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Some things to have under consideration
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Some things to have under consideration
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Gambling Adiction Gambling odds, as the saying goes, are stacked in favor of the house. But that doesn't stop people from trying to beat the odds and hit the jackpot. About 85 percent of American adults say they have gambled at some point in their lives, whether it's at the racetrack, the casino or online. Gambling results in hundreds of billions of dollars in annual wagers. And for some people, it also results in compulsive gambling, or an urgent need to keep gambling despite the toll it exacts on their lives. People with compulsive gambling lose control of their betting behavior, often with serious consequences. They're constantly chasing their losses, and they often go to extremes to hide their gambling. They may even resort to fraud or theft when faced with desperate financial problems. Rather than being an addiction, compulsive gambling is technically classified as an impulse-control disorder — a disorder in which you can't resist a temptation or drive to perform an act that's harmful to you or someone else. Whatever the label, it's difficult to overcome the powerful hook of compulsive gambling without professional treatment. |
Signs and symptoms People with compulsive gambling are typically in it for the thrill, rather than the actual winnings. They find the action exciting and arousing. Signs and symptoms of compulsive gambling include:
People with compulsive gambling often wager money that they need to pay bills. When they lose, they chase their losses, or attempt to gain back the money they've gambled away. They may turn to gambling both when they feel down and when they feel up. If they try to cut down on gambling, they may become restless or irritable. |
| CausesIt's not known what drives people to engage in compulsive gambling. Problems with certain naturally occurring chemicals in the brain may play a role. In particular, the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and dopamine may be factors. Neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers that enable nerve cells (neurons) to communicate. Neurotransmitters are released into the gaps (synapses) between nerve cells in the brain to help messages flow from one cell to another. If neurons don't produce enough of these chemicals, messages aren't communicated effectively. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that plays a key role in regulating mood and behavior. Norepinephrine, a hormone released in response to stress, has been linked to arousal and risk-taking in compulsive gamblers. Brain cells release dopamine as part of the reward system through which you learn to seek things that make you feel pleasure, such as food and sex. Dopamine plays a role in developing addiction. Together, these may set the stage for compulsive gambling. |
Risk FactorsMost people who wager don't have a problem with compulsive gambling. But an estimated 2 million American adults do become compulsive gamblers at some point in their lifetimes. In males, compulsive gambling typically starts in adolescence, while it's later for females. A number of factors increase your risk of developing compulsive gambling, including:
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| When to seek medical advice (1) On rare occasions, gambling becomes compulsive for some people with that very first wager. But more typically, gambling progresses through the years. In fact, you may spend years enjoying social gambling without any ill effects. But more and more gambling or a stressor in your life may trigger you to go down the path of compulsive gambling. Typically, how frequently you gamble and how much money you bet progressively increases. During periods of stress or depression, the urge to gamble may be especially overpowering. Eventually, you become almost completely preoccupied with gambling and getting money to gamble. If compulsive gambling has gotten out of your control, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional who specializes in impulse-control disorders or addictions. Your gambling may be out of control if: |
When to seek medical advice (2)
Have family members, friends or co-workers expressed concern about your gambling? If so, openly listen to their worries. Because denial is nearly always a characteristic of compulsive or addictive behavior, it may be difficult for you to recognize that you have compulsive gambling and to seek help on your own. It may take a loved one to persuade you that you have a problem that needs treatment. Seek help at the first sign of a problem. Doing so can reduce the risk that your compulsive gambling will lead to severe family problems and financial woes. |