Gambling Disorder

DisclaimerThis page is not here to be used as a self-diagnosis, self-identification, or promotion - it's simply here to be informational. Whether or not one self-diagnoses, self-identifies, and/or seeks a professional diagnosis is up to them.AddictionThe following page includes discussions of addiction, including substance abuse. If you are uncomfortable or get triggered by this topic, it is recommended to not read this page.

**Gambling Disorder**, also called **Problem Gambling** or **Compulsive Gambling**, is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on ones life. Gambling means that one is willing to risk something they value in hopes of getting something of even greater value.

Gambling can stimulate the brain's reward system much like drugs and alcohol can, leading to addiction. If an individual has a problem with compulsive gambling, they may continually chase bets that lead to losses, use up savings, and create dept. One may hide their behavior and may even turn to theft or fraud to support their addiction.

## Signs & Symptoms

* Being preoccupied with gambling, such as constantly planning gambling activities and how to get more gambling money.
* Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same thrill.
* Trying to control, cut back or stop gambling without success.
* Feelings restless or irritable when one tries to cut down on gambling.
* Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression.
* Trying to get back lost money by gambling more.
* Lying to others to hide the extent of ones gambling.
* Risking or losing important relationships, a job, or school/work opportunities because of gambling.
* Asking others to bail them out of financial trouble because they gambled their money away.

Most casual gamblers stop when losing or set a limit of how much they're willing to lose, but those with compulsive gambling are compelled to keep playing to recover their money, a pattern that becomes increasingly destructive over time.

## Causes

Exactly what causes someone to gamble compulsively isn't understood. Compulsive gambling may result from a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors.

## Recovery

Some individuals with a compulsive gambling problem may have periods of remission, but without treatment, the remission usually isn't permanent.

There are ways to self-help if one does have problem gambling.

* Learn to relieve unpleasant feelings in healthier ways.
* Strengthen ones support network.
* Join a peer support group.
* Seek help for underlying mood disorders.

For many problem gamblers, it's not quitting that's the challenge, it's staying in recovery, making a permanent commitment to stay away from gambling. Some individuals can stop gambling on their own, but many need help to address their gambling. Only one in ten individuals with gambling disorder seek treatment.

There are no FDA-approved medications to treat gambling disorder, but some medications may help to treat co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.

## References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/compulsive-gambling/symptoms-causes/syc-20355178

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/gambling-addiction-and-problem-gambling.htm

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gambling-disorder/what-is-gambling-disorder