Compulsive gambling, also known as gambling disorder, is a condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to continue gambling despite its negative impact on one’s life. Gambling involves risking something of value in the hope of gaining something of greater value. It can stimulate the brain’s reward system similar to drugs or alcohol, leading to addiction. For individuals with compulsive gambling, they may continuously chase bets, use up savings, and accumulate debt.
Compulsive gambling can be a serious and destructive condition, leading individuals to hide their behavior and resort to theft or fraud to support their addiction. However, many people have found help through professional treatment.
Signs and symptoms of compulsive gambling (gambling disorder) may include:
While casual gamblers may stop when losing or set limits on their losses, individuals with compulsive gambling problems are compelled to keep playing in an increasingly destructive pattern. Some may resort to theft or fraud to obtain gambling money.
Periods of remission, where gambling is reduced or stopped, may occur, but without treatment, remission is usually not permanent.
If family members, friends, or co-workers express concern about your gambling behavior, it’s essential to listen to their worries. Denial is common in compulsive or addictive behavior, making it challenging for individuals to recognize their problem.
The exact cause of compulsive gambling is not well understood, but it may result from a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors.
While most people who gamble do not develop a gambling problem, certain factors are associated with compulsive gambling:
Compulsive gambling can have severe and lasting consequences for individuals’ lives, such as relationship problems, financial issues, legal problems, poor work performance, poor general health, and even suicide or suicidal thoughts.
While there is no proven way to prevent gambling disorder, educational programs targeting individuals and groups at higher risk may be helpful. If you have risk factors for compulsive gambling, it’s essential to avoid gambling, people who gamble, and places where gambling occurs. Seeking treatment at the first sign of a problem can help prevent the worsening of the condition.
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If you suspect that you have a problem with compulsive gambling, it’s important to talk to your health care provider or seek help from a mental health professional for evaluation. The diagnosis process may involve:
Treating compulsive gambling can be challenging, as individuals may have a hard time admitting they have a problem. However, treatment is essential in regaining control and healing damaged relationships and finances. Treatment for compulsive gambling may include:
Additional treatment for co-occurring issues like substance misuse, depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems may also be included in the treatment plan for compulsive gambling.
Even with treatment, the risk of returning to gambling may persist, especially when in the presence of gambling triggers. If you feel you may relapse, contact your mental health provider or sponsor promptly to prevent it.
Recovery skills that may help resist urges to gamble include:
Counseling can also be beneficial for family members, even if the individual with a gambling problem is unwilling to participate in therapy.
If you’ve decided to seek help for compulsive gambling, it’s an important first step. Before your appointment, make a list of:
During your appointment, be prepared to answer questions about your gambling habits, its impact on your life, and your readiness to seek treatment.
