Participating in an activity — typically a game — in which you risk something of monetary value in the hope of gaining something else. Similar reward areas in the brain are activated by both drug use and gambling. Like drug use, gambling is likewise addictive, and continuing to bet after experiencing negative consequences is considered problem gambling. Prolonged problem gambling can lead to disordered gambling, which is detrimental to the gambler and their loved ones.
Warning Signs of Gambling Problems
Gamblers are susceptible to acquiring a gambling disorder. Problem gambling is continued gambling despite negative outcomes. Like other disorders, gambling addiction has observable symptoms.
While each individual’s gambling addiction may manifest differently, the following are frequent symptoms:
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Falsifying the amount of time or money spent gaming
- Disguising time spent gambling or overdue bills and debts
- Symptoms of boredom or irritability when not gambling
- Spending a great deal of time considering or planning to gamble
- Exaggerating victories or downplaying defeats
If You Gamble, Get Set Before You Bet
The most certain approach to avoid developing a gambling addiction is to stop gambling. However, there are precautions you may take to safeguard yourself if you gamble:
- Limit time and funds spent on gaming
- Balance recreational gambling with physical pursuits
- Only gamble with funds allocated for recreation.
- Never borrow cash for gambling.
- Know the risks before you wager, and realize that everyone loses in the long run.
- Play for enjoyment, not money.
Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step in resolving a gambling addiction. It takes considerable fortitude and courage to admit this, especially if you have lost a significant amount of money and experienced strained or destroyed relationships. Please do not lose hope, and do not attempt to tackle it alone. Numerous others have been in your position and have been able to overcome their addictions and restore their lives. You can, too.
For many problem gamblers, the greatest struggle is not quitting gambling but rather staying in treatment or maintaining a lifelong commitment to abstain from gaming. Internet accessibility has greatly increased the accessibility of gambling, making it more difficult for recovering addicts to prevent relapse. To learn more about the behavioral effect of gambling, continue reading it here. Gambling addiction and its behavioral effects.