Psychology of Addiction: Signs of Excessive Engagement in Gambling Activities and How to Cope with It

Gambling online is a disaster waiting to happen. Gambling can be entertaining and fun. Both statements are true. However, it depends on how they are perceived.

All forms of gambling, including online casino gaming and sports betting, have two sides. As seen on Karavan Bet, they can be an exciting and entertaining experience. Likewise, they can be destructive, especially with the onset of obsessive addiction that can spiral out of control. It's up to you to enjoy the thrills and spills of gambling without getting engulfed in the abyss of addiction.

If you are here because you know someone who has been engulfed in the abyss of betting addiction, trying to look for information regarding problematic gambling, or ways to cope with gambling addiction, this article will help you find all the information.

What is gambling addiction?

Sometimes referred to as compulsive gambling, this is a type of impulse control disorder. Like many other emotional ailments, gambling addiction is a combination of social parameters, ways of thinking, and biological vulnerabilities. People suffering from gambling addiction cannot stop engaging in the activity even though they are fully aware of its negative implications.

Diagnostic criteria for gambling addiction

'A stitch in time saves nine' is very applicable when it comes to diagnosing problem gambling. Addressing and arresting signs of gambling addiction at the initial stages clears the way for a quick recovery. Some of the indicators for gambling addiction include:

• Increasing the money and time spent on gambling
• Borrowing money so that you can play casino games or place sports bets
• Selling and pawning personal belongings to get money so that you can bet
• Chasing your losses. This means you want to recover that lost bet
• Neglecting your relationship or responsibilities because of gambling
• Feeling anxiety, guilt, or depression after losing your bet
• Hiding your gambling activities
• Gambling affects your output at work because you spend too much time playing casino games.

If you notice some of these signs, you should not hesitate to talk to a professional about your gambling habits. As stated, catching these red flags in the early stages is the best way to deal with the problem before it spirals out of control.

What to do if you are addicted to gambling?

Many people who have suffered from gambling addiction have turned their lives around. As an addict, you, too, can turn your life around. Here are quick steps you must follow to help you in your quest to recover.

Step 1 – Admit you have a problem

Like any other addiction, the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. You can use many problem gambling questionnaires found online to evaluate yourself.

Step 2 – Get support

Addiction is like any other disease. There's no shame or guilt in being addicted. Therefore, approach close family members or friends and ask for help. If you are too ashamed, you can always contact many self-help groups.

Step 3 – Avoid temptations

Once you start your recovery journey, you should avoid triggers at all costs. These could be casinos, drugs or alcohol, use of certain medications (such as dopamine agonists and antipsychotic medications), or factors that get you depressed.

How to get help

Dealing with gambling addiction can be a tall order to accomplish, but not impossible. The treatment procedure involves peer support, counseling, medication, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or a combination of all these.

Generally, no one solution has been found to treat gambling addiction. If you know someone who is affected or feel you might be a victim of problematic gambling, contact Gamblers Anonymous for help. This non-profit organization uses a 12-step program modified from Alcoholics Anonymous to help people addicted to gambling.

Gambling addiction can be prevented

To have blissful memories from your gambling experiences and to avoid becoming an addict, responsible gambling is the only sure practice. Gambling addiction can be prevented if you adhere to the best practices outlined in this article. While you are at it, always remember prevention is better than cure. If you cannot stop yourself from betting, self-care and self-awareness work magic in preventing you from becoming a gambling addict.