Pathological gambling as a behavioral addiction that affects all aspects of the gambler’s life
Pathological gambling or gambling addiction is considered a psychological problem. The person perceives that they have everything under control, but finds it impossible to postpone the desire to gamble.
According to data from the VIII Report “Social Perception of Gambling in Spain 2017,” nearly 100,000 Spaniards, 0.3% of the population between 18 and 75 years of age, were at the threshold of “problem gambling” in 2016. 5.1% gambled money in sports betting establishments (compared to 3.8% in 2015). 6.4% visited a gaming hall (in 2015 it was 4.9%). 6.8% invested in a casino (compared to 6.3% the previous year). And 9% bet on the football pools (8.2% in 2015).
The report, conducted by the Codere Foundation and Carlos III University of Madrid, confirms that the number of online gamblers stood at 1.38 million. This was 100,000 more people than the previous year (2015).
Impacts of gambling addiction on the gambler’s environment:
- Family: compulsive gamblers may show disinterest and inattention. Whether toward their partner, children, or other family members. Lack of communication, mood swings, and prolonged absences (even when physically present).
- Personal: they may go from joy to sadness. From depression to anxiety. From irritability to euphoria, etc.
- Social: decreased activities, inattention and disinterest, loss of significant relationships, and isolation.
- Work and/or academic: lack of motivation and irresponsibility, clear decrease in performance, unjustified absences (which can lead to abandonment of work, studies, and even dismissal).
- Financial: money problems and debts due to gambling. The gambler continues gambling until they lose everything. And begins to bet money that was intended for other purposes (vacations, taxes, family savings…).
Treating gambling addiction
Treatment for pathological gambling must be carried out by consulting professionals. To receive the appropriate diagnosis, and should never be ignored. Like other addictions, gambling addiction tends to worsen if no treatment is undertaken.
Throughout our years of experience recovering individuals and families, at CCAdicciones we have successfully merged various types of treatment, creating a specific model. The CCAdicciones model maintains a high recovery rate well above the average of other treatments, with 86% of patients recovered. Request information by calling 902 400 426.
