Although no substance is consumed by the human body, the problem gambler feels the same as if being dependent on a tranquilizer, a drink or a drug. Gambling has the power to influence the person’s mood and the gambler develops a tendency to repeat the experience because he/she is able to reach a certain satisfactory emotional state of mind. But as he/she continues this activity it takes more time and sometimes money to reach the same emotional effect. Addiction appears precisely at this point, when there is an increased craving for gambling. The consequences depend on the gambler’s ability to cope with his own desire; they are often tragic.
In this article Onlinecasinoportal.net is going to offer useful information about pathological gambling, explain its symptoms, reasons and suggest ways to prevent/treat the phenomenon.
Pathological gambling is regarded by many psychologists as a real disease and they are taking it seriously. People may be affected by it in early adolescence, but also later on between the age of 20 and 40, in most cases. Addicts have difficulties resisting or controlling their urge to gamble. The manifestation may be easily confused with obsessive compulsive disorder. The habit of gambling becomes a stringent necessity and people who develop pathological gambling would do anything to pursue this activity no matter the circumstances or consequences. Their lives are strongly affected, as the craving grows in intensity or frequency.
The symptoms are easy to establish, although people suffering from pathological gambling are often trying to hide or ignore their problem. Onlinecasinoportal.net has identified the following common symptoms: making sacrifices or committing crimes to get money to gamble; feeling anxious and nervous all the time whenever gambling is mentioned; feeling irritable when trying to quit; using gambling as a refuge from problems, responsibilities or anxieties; obsession for winning larger amounts of money to make up for previous losses; obvious inability to quit gambling after many unsuccessful attempts; personal or professional loses due to gambling; not being honest about the real amount of money spent on gambling; frequent borrowing money from friends and family to cover losses; perceiving gambling as a guarantee for fun and excitement; obsession with winning odds and figuring out formulas to increase the chances of winning.
There is even a psychiatric exam to diagnose pathological gambling consisting in a dozen of questions to be answered by the gambler.
Some gamblers may have a predisposition to develop gambling problems due to family habits; siblings having a particularly predominant influence at an early age. But the personality also plays an important role in taking that step, impulsive, unstable and easy-going people, susceptible to depression, being more prone to showing impulse related disorders or abuses. Moreover, there are certain differences in terms of gender, males being apparently more exposed to gambling addictions at a younger age than women. Other external factors could also become revelatory like stressful environment, financial problems, and personal issues. Youth are more likely to gamble, as they are more easily influenceable, especially if at least one of their parents is involved in such activities.
Another factor that could lead to pathological gambling is antisocial behavior. Victims are often alone and suffer from lack of attention but also desire to communicate with others. They find comfort in online gambling to make up for their antisocial personality disorder.
Besides all the above mentioned, Onlinecasinoportal.net confirms that behind most pathological gambling manifestations stands an urgent need to win money. In fact, it is the sensation caused by winning that encourages the gambler to continue playing and even the disappointment of losing is perceived as an impulse to keep betting. Gamblers are crazy about challenging their adrenaline, seeking for strong sensations, no matter how much money they win or lose. Losses are nothing but incentives to keep playing. Such an increased physiological resting state is dangerous for the human mind, which is forced to jump from joy and excitement to misery and disappointment in just a few seconds, making it vulnerable and unstable.
There is no possible treatment for pathological gamblers before they acknowledge the existence of the problem. Denial is characteristic for most of them in the first phase. They might not be willing to start a treatment unless they realize its necessity.
Onlinecasinoportal.net has identified the following pathological gambling treatment options: the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); self-help support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous; medication, including antidepressants and opioid antagonists, though used only to treat symptoms, not the disease.
Like any other addiction (drugs or alcohol), pathological gambling has been listed as a chronic disorder that tends to ruin the person’s life without treatment. The victims require special attention, patience and care. Relapse is often possible after treatment that is why family support is essential to prevent it. Without treatment, pathological gambling is likely to generate complications like alcohol/drug problems, depression, suicides.
