Gambling addiction or pathological gambling and its symptoms.
Gambling addiction or pathological gambling is an addictive and impulse control disorder in which the person is compelled, by an uncontrollable urge, to engage in gambling compulsively and often progressively. From less to more, and more, and more. Until those affected lose control when playing or betting. And they end up having serious consequences in their personal, family, and professional lives. We detail the symptoms of gambling addiction below.
This problem has worsened in recent years due to the emergence of new forms of access to gambling, which can lead to problems such as online gambling addiction, sports betting website addiction.
The most common symptoms of gambling addiction are:
- Manipulation
- Avoidant behavior
- Spending large amounts of money
- Frequent gambling venues
- Disappearances
- Sudden mood swings
- Attempting to access credit/microcredit lines
Phases of gambling addiction
If we look at genders, gambling addiction generally begins in adolescence for men, and between 20 and 40 years of age for women. Experts have also identified the different phases of addiction, which according to Enrique Becoña are three:
- Golden Stage: The gambler is more aware of what they win than what they spend.
- Desperation Stage: The gambler has lost all their money.
- Acceptance: The gambler becomes aware of their problem.
Gambling Addiction Treatment
Regular gambling can lead to an addiction that requires rehabilitation treatment. Due to the modification that occurs in the reward circuit of pathological gamblers, the functioning of this disorder ends up closely resembling that of psychoactive substances.
However, unlike other drugs, medical detoxification is not necessary for gambling addiction. This does not mean that medication may not be used initially to curb impulsive behavior. Once the patient is stabilized, the therapeutic process of habituation begins through therapies, which will seek to provide the patient with techniques and tools to control their emotions and regain control of their lives.
How to help a gambling addict?
Gambling addiction treatment must be carried out by consulting professionals to receive the proper diagnosis, and should never be ignored. Like other addictions, the symptoms of gambling addiction tend to worsen if no treatment is undertaken.
Furthermore, it should be noted that people suffering from these types of disorders have a high risk of developing substance addictions if not properly diagnosed and treated, leading to dual pathology.
At CC Adicciones, you will be accompanied by a medical and therapeutic team that will guide and advise you throughout this recovery and growth process. Request more information by calling 902 400 426 or emailing jvillaescusa@ccadiccionesroda.es
