It is also called gambling addiction or compulsive gambling. For some people gambling becomes an addiction — the effects they get from gambling are similar to effects someone with alcoholism gets from alcohol. They can crave gambling the way someone craves alcohol or other substances. Potential Causes of a Gambling Addiction Bipolar Disorder. In order to qualify for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, a person must experience at least one manic episode. Characteristics of mania must last at least a week (unless it is part of mixed features) and include. Causes of Gambling Addiction. Gambling addiction is caused by an impulse control problem in the brain. When a person develops an addiction to gambling, it can be in many different ways. A few of the most common activities that a gambling addict will participate in are lottery tickets, betting on sports, Internet gambling, casino games and bingo. Mar 16, 2016 A recent study found a relationship between things that cause a positive mood (# of days of sunshine; success of local sports teams) and increased gambling. Problem gambling occurs when someone has lost control of their gambling behaviors. Someone who has a problem with gambling is likely to engage in high risk and even criminal behaviors to support their gambling. When unable to continue gambling, someone with problem gambling behaviors is likely to experience intense urges and cravings to gamble.
Gambling addiction, sometimes referred to as 'compulsive gambling' or 'problem gambling’, is a type of behavioural addiction, characterised by having a constant urge to gamble, despite the negative impact that this can have on lots of different areas of your life. Gambling addiction can cause difficulties in relationships and at work, whilst the cost of funding it can become a huge financial burden. Compulsive gambling isn’t just restricted to one type of gambling and may encompass online sports betting, online slots/roulette/poker, or betting in a bookmaker’s.
Many people engage in the occasional ‘flutter’ for fun, and this can be harmless; it is when gambling becomes out of control and starts to take over your life, that this can indicate that a destructive gambling addiction has developed. Compulsive gambling can become apparent when it begins to negatively affect your relationships and your performance at work, causes you to fall into debt, and results in behaviour that you would previously have deemed as being irrational and out of control. In addition, the fact that people are now able to gamble anywhere, anytime, at the click of a button, means that it is now easier than ever to fall into the destructive trap of compulsive gambling.
Help for gambling addiction in Surrey
However, it’s important to recognise that you don’t have to struggle with gambling addiction; specialist treatment is available. No matter how impossible it may feel to stop gambling, our experts at Life Works are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way towards overcoming your compulsive behaviours and getting your life back on track.
Problem gambling is often associated with increased suicidal ideation and attempts compared to the general population. Early onset of problem gambling increases the lifetime risk of suicide. However, gambling-related suicide attempts are usually made by older people with problem gambling. Thus, gambling practices cause a huge financial burden on the families of the affected and on the society at large. Additionally, rehabilitation and public assistance systems are taxed. Initially, one looks at gambling as a way to run away from life's problems, or from stress, anger, and loneliness.
At Life Works, we understand that seeking help for your gambling addiction can be an incredibly daunting and overwhelming step to take. That’s why we are pleased to offer a free initial gambling addiction assessment with one of our specialists, allowing you to discuss your unique difficulties in confidence, ask any questions that you might have on the gambling addiction treatment process, and begin to develop an understanding of how you can beat your compulsive behaviours.
Every person’s gambling addiction story is different. Some problem gamblers started to make money, others began because it was a good distraction from other emotional or physical issues, and many people crave the thrill gambling creates due to chance of winning money or other prizes.
But those early stages of gambling can all lead to serious problems as the addiction takes over other aspects of life, including financial, domestic and workplace behaviors.
Are you struggling with problem gambling, and don’t know what caused it? Addictions are hard to overcome, and you may often be asked by family, friends, and other acquaintances,
“Why can’t you stop gambling?”
“What made you start?”
“Look at what is happening – Why are you still doing it?”
And while it’s very frustrating to be asked those questions all the time, it can be even more stressful if you don’t know the answer yourself: What caused my problem gambling addiction?
Demographics
Anyone – of any age, gender, ethnicity and background – can be at risk of development problem gambling.
Age Older people are more likely to gamble on a weekly basis, but young adults are almost three times as likely to have experienced problem gambling in the past year. Problem gamblers are all ages, though more people develop gambling problems while in their 20s and 30s than those who develop addictions in their 50s and 60s.
Gender If you took a poll on the street, you’d find that just as many women are likely to have gambled in the past year as males. That said, males are three times more likely to experience problem gambling.
Ethnicity People across most ethnicities are equally likely to have gambled on a weekly basis. Studies have shown Blacks and Hispanics were almost twice as likely as Whites to have experience problem gambling.
Background Problem gamblers hold all levels of employment, are married and unmarried, and have all kinds of medical records, from healthy to having histories of substance use disorders and other medical issues.
Risk Factors
Gambling opportunities are not hard to find. You can gamble at home using the phone or internet, or go to the grocery store and purchase lottery tickets. You can visit your local OTB, casino or racetrack and gamble for five minutes or five hours.
Here are a few other risk factors:
– Beginner’s luck after your initial gambling attempts
Causes Of Gambling Disorder
– Boredom, loneliness or frustration
– Financial issues such as debt or low-income
– Experiencing traumatic experiences
– Existing addictions, such as drugs or alcohol
Identifying Problem Gambling
Even if the cause of your gambling addiction is never identified, you can seek treatment for problem gambling. Experts throughout New York State know the signs of problem gambling and can provide treatment to guide you toward your recovery.
If you have a gambling addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help. Contact an expert right now: 1-877-8-HOPENY.