The keys to understanding Pathological Gambling

Gambling addiction or ludopathy is a psychological disease characterized by the uncontrollable urge to gamble and bet, regardless of the problems and negative consequences that may arise.

Feelings of excitement and euphoria are often experienced when gambling, causing the constant pursuit of the "big win" that only comes with spending large sums of money.

• Related article: "How are behavioral addictions treated?"

How does gambling manifest itself?

These are the characteristic effects of pathological gambling:

• Constant concern for the game.
• Increased frequency and duration of the game.
• Need to bet more and more money to feel the same level of excitement.
• Unsuccessful attempts to control or stop the game.
• Need to lie to others about the amount of time or money spent gambling.
• Accumulation of debts or loans to be able to continue playing.
• Appearance of interpersonal problems, such as family or work conflicts due to gambling.

What types of gambling addiction exist?

There are different variants of this behavioral addiction:

• Gambling addiction, such as slot machines, roulette, bingo or poker, among others.
• Addiction to sports betting, such as football, basketball, horse racing, etc. People with this type of addiction may feel an uncontrollable urge to bet on any sporting event, even if they are not interested in the sport itself.
• Addiction to online games, such as role-playing games or video games. People with this type of addiction often spend hours gaming and have difficulty controlling their gaming time.
• Addiction to board games, such as chess or checkers, which can translate into spending many hours trying to improve your skills.

Risk factor's

It is important to know the risk factors to be able to help people take preventive measures to reduce your risk of developing a gambling addiction, but keep in mind that these risk factors do not guarantee that a person will develop a gambling addiction:

• Biological factors, such as chemical imbalances in the brain, can increase the risk of developing a gambling addiction, but also traits of personality (impulsivity, for example) or mental health problems (depression or anxiety, for example), will make people face greater risks in their day a day.
• Family history, availability and accessibility, i.e. having close relatives with a history of gambling addiction as well as living in Areas with easy access to casinos, sportsbooks, or other gambling venues may be at higher risk of developing this condition. addiction.
• emotional trauma. People who have experienced emotional trauma in their life, such as abuse or neglect, may have a increased risk of developing an addiction to gambling as a form of escape or sensation seeking pleasant.

therapeutic intervention

Once the gambling addiction is identified, We will address the problem through various therapies:

• Report the person to prevent them from accessing sites, in person or online, related to gambling.
• Identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to your gambling addiction through cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Provide support and understanding to people struggling with gambling addiction through the group therapies, which will include group discussions, group activities or art workshops, among others.
• Having a support network that has also been able to heal their wounds and can help improve the communication, resolving conflicts, and setting healthy boundaries, which will require therapy familiar.

Remember: the important thing is not to know why you started gambling, but to know what to do to stop.