Gaming Addiction: Symptoms and Treatment

Contents:

• Gambling addiction: what is it?
• Signs of gambling addiction
• Why some become addicted and others don't?
• Why it's hard for a gambling addict to quit playing?
• Methods for treating gambling addiction
• Remission and relapse in gambling addiction
• How loved ones can help someone with gambling addiction?

Gambling Addiction: What It Is

Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling disorder or gambling disorder, is a mental disorder characterized by a pathological compulsion to gamble. This condition can significantly impair a person's personal, social, and professional life. A diagnosis is made when an individual continues to gamble despite significant financial and emotional losses, and also loses the ability to control their impulses. Gambling addiction requires attention and often requires specialized help to overcome this disorder.

Gambling addiction often arises from internal experiences. People begin to gamble not only for pleasure, but also to improve their emotional state. What is initially perceived as a way to distract or have fun can over time develop into a serious problem – gambling addiction. This condition requires attention and understanding, as gambling becomes an integral part of life, replacing healthier ways of coping with emotions.

The problem of gambling addiction has deep historical roots. Let's recall Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky's novel "The Gambler", which vividly illustrates this theme. My personal experience with gambling began in the early 2000s, when I was studying for a residency. At that time, slot machines were common in every metro station, and our psychiatric department had many patients suffering from this addiction. Gambling continues to be a serious social problem that requires attention and understanding.

Over time, after the ban on physical casinos and slot machines, the situation with gambling addiction improved slightly - the number of people suffering from this problem decreased. However, they were replaced by online casinos, which have become accessible to many. People experiencing addiction find new ways to play online. Currently, in my practice, 5 to 10 percent of patients suffer from online gambling addiction.

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In August 2024, an international team of scientists published a systematic review on gambling addiction in the medical journal The Lancet. The study analyzed reports from 68 countries, and the results showed that 8.7% of adults engage in risky gambling, and 1.41% have gambling problems. In addition, the study found that one in six teenagers under the age of 18 participated in gambling in the previous 12 months, which is approximately 159.6 million minors. These data highlight the need for further research and development of effective measures to prevent gambling addiction among all age groups.

Research shows that the number of people suffering from gambling addiction continues to increase. A meta-analysis of 2022 reports indicated that 2.43% of respondents engage in risky games, and 1.29% face gambling-related problems. These data highlight the relevance of the problem of gambling addiction and the need to develop effective methods of prevention and treatment.

Signs of gambling addiction

A diagnosis of gambling disorder is made by a psychiatrist based on the presence of four or more signs that have manifested themselves over the past year. Key signs include: the need to increase bets to achieve the same thrill, frustration when trying to cut down or stop gambling, and neglecting social, professional, and other important responsibilities in favor of gambling. If you or a loved one notices these symptoms, it's important to seek professional help. Proper diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve quality of life and help overcome addictions.

• The need to increase the stakes to achieve the desired thrill.
• Irritability or restlessness when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control, cut down, or stop gambling.
• Frequent preoccupation with thoughts about gambling (e.g., constantly thinking about past gambling experiences, planning the next game, thinking about ways to get money to gamble).
• Gambling when emotionally distressed (e.g., feeling helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed).
• After losing money, the person often returns the next day to "win back" (attempt to win back the money lost).
• Lying to conceal the extent of gambling involvement.
• Threatening or losing significant relationships, jobs, educational, or career opportunities because of gambling.
• Borrowing money to resolve financial difficulties, Gambling-related problems.

People often seek treatment for symptoms that seem familiar and cause no shame, such as panic attacks. However, upon closer examination, it turns out that panic attacks are just the tip of the iceberg. These symptoms may be related to deeper issues, such as addictions and intense feelings of shame. It's important to understand that effective treatment requires identifying the root causes of these conditions, not just addressing their symptoms. Professional help can help you understand these issues and find paths to recovery.

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Shopaholism is a psychological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to buy. People suffering from this addiction often shop to cope with emotional issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression. These impulsive purchases can lead to financial difficulties and the deterioration of personal relationships.

To cope with shopaholism, it is important to recognize the problem and seek help. Various methods can help, including budgeting, limiting access to credit cards, and consulting a psychologist. It is also helpful to find alternative ways to relieve stress, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.

Understanding the causes of shopaholism and working on them will help you control your shopping and improve your overall quality of life. Don't be afraid to seek professional support if you feel you can't overcome this addiction on your own.

Why Some Become Addicted and Others Don't

This is a polyetiological disorder, which indicates a multitude of factors that contribute to its development. Key factors include external factors, such as a social environment where sports betting is common, and genetic predispositions that can manifest themselves in certain environments. The likelihood of developing the disorder may also increase as a result of emotional trauma or stressful situations experienced by a person.

From a neurobiological perspective, the disorder is associated with the functioning of the mesolimbic pathway, which plays a key role in motivation and the formation of reward-oriented behavior. This system controls our desires, which manifests itself in everyday situations, such as anticipation of morning coffee or the joy of a purchase. Understanding the functioning of the mesolimbic pathway can aid in research into the causes of various disorders and the development of treatments.

In certain situations, this system can experience hyperstimulation, which is observed both with drug use and in behavioral addictions such as gambling. Overstimulation can lead to significant changes in the perception of pleasure and reward, which increases addiction and makes it difficult to control behavior.

• When a person places bets, they experience the anticipation of a possible win.
• If they lose, disappointment pushes them to try again to win back their losses.
• If they win, this reinforces their behavior and increases the desire to continue gambling.
• Gradually, this leads to the natural stimulation of the dopamine system weakening, and the person needs more and more involvement to achieve satisfaction.

In addiction studies, the term "craving" refers to a strong craving, which is especially pronounced in people with chemical dependencies. They often express their feelings with the words: "I am losing control and cannot cope with myself." Similar feelings are observed in people with behavioral addictions, where the mechanisms of action are similar, regardless of the type of addiction. Understanding craving is important for developing effective treatment and support methods, as it is a key element in the process of combating addictions.

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Addictive behavior is a mental state characterized by a persistent dependence on certain substances or actions. It can manifest itself in various forms, such as addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, as well as compulsive behavior related to the internet or shopping.

Addictive behavior develops under the influence of many factors, including genetic predisposition, social environment, and psychological personality traits. A person may begin using certain substances or engaging in certain activities as a way to avoid stress or improve their mood. Over time, these actions become a habit, and an addiction develops, requiring increasing amounts of stimuli to achieve the same level of satisfaction.

It is important to understand that addictive behavior negatively impacts a person's life and those around them. It leads to problems in relationships, at work, and can cause serious health problems. Therefore, it is important to recognize the symptoms early and seek help from specialists who can offer effective treatment and support methods.

Gambling addiction often accompanies other types of addictions, such as alcohol or nicotine addiction. Often, people trying to cope with one addiction find themselves drawn into another. For example, while trying to overcome alcohol addiction, they may become addicted to gambling. This phenomenon confirms that addiction often manifests itself in various forms, requiring a comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention. It's important to understand the connections between different addictions and seek help at the first signs of problematic behavior.

Why it's hard for a gambler to quit

A person can recognize the seriousness of their problem, but this does not always lead to cessation of gambling. Even after significant financial losses or other difficulties, some continue to place bets. This behavior is driven by a powerful internal urge to continue gambling, despite the awareness of the need to stop. Understanding the problem is not always a sufficient incentive to quit gambling, which underscores the complexity of addiction and the need for professional help to overcome it.

This condition is often associated with irrational beliefs and self-deception. For example, as a result of magical thinking, a person can create a system of random coincidences. For example, they may think: "Five years ago, I won on a Thursday evening when the sky was cloudy, which means that today, under similar conditions, I will win again." It is also possible that a person associates their successes with certain phases of the moon, creating the illusion of a system based on random events. These cognitive distortions allow people to ignore negative experiences and focus on rare successes, which only exacerbates self-deception and interferes with an objective assessment of reality. Understanding these mechanisms can help overcome such beliefs and learn to approach the evaluation of one's actions and results more rationally.

Survivorship bias is a common cognitive distortion that affects gambler behavior. People tend to remember only successful bets, while many losing ones remain forgotten. This distortion is reinforced by examples of other gamblers who also had successful moments. As a result, a false perception of reality is formed, which supports continued betting despite the presence of significant losses and negative consequences. Gamblers ignore the factual data about their failures, which leads to further risk-taking and irrational decisions. Recognizing this distortion can help in a more conscious approach to gambling and financial management.

The Beck Institute's model of addictive disorders therapy highlights the concept of "Stinking thinking" (literally translated as "stinking thinking"), common in people suffering from addictive disorders. This thinking can manifest itself in three main forms or a combination of them. The basic idea is that negative attitudes and distorted thoughts worsen addiction and hinder recovery. For effective therapy, it is important to recognize and correct such thoughts in order to facilitate the recovery process and improve quality of life.

• Positively reinforcing thoughts that predict winning/pleasure. For example, "I will win, it will be great, and I will be able to give my wife a cool gift."
• Negatively reinforcing thoughts that predict problem solving. For example, "I will win and pay off all my debts, I will feel good."
• Resolving thoughts that state the possibility of such behavior for a specific person. For example, "I'm an adult, I make my own decisions, I play when I want, and I don't when I don't."

A person with addictive behavior often doesn't recognize the critical nature of their thoughts and actions. They may justify their problematic behavior, accepting it as normal. Their thinking is dominated by ideas that promote short-term hedonism, which is expressed in the desire for immediate gratification without regard for the negative consequences. This ignorance of possible risks exacerbates addiction and complicates the recovery process. Understanding these mechanisms is an important step in treating addictions and developing healthier behavior patterns.

Such thinking requires awareness and adjustment during therapy. Understanding one's thought patterns and their impact on behavior is an important part of psychotherapeutic practice. Adjusting these patterns can lead to healthier ways of perceiving oneself and the world around oneself. Psychotherapy provides tools for changing destructive thoughts and developing positive attitudes, which contributes to an improvement in psycho-emotional state and quality of life.

Treatment Methods for Gambling Addiction

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective psychological method for treating gambling addiction. This therapy has proven itself as a reliable approach in the fight against various addictions. CBT helps patients recognize and change negative thoughts and behavioral patterns associated with gambling. This helps not only reduce addiction but also improve overall psycho-emotional state.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) often uses motivational interviewing - a method that promotes awareness of the negative consequences of addiction and an understanding of the positive changes that can occur when quitting gambling. This process may require several sessions, but its main goal is not only to identify the problem but also to develop sustainable motivation for change. Motivational interviewing helps clients gain a deeper understanding of their addiction and identify the internal resources needed to overcome difficulties and achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Motivational interviewing includes two key stages. The first stage focuses on the negative consequences of addiction, such as financial losses, disruption of family ties, loss of communication with children, and deterioration of relationships with loved ones. These aspects help the person recognize the seriousness of their situation. In the second stage, the person begins to recognize the positive changes that can occur in their life after quitting the addiction: restoration of family relationships, the emergence of new opportunities, and an improvement in the overall quality of life. This process fosters internal motivation for change and inspires the search for paths to recovery and growth.

The main goal of therapy is to support a person in replacing destructive behavior with healthier and more positive ways of achieving satisfaction and joy. Therapy is aimed at developing skills that will help find alternative sources of happiness that contribute to an improved psycho-emotional state and quality of life.

In addition to individual therapy, it is important to consider participating in self-help groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous and SMART Recovery programs. These communities provide the necessary support, allowing people suffering from gambling addiction to find effective paths to recovery and restoration. Group therapy promotes the exchange of experiences and strengthens motivation, which is an important aspect in the addiction treatment process.

Remission and relapse in gambling addiction

According to statistics, with the right approach to treatment, 85.6% of people suffering from gambling addiction achieve remission. This underscores the importance of timely diagnosis and effective therapy for successful recovery.

Achieving remission does not mean the addiction is completely gone. People who have successfully completed therapy may experience relapses. It is important to understand that relapse is a normal part of the recovery process, as long as the person quickly returns to therapy and prevents the relapse from developing into a relapse. Relapse, in turn, manifests itself as a systematic return to gambling. Therefore, maintaining active participation in therapeutic activities and regularly seeking help remain key aspects of relapse prevention and maintaining long-term remission.

Over time, the likelihood of relapse decreases, especially if the person is actively engaged in personal growth and self-development. However, some patients may achieve remission quickly and without a return to gambling. It's important to understand that each case is individual, and support plays a key role in this process.

How loved ones can help someone with a gambling addiction

Discussing the problem of gambling addiction with the person suffering from it is an extremely important step. Without sharing your experiences and expressing support, the likelihood of change is significantly reduced. Difficult conversations, although not always leading to immediate referral to a psychologist or psychotherapist, contribute to awareness of the problem and can be the beginning of the path to recovery. Recognizing the existence of an addiction is the first step to overcoming it. It is important to remember that open and honest communication can play a key role in the process of help and support.

• Don't adopt a position of resignation or avoid the topic of addiction. It's better to talk openly about the person's behavior causing you great concern: "I'm worried about you, I see that you spend a lot of time gambling, taking money from us or from friends."
• It's important to distinguish between personality and behavior. It's important to emphasize that the problem lies in the person's actions, not their character. They are still a son, brother, husband, or wife, but their behavior is worrying.
• Don't try to talk when the addict becomes aggressive. Often, a person with an addiction may react aggressively or deny the problem. This doesn't mean you should stop trying to talk. It's better to take a break and then return to the conversation again.

Our behavior is significantly influenced by the environment. Words from loved ones expressing concern can be an important stimulus for a person. They can prompt them to consider the need for changes in their life. Such external urges often play a key role in the decision to initiate change.

One of the main recommendations for loved ones is to stop supporting behavior associated with addiction. Addicted individuals often ask for money, explaining the need to pay off a debt or solve an urgent problem. Although such requests may seem sincere, it is important to resist persuasion and not provide financial assistance. This is critical to preventing further development of addiction and the formation of dependence on external support.

Caring for the mental health of a person with addictions should be based on support and an offer to seek professional help. Financial assistance in this case can have negative consequences, as the addict may use the funds provided to continue gambling or other harmful habits. It's important to focus on referring the person to specialists who can help them overcome addictions and restore mental health.

Addiction creates artificial needs, and as a result, loved ones can become victims of manipulation. This is not simply a personality trait of the addict, but a consequence of their illness. The addict's brain requires constant stimulation, and to satisfy this need, a person may resort to deception and lies to obtain money for the next bet. Understanding these mechanisms is important for combating addictions and helping those trapped in their delusions.

It's important to distinguish between assistance with everyday needs, such as food and clothing, and financial assistance, which can be misused. Until the addiction is overcome, any financial investment in the person should be avoided. This will help prevent a return to gambling and provide more effective support during the recovery process.