Gambling addiction has been a recognized issue for centuries, but its prevalence and dynamics have evolved significantly over time. Historically, gambling was confined to physical locations like casinos, racetracks, and private card games. However, with the advent of the internet and mobile technology, the landscape of gambling has changed dramatically.
A Growing Gambling Problem
In recent years, there has been a noticeable spike in gambling struggles, particularly among young men. This increase is largely due to the ease of access to online gambling sites and mobile gambling apps. These platforms allow you to place bets from the comfort of your own home. The convenience and anonymity provided by these platforms have made gambling more appealing and accessible than ever before.
The Influence of Gambling in the Media
Media portrayal and celebrity endorsements have also played a significant role in normalizing and encouraging gambling behaviors. High-profile athletes and celebrities often promote gambling websites and apps. This creates a glamorous image of gambling as a high-stakes, high-reward activity. Such a portrayal can be particularly enticing to young men who are already predisposed to addiction. They may be drawn to the thrill and perceived status associated with gambling.
Targeting Younger Generations
The high-risk, high-reward scenarios offered by gambling platforms are especially alluring to individuals with addictive tendencies. The creation of online gambling and mobile gambling has eliminated the need for participants to visit physical locations, making it easier to experience the rush and influx of dopamine that comes from placing risky bets. This constant availability of gambling opportunities increases the likelihood of developing compulsive gambling habits, leading to significant financial, emotional, and social consequences.
What is the Root Cause of Gambling Addiction?
Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling, is a type of behavioral addiction characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble, despite the negative consequences it may have on your life. Unlike substance use disorders, which involve a physical dependency on drugs or alcohol, behavioral addictions are driven by compulsive behaviors that activate the brain’s reward system in a similar way. Gambling addiction can lead to significant financial, emotional, and social issues.
Gambling Disorder
Much like engaging in substance abuse and developing a substance use disorder (SUD), individuals with an addictive personality that consistently engage in gambling can develop a gambling disorder. This destructive behavior becomes an addiction that needs to be satisfied and will lead to significant interference throughout daily life. Understanding the components of gambling disorder is helpful when it comes to identifying and assessing whether gambling has become a problem or not.
Compulsive Gambling & Problem Gambling
Compulsive, problematic gambling, also referred to as ludomania, is the only behavioral addiction recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). In order to receive a diagnosis of this condition from a mental health professional, you must meet certain diagnostic criteria.
Here is a list of the criteria used to diagnose gambling disorder:
- Needs to bet larger amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement.
- Becomes restless or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling.
- Has repeatedly failed in efforts to control, cut back, or quit gambling.
- Is often thinking about gambling, such as reliving past experiences, planning the next event, or thinking of ways to get more money to gamble.
- Often gambles when feeling distressed, such as when feeling helpless, guilty, anxious, or depressed.
- Frequently returns to gambling another day to try to win back lost money (“chasing” losses).
- Lies to hide the extent of involvement in gambling.
- Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity due to gambling.
- Depends on others to provide money to alleviate desperate financial situations caused by gambling.
Different Types of Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction can manifest in various forms, including:
- Online Gambling: The rise of online gambling has made it easier for you to access betting platforms, often leading to addiction. This includes activities such as sports betting, online casinos, and poker.
- Casino Gambling: Traditional forms of gambling, such as slots, table games, and sports betting in casinos, continue to attract individuals who develop compulsive gambling habits.
- Sports Betting: Placing bets on sporting events can become addictive, particularly with the increasing popularity of sports betting apps and websites.
When to Seek Gambling Addiction Treatment?
Seek gambling addiction treatment when:
- You find yourself unable to control your gambling habits.
- Gambling affects your relationships, job, or financial stability.
- You have attempted to stop, but find that the urge to continue is overwhelming
- You experience severe anxiety or depression related to gambling losses.
- You are constantly preoccupied with thoughts of gambling.
- Other family members are starting to be affected by reckless gambling behavior.
Risks of Substance Use and Gambling
Both substance use and gambling addictions share similar risks, including:
- Financial Ruin: Both addictions can lead to significant financial loss, impacting your ability to maintain basic living standards.
- Emotional Distress: The constant cycle of winning and losing can cause severe emotional distress, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
- Social Isolation: Addictions often lead to social isolation as you withdraw from family and friends to indulge in addictive behaviors.
Related: Gambling in Recovery: Are the Odds Against Us?
More About Treating Gambling Addiction
Treatment Options
There exists an assortment of treatment options available if you are struggling with gambling problems. Accessing a therapist, seeking support groups (Gamblers Anonymous), calling the national problem gambling helpline, outpatient levels of care, family therapy, and healthy boundaries are the most common treatments for gambling addiction.
Treatment Options at New Life House
At New Life House, we understand the complexities of gambling addiction and offer structured programs tailored to meet your needs if you are struggling with this condition. Our treatment approach includes:
- Community Driven Approach: You will live within the New Life House structure and be surrounded by individuals with common experience of struggling with addictive disorders. Building a strong fellowship and support system is vital for long term recovery.
- Technology Free Environment: Within the New Life House structure, you will not have access to technology that would allow for gambling money online, including cell phones, social media, online applications, etc. We believe that you need to learn healthy coping strategies without these “distractions.” We will reintegrate you within our care to be able to navigate these temptations, once you have built the right foundation, support system, and coping strategies to avoid the recovery pitfalls that can be easily found through technology.
- Individual Therapy: Personalized sessions with trained therapists will help to address the underlying causes of gambling addiction and develop coping strategies.
- Group Therapy: Group sessions, run by a mental health professional, provide a supportive environment where you can share their experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges.
- 12-Step Programs: We integrate the principles of 12-step programs to help you build a strong foundation for recovery.
- Life Skills Development: Our programs emphasize the development of life skills necessary for successful long-term recovery, including financial management, job readiness, and relationship building.
Help and Support for Addiction
Both gambling disorders and substance use disorders are conditions that can have far-reaching effects on you and your loved ones. Fortunately, it is possible to recover with the appropriate help and support.
If you’re searching for gambling addiction treatment, contact us today to find out how New Life House can support you or a loved one struggling with gambling. Our sober living in Los Angeles is designed to help young men recover from the disease of addiction. We offer unparalleled family programming and involvement, educational programming, outpatient mental health and addiction treatment, as well as a community of alumni who have achieved long-term sobriety. Don’t let gambling addiction control your life any longer.
Last Updated on July 17, 2024
