantly altered and we may not be able to feel normal without gambling.
This stage is associated with strong cravings and severe withdrawal symptoms. You may also experience a feeling of helplessness, alongside concomitant feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety and low self-esteem.
Actions & Preventative Measures: 5 Expert Tips
So what do we do if we realize we have a gambling problem?
We have complied 5 tips that should help you on your way to recovery:
- Acknowledge the problem: The first step towards overcoming any personal problem is to acknowledge that the problem exists. If you aren’t sure you have a gambling problem, err on the side of caution. It is easier to address any potential issue than any serious issue.
- Seek professional help: Problem gambling is pervasive in many societies. Governments and nonprofits have put contingencies in place to help those suffering from gambling related issues. Use them! Seek therapists, counseling and organizations that can assist you.
- Join a support group: Being around people who are in the same position as you can be very helpful. Joining a support group will provide you with a place to share your experiences with people who are sympathetic to your problems. You will also see how others closer to recovery are dealing with their problem, and learn from them.
- Set gambling limits: Sometimes, it may be easier to be gradually weaned off your gambling addiction. Incrementally decreasing the time you spend gambling can be more effectively done by using the self-limiting tools provided by online casinos.
- Involve your loved ones: Addicts are more likely to overcome their addiction by including their loved ones in the process. Overcoming your gambling issue will require a lot of support and encouragement.
Resources for Help
For more information about problem gambling, please refer to the following organizations.
Conclusion
As with all diseases (mental health or otherwise), a prevention is more effective than a cure. We recommend you take responsibility early on to ensure your attitude towards gambling remains healthy.
For those of you that are in the midst of gambling related issues, the best time to seek help is right now. Don’t hesitate. Take affirmative action. It is never too late to make a change.