By Aaron Sternlicht, LMHC, CASAC and Lin Anderson, LMHC, M.A., Ed.M.,
Gambling Addiction
Millions ofpeople around the world enjoy gambling in a variety of forms – casino games,non-casino games, fixed-odds betting, or a variety of other forms ofgambling. You can literally bet on justabout anything. For purposes of thiswebsite, we will focus on sports betting.
The majority ofpeople who bet on sports do so “normally,” meaning that their gambling is notproblematic. However, for about 10million Americans their gambling develops into an addiction. Gambling addiction is classified as a mentalhealth condition and has many similarities to other addictions such as alcoholor drug addiction.
Unfortunately,most people who have a gambling addiction do not see it as a problem. Many of these individuals lack insight or arein denial. After all, it is human natureto want to believe we are in control of our actions, but when gambling goes toofar one can lose control of their gambling habits and it can become harmful tothemselves and the ones they love. Furthermore, there is a great deal of stigma and misinformationsurrounding gambling addiction, therefore making it difficult for people toadmit they have a problem or to seek help.
The contents ofthis page are intended to provide information surrounding gambling addictionincluding defining what gambling addiction is, identifying different forms ofgambling addiction, providing signs and symptoms of gambling addiction to bemindful of, and information regarding how to seek help for yourself or a lovedone if you believe there is a problem.
What is a Gambling Addiction?
Gambling addiction takes on different forms, such as compulsive gambling, binge gambling, and problem gambling. We explore each further below. For purposes of this page, we refer to all in a general sense as the umbrella term “gambling addiction.”
A person who has a gambling addiction is a person who is unable to regulate their gambling. They spend more money and more time on gambling than they originally intended. It is driven by obsession in the mind (i.e. preoccupation with gambling before, during and/or after gambling) and compulsion to act on their gambling (i.e. wagering more money or spending more time than planned). Notably, a person with a gambling addiction often puts the short-term pleasure of gambling over long-term pain such as the loss of money, loss of time, or shame and guilt associated with lying to family, among various other consequences that can result from excessive gambling.
At its core, gambling addiction centers in the brain by activating the brain’s reward system through the release of dopamine and other “feel good” chemicals. Gambling addiction has also been found to impact other parts of the brain such as disruption of the brain circuits involved in impulse control in the prefrontal cortex, making it more difficult for individuals with gambling addiction to resist placing their next bet. Furthermore, individuals who have developed a gambling addiction also have neurally embedded associations and memories with their addictive behaviors, resulting in minuscule things triggering them that may not even enter our conscious mind. For some, simply seeing money, watching a sports game, or seeing somebody throw around a football in the park can trigger an individual addicted to gambling. As such, gambling addiction goes well beyond a simple matter of willpower and is something that individuals often need support for to overcome.
Due to thenature of gambling addiction and its impact on the mind, individuals with agambling addiction cannot stop their behavior even when it has catastrophicconsequences to themselves or their loved ones. It is also important to understand and acknowledge that not everyonewith a gambling addiction will suffer severe consequences, struggle at the samelevel of intensity or have the same signs and symptoms. As such, it is fundamental to take an honestinventory of oneself in order for them to recognize and acknowledge if theirgambling behaviors are problematic for themselves.
Are there different forms of GamblingAddiction?
Yes, asmentioned above, gambling addiction tends to take on three primary forms –compulsive gambling, binge gambling, and problem gambling. Individuals with a gambling addiction mayfind that they fit into one of these particular subgroups while others may findthat their gambling habits overlap between these subgroups. Ultimately, the type of gambling addictionone has should not assist to minimize or catastrophize the severity of theiraddiction or their ability/willingness to seek help.
Compulsive Gambling is when an individual is unable tocontrol their desire to gamble. Acompulsive gambler will continue to make wagers regardless of how often or howmuch they win or lose. Their compulsionto gamble will override any consequences they face, as well as their rationalmind that enough is enough. Compulsivegambling is also known as pathological gambling.
Binge Gambling is when someone exhibits symptomsof a compulsive gambler, but only during certain times or certain periods. For example, a binge gambler limits theirgambling to the weekends or only makes wagers when their favorite team isplaying. A binge gambler may even beable to go weeks or months without feeling a compulsion to gamble. As such, a binge gambler often appears to bein control of their gambling, however, once their compulsion to gamble isreleased and they start betting, they begin to experience gambling addictionsymptoms all over again.
Problem Gambling is when someone does not have the compulsion to gamble, but their betting behaviors are not totally under their control. A problem gambler will experience some consequences from gambling that is negatively impacting their normal life. For example, they may find themselves placing more bets than they said they would in efforts to chase their losses. Problem gambling often develops into more severe forms of gambling, as problem gamblers tend to cross more and more lines, limits, and boundaries that they set for themselves over time.
What are the signs andsymptoms of Gambling Addiction?
TheAmerican Psychiatric Association (APA) has identified gambling disorders as amental health condition. According tothe APA, one may be diagnosed with a gambling disorder if they meet at leastfour of the following symptoms within the past year. It is important to note that one should neverself-diagnose, but rather should seek out a mental health professional in theirarea for proper assessment and treatment if they feel that they or a loved onemay have a problem with gambling.
a) Needsto gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desiredexcitement.
b) Isrestless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.
c) Hasmade repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
d) Isoften preoccupied with gambling (e.g., having persistent thoughts of relivingpast gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, thinkingof ways to get money with which to gamble).
e) Oftengambles when feeling distressed (e.g., helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed).
f) Afterlosing money gambling, often returns another day to get even (“chasing” one’slosses).
g) Lies toconceal the extent of involvement with gambling.
h) Has jeopardizedor lost a significant relationship, job or educational or career opportunitybecause of gambling.
i) Relieson others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused bygambling.
What should I do if I or aloved one has a problem with gambling?
No matter what the severity of the problem, it is highly encouraged and suggested to reach out for help immediately. Gambling addiction is a serious problem and is progressive in nature, meaning that if left untreated it will often become worse over time. Seeking help is not something one should delay, as untreated gambling addiction can contribute to significant life problems such as divorce, bankruptcy, imprisonment, homelessness, and suicide.
If you ora loved one has a problem, please reach out for support and seektreatment. One may seek help through asimple online search on a search engine such as Google by searching for atherapist or treatment center in their area that specializes in gamblingaddiction. One may also contact theirhealth insurance company and ask them for a list of providers in their area whospecialize in gambling addiction. Beloware also some helpful resources that can provide support and point you in theright direction.
NationalProblem Gambling Helpline – 1-800-522-4700
NationalSuicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255
SubstanceAbuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – 1-800-662-4357
NationalCouncil on Problem Gambling – https://www.ncpgambling.org
GamblersAnonymous – https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
- VerifiedPage Content
The information provided on this page was verified by AaronSternlicht, LMHC, CASAC and Lin Anderson, LMHC, M.A., Ed.M., addictionspecialists at Family Addiction Specialist, a private practice located in NewYork City helping individuals and families heal from addiction and mentalhealth issues.
Website: www.familyaddictionspecialist.com
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