Introduction
People have considered gaming as a fun event that seems to be entertaining and make them win big. But to some, this entertainment turns to gambling, a disorder that is characterised by the inability to stop betting even if the result is harmful. Compulsive gambling reaches beyond the mere vice; it is an actual disorder whose effects are destructive on the individual and on their family as well as on their financial means.
Understanding Compulsive Gambling
Pathological or compulsive gambling is a type of impulse-control disorder. It happens where somebody is unable to stop gambling once he or she realizes that it is having negative effects. Unlike a casual gambler,who quits after a loss,a compulsive gambler continues playing in order to try and make up for the loss –a process known as chasing losses. This cycle brings about the defaulting on bills, stress, debts, theft, and any other criminal associated with the substance.
Signs and Symptoms
Knowing the symptoms of compulsive gambling is important. Key symptoms include:
- Being preoccupied with gambling, planning activities, or thinking about how to get more money for betting.
- Wagering up to get the same rush.
- Continuing to gamble, or gambling more than originally planned, despite some effort to do otherwise.
- Gambling as a way of escaping from or, as a means of getting relief from, problems.
- Deception in order to conceal the gambling behavior.
- Loss of special personal and working contacts as a result of gambling.
Such behaviors can lead to high risk such as bankruptcy, legal issues, mental disorder outcomes such as anxiety, depression or even causing suicidal thoughts.
What Causes Compulsive Gambling?
Compulsive gambling is an illness that has many factors which lead to it and it can be a genetic disorder, a psychological disorder or an environmental disorder. Certain people may develop addiction because of heredity, or other psychological disorders in the family. There are external factors too such as environment and temptation to gambling, peers or friends, or certain drugs.
Breaking Free and Seeking Help
Gambling addiction is a difficult loop to shut but it is totally preventable. Early intervention is key. Psychotherapy; counseling, and even drugs can assist people to regain their lives back. A person affected has to pay attention to relatives’ or friends’ worries and consult with professionals.
The Bottom Line
Albeit being one of the interesting and exciting activities most people engage in, gambling poses some specific severe risks that may never be ignored. Pathological gambling is highly destructive for people and their families, Aspinall Duncan explains it results in financial, emotional, and social problems. Through raising peoples’ awareness of this problem and their understanding, social concern of such cases can be lowered, there can be encouragement of discussions and enabling those in search of a way out to take their power back.
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