Compulsive Gambling – Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Gambling Disorder
Gambling disorder is a condition where a person cannot resist the impulse to gamble, even when it causes serious problems in their life.
People with this disorder risk valuable things hoping to gain something better. The brain’s reward system reacts to gambling much like it does to drugs or alcohol, which can lead to addiction.
Someone with gambling disorder might:
- Keep betting even after losing money
- Use up savings
- Build up debt
- Hide their gambling from others
- Sometimes a person steals or commit fraud to get gambling money
This is a serious health problem that can harm relationships, work, and financial security. The good news is that professional treatment can help people recover from gambling disorder.
Signs of Gambling Problems
Gambling problems can show up in many ways.
People who struggle with gambling might think about it all the time or plan their next betting chance. They often need to bet more money to feel excited. When they try to stop, they feel upset or restless.
Some people gamble to forget their troubles or to feel better when sad or worried. After losing money, they might keep gambling to win it back. They may lie about their gambling habits or put relationships and jobs at risk.
A person with gambling issues might borrow money from others when they lose too much. Unlike casual gamblers who stop when losing, those with problems keep going despite bad results.
Sometimes people have times when they gamble less or stop completely. Without help, though, these breaks usually don’t last long.
When You Should Get Help
If people close to you have worried about your gambling, take their concerns seriously. Many who struggle with gambling don’t see their own problem. This is normal with addictive behaviors.
Consider seeking help if:
- You can’t stop gambling even when you try
- Money problems keep growing because of gambling
- You feel anxious or upset when not gambling
- Your relationships are suffering
- You hide your gambling from others
Getting help early can prevent bigger problems. Talk to a healthcare provider or mental health expert who can offer proper guidance and treatment options. Many resources exist to help people take control of gambling problems.
Causes
Scientists don’t fully understand why people develop gambling addiction. It likely comes from several factors working together:
- Biological factors that affect brain chemistry
- Genetic traits passed down in families
- Environmental influences like stress or exposure to gambling
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase someone’s chances of developing a gambling problem:
Mental Health Conditions
- Depression and anxiety
- Substance use disorders
- Personality disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Age Factors
People who start gambling young face higher risks. While gambling problems appear most often in young and middle-aged adults, older adults can develop gambling issues too.
Gender Differences
Men develop gambling problems more frequently than women. However, this gap is closing as gambling patterns become more similar between genders. Women typically begin gambling later but may develop problems more quickly.
Social Influences
Having family members or friends who gamble excessively increases your risk. This might happen through normalization of gambling behaviors or shared environmental factors.
Medication Side Effects
Some medications for Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome (specifically dopamine agonists) can rarely trigger compulsive behaviors, including gambling.
Personality Traits
Certain characteristics may make someone more vulnerable to gambling issues:
- High competitiveness
- Workaholic tendencies
- Impulsivity
- Restlessness
- Being easily bored
Complications
Compulsive gambling often leads to serious life problems.
People may experience relationship troubles as gambling takes priority over family and friends. Financial difficulties, including possible bankruptcy, frequently occur as debts mount.
Other complications include:
- Legal issues that might result in jail time
- Work problems and potential job loss
- Declining physical health
- Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
These consequences can create a cycle that’s difficult to break without proper intervention.
Prevention
There is no guaranteed method to prevent gambling problems. However, educational programs can help. They are aimed at high-risk individuals and groups and may help reduce risks.
If you have factors that increase your gambling risk, consider staying away from all forms of gambling. Avoid gambling activities, people who gamble, and places where gambling happens.
