There exists a little gambler lying in all of us – whether you want to play online poker, try your luck by scratching lottery tickets from time to time, or bet on your own favourite sports team – chances are you really are a small gambler. Having said that, most of us must be careful which our little gambling routine does not eventually become an addiction. Now, we at AskGamblers decided to dig only a little deeper and find out more about gambling addiction. Some tips about what we’ve found out!
What’s Gambling Addiction, Anyway?
You will find different forms of gambling which are not necessarily on a online slot machines, cards, live casino games or sports betting, and all of them can cause gambling addiction that could eventually anyone, regardless old, sex, origin, profession and education.
In accordance with one of the definitions on gambling addiction, it is an instinctive disorder occurring whenever a player cannot control their impulse to gamble, though it can have negative consequences on players’loved ones Pg . No real matter what the circumstances are – whether a player is in a great or bad mood, with money or broke – he (or she) just keeps their gambling routine going regardless of the consequences. Even when a new player can’t afford to lose, they will make risky bets to see the emotional high even by taking huge risks.
Problem Gambling Vs Gambling Addiction: What’s the Difference?
Gambling addiction, problem gambling, pathological gambling, compulsive gambling or gambling disorder – each one of these terms have an identical, but not the same meaning. Here, we’ll try to focus on the terminology first and understand the difference between problem gambling and gambling addiction.
While wanting to deeply understand problem gambling, we couldn’t help but wonder – exactly why is gambling addictive? Well, taking risks as opposed to the reward gives every type of player a little excitement. But, every experience that makes us feel good can lead into a mental dependence.
Again, the question is – why? It’s because our brain becomes preoccupied with wanting more to activate our so-called “reward system.” Gambling is a very rewarding experience – which explains why individuals are interested in it. Getting back to normal, on the other hand, usually means an individual must take weeks, months or even years off to get rid of all of this negative impact.
Unfortunately, if a new player makes it to this stage, gambling has be much more than a problem – this means the person is hooked on gambling, might be a gambling addict and needs to look for help.
But, what could function as the possible reason behind gambling addiction? Well, it is impossible to single out only one cause, since it is a mixture of biological causes, psychological causes, socio-cultural and spiritual causes. In other words, each one of these four types (also known as Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Type of addiction) plays a part in gambling addiction.
In regards to biological reasons for gambling addiction, these mostly reference each person’s unique physiology and genetics.
On the other hand, psychological causes reference stress reduction, escape from boredom, or many different mechanisms used for coping with unpleasant emotions or circumstances. Obviously, there are numerous other explanations why people take part in gambling, so if you intend to find out about them, we suggest you check out our in-depth article about the psychological reasons for gambling addiction and the general psychology behind gambling.
Are you aware that socio-cultural gambling cause, the greatest part plays the individual’s family, with culture being spread in one generation to the next. Children study from their parents or older siblings about games of chance.
Let’s not forget the fact that we as humans have a have to interact with other individuals, whereas casinos with all that stimulating social atmosphere might be exactly what we’re looking for. And undoubtedly, players who support and cheer one another up add another cultural context to it.
And last however, not least, the possible lack of a spiritual anchor can very often result in the development of online gambling addiction or any other spiritual addiction.
Gambling problems can occur to anyone, but if they happen to you or your loved ones, these problems start bothering you. When you cross that thin line while being unaware of these problems, gambling can lead from the harmless hobby to an addiction – interfering with work, straining your relationships or causing an economic crisis.
Just in case you have asked yourself more often than once – “do I have a gambling problem?” there are a few other questions you are able to take into account:
- Have you been becoming mysterious about your gambling activities?
- Is your gambling behaviour getting away from control?
- Maybe you have borrowed money to gamble?
- Have you been chasing losses even with you’ve spent your last dollar playing?
- Are your loved ones and friends worried about you?
As these are also some of the signs of gambling addiction, if YES is the clear answer to these questions, maybe it’s time to look for help.
Gambling Problem
How exactly to Stop Gambling Forever?
The hardest part is being honest with yourself and admitting you have a problem. Even when you’ve reached the stage whenever you think you do not know how to quit gambling and there’s no solution – there’s always a solution! In fact, there are lots of approaches that could assist you to stop gambling addiction and overcome the issue, fix your financial problems, look after those broken relationships, and return on track. In fact, these are some steps you are able to take as soon as you realise you have an addiction:
- Decide to avoid
- Learn to alleviate unpleasant feelings in healthier ways
- Reach out to friends and family
- Turn to these responsible gambling organisations for help
- Join a service group
- Find alternatives to gambling (i.e. sports, music, meditation…)
Plan your time ahead
So, if you think you are losing control – try to avoid hanging out by yourself, especially alone, before your personal computer or phone and try to avoid all kinds of tempting situations. Remember that every problem has a solution, and so does this one! Please consider self-exclusion as well as the cool off periods.
Just in case you are considering a gambling addiction treatment, these are several advices to think about:
- Start a gambling rehab
- Visit a gambling therapy
- Join gambling addiction forum
- Consider gambling addiction counselling
- Gambling Addiction Hotline
When You Have to Contact a Gambling Addiction Hotline?
Although we’ve already mentioned gambling addiction symptoms and signs, we’d also want to emphasize how important it is to understand whenever a person needs to reach for help and call the gambling addiction hotline.
As we’ve already listed some major responsible gambling organisations you are able to demand help, it will be beneficial to know when it’s time for you to consider calling gambling addiction hotline. So, should you feel that you’re:
- Hiding gambling addiction
- Having hard time controlling gambling habits
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Hearing other people’s concerns about your gambling behaviour
We’d kindly advise any player who thinks they could have a gambling addiction not to hide their gambling problem, but contact the gambling helpline as a primary step.
There are always a few things to remember – gambling helpline is available, and we assure you that every person can overcome their gambling addiction and regain control, only if they need to.
Getting Help is Crucial
Quitting gambling is no easy move to make but, with only a little help from a family member, a pal or a service group, it is possible. Supportive family and friends play a significant role in regards to helping you stop gambling, but they could not know the methods for how to help you out. So, please, do not hesitate to look for help – you are able to turn to responsible gambling organisations and join a service group. Every problem has a solution and don’t forget to speak up.