Gambling Addiction: Reasons and Solutions

You cannot disagree that gambling is a fun and exciting activity. For many people, it has become a significant part of their lifestyle. Some of them are looking for a new way of entertaining and testing their luck. Others want to earn some money, placing bets and winning rewards. Some more experienced players unite these features and make gambling their hobby.

However, like any other thrilling pastime,  gambling can be addictive. And when the addiction is detected, one should take actions immediately in order not to let it ruin lives. I have researched this topic and would like to share some info about it.

Reasons for Developing Gambling Addiction

It is hard to tell the definite set of reasons why people get addicted to anything. Sometimes the outside factors can stimulate the addiction. But mostly the personal psychological features make the person responsive to the gambling influence. 

1. Inner motives. They can include the desire to be a leader and showcase the dominance above other players. Another case is the need to feel satisfaction and joy when in real life, the person experiences only failures and disappointments.
2. Personal issues. Low self-esteem and disposition to depression can become factors for developing a gambling addiction.
3. Family reasons. Childhood fears and complexes can lead to choosing a gambling path.
4. Economic factor. Instead of developing a successful career to be financially independent, the person wants to get money fast and effortlessly. 
5. Pandemic and lockdown issues. People are forced to stay at home for a long time without decent social contacts. Others get fired and start looking for solutions. This may lead to excessive playing.
6. Other causes. The overall availability of gambling facilities, legal status in many countries, constant gambling advertising in mass media. 

Gambling Addiction Consequences

• Debts.
• Spouse and family issues.
• Loss of friends.
• Health problems.
• Stress and mental instability.
• Suicidal thoughts.

Are You Okay? Gambling Addiction Checklist

If you have collected more than 5 points from this list, it is the urgent need to take actions in fighting your gambling addiction.

1. Uncontrollable desire to gamble;
2. Chronic sleep issues;
3. Anxiety and irritability, when you cannot play;
4. Depression when not playing;
5. Gradually growing gambling obsession;
6. Keeping playing despite the physical, psychological, financial issues;
7. Growing debts, spending all earnings and savings on gambling;
8. Criminal ways of getting money for playing (stealing, scamming, etc.);
9. Pangs of remorse and regrets after playing;
10. Strong belief in winning even after escalating number of loses;
11. Losing self-control while gambling;
12. Constant setbacks after quitting;
13. Growing health issues because of stress;
14. Desire to make more bets and win more and more.

Get Your Life Back: 5 Steps for Treating Addiction

1. Study your problem. Define the reasons and sources of temptations.
2. Seek for gambling addiction therapy. Ask the special medical and psychological centres for help. 
3. Find support. Join support groups like Gambling Anonymous fellows etc.
4. Manage your debts. Get professional advice or charity help. 
5. Stop playing. Add yourself to the GamStop gambling self-exclusion scheme.

I have collected information about help centres for UK players with gambling problems. 

Hi DaveMorrison,

Thanks for elaborating on this topic.

People gamble in order to entertain themselves, to have a good time, however, for some, it grows into a serious condition which can easily lead to addiction. The problem comes when the person does not gamble for pleasure, actually feels compelled to gamble. You might even think the gambling problem would never happen to you, it happens only to others.

If you know someone demonstrating any of previously stated signs, it is very important to encourage them to ask for instant help. In addition, they need support and understanding by the closest ones which is of great importance for solving the problem.

I used to play too much, more than i could afford. Somehow over the years i have grown bored of gaming, so much so that i play only some 30-50e a week. And many times i dont play at all. So getting used to it and then bored is a solution too. But i do play still, only on a more responsible manner. Well see in a few years again where we are then? Maybe ive found a new hobby? 

This is maybe unique to me so dont expect to grow bored, seek help online if a problem? Peace out!

Gambling or playing online casino must be a responsible act in which you can manage from time to time. Always consider your priorities in life and play responsibly.

If you feel you have a problem managing your gambling activities in a healthy and moderate way, do not hesitate to seek help. 

There's no shame in asking for help - the sooner the better, simply talking to supportive professionals is always comforting, healing and offers a different perspective on the matter. Things are not always as bad as they seem and there is a solution for everything.   

You can start here: Gambling Help and Problem Gambling Advice

Best-known helplines to help overcome problem gambling: 

GamCare

BeGambleAware

Safer Gambling

That is just necessary to find really honest platform and that will help you to minimize the addiction and money lose, as I think

Such topics are always interesting to read: many stories, many lessons

I myself don't find gambling as a way to earn on a stable basis. Maybe it helps to avoid addiction

Maybe for 3 years, I have played poker, sportsbook, casino, but it's still my hobby ... we have to be able to control ourselves and limit our losses. Bankroll Management is very important. Good Luck!

True! We must be responsible with our actions.I've been gambling moderately in VOdds and here nowadays. 

Fellow gambler here :) I'm too suffering from this addiction. Everyone says that, but I think of it as more of a hobby, a well-paid one. Love the adrenalin that these games bring. Love the stories behind each penny. When I started playing I watched some YouTube tutorials. That's what encouraged me. Earning money, quickly and safely, was not a problem anymore.

Thanks for the info! This is the site แทงบอล, because of the quote you can't see it.

I have been gambling online for a year now. I have always had issue with some type of addiction. Very quickly I found my self ina hole that seemed I would never be able to get out of by myself.  In my life before COVID I made part of my living as life coach. I used being shut off from everyone as a reason to crawl futher into myself and began abusing drugs. I would spend what seemed to be days at a time playing.  When I didn't have money to play which would only be for a day or two I would find myself search the web for NDB. I would hound the casino support staff for "freebies" I had soon realized I wasn't even taking care of myself I wasn't bathing, I wasnt picking up my trash, I had let my yard go, I was putting on weight, And it seemed I watch myself age 10yrs right before my very years when I learned that I had burned through $30k in 2 months.  I was reading a story about a couple in Cali one of them lost $100k and was hinding from there partner.. I couldn't believe it.  so there I am not having a clue where to start.  And I started by clicking on one of the links at the bottom of an LCB page.  That was January. 

 I am happy to report that I still have a ways to go but I am no longer that person sitting in there trash doing there best to loss everything.  It has not been easy and I am taking back control of my life, my health, and my money.   Every day is a chance for us to have a new life.  There is no cure for addiction. I have had to drastically modify by behavior.  I ask myself what weaknness have I overcome.  I vowed to stop disappointing myself I have decided to be extraordinary.  

That's good for you. Thanks for sharing.

Gambling addiction is a very serious thing, guys. I've been gambling for my whole life, and I have a lot of friends that are really addicted to it, and it sucks. Most of them have lost a lot of money in casinos, but they keep playing, because they think that one day they will be really lucky and win a lot of money. Guys, be careful with it, everyone thinks that everything is under control, but you may be wrong. Don't take gambling as a source of money. For me gambling is just a way to relax and blow off some steam..

Thank you for sharing. I wish you all the best and encourage you to respect the process. You didn't lose $30k in 30 minutes (although we probably all could if we let ourself) and so you won't recover in a day or 30 days. It's a process, for some a lifelong process once we get honest with ourself, and stop sitting in trash doing our best to lose every penny! wishing you all the best, stay strong. 

 Been in this vicious circle for years. Last summer I won $4050 on a slot jackpot and it just triggered my excessive desire to gamble. My motivation why myself gambling: wanna make more money quick and boredom/want to get excitement.
 

wow reading this really put some thought into my head i didnt think i had a gamblimg problem but maybe i actually do maybe its time to give my head a shake amd make it fun again not a nessesty i need to do or im not happy thanks so much i forgot how this can be fun not a need wow im so in shock but i appreciate this so much

Reddit can be a great resource on the topic gambling addiction. In Subreddits like  r/problemgambling r/reditorsinrecovery, r/addiction and others you can take part without the need to have a profile or requesting a group membership. 

Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, is a behavioral addiction that can have serious negative consequences for an individual's life. Here are some reasons and solutions for gambling addiction:

Reasons for gambling addiction:

• Biology: Certain individuals may have a genetic predisposition to addiction, including gambling addiction.

• Psychology: People with certain personality traits, such as impulsivity or sensation-seeking, may be more susceptible to gambling addiction.

• Environment: Growing up in an environment where gambling is normalized or being exposed to gambling at a young age can increase the risk of gambling addiction.

• Mental health issues: Individuals with certain mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, may turn to gambling as a coping mechanism.

Solutions to gambling addiction:

• Seek professional help: This could include therapy, counseling, or support groups specifically for gambling addicts.

• Self-exclusion: Many casinos and online gambling sites offer self-exclusion programs, which allow individuals to ban themselves from gambling activities.

• Financial management: Individuals with gambling addictions may benefit from setting strict financial limits or seeking financial advice.

• Address underlying issues: Addressing underlying mental health issues or environmental factors can help individuals overcome gambling addiction.

• Support from loved ones: Family and friends can provide support and encouragement throughout the recovery process.

It's imperative to note that overcoming a gambling addiction is a difficult process and may require multiple forms of treatment and support. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction, it's imperative to seek help as soon as possible.

gambling addiction is very serious thing for me, because im the one,i have a lot of money wasting on it

All we need is to be smart and not to be controlled in gambling, because when the gamblers keep losing ,the more you lose, the more you want your money back.

sometime some people use gaming as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. While it may provide temporary relief,..

but its just temporary, you will only sink deeper into addiction if you continue to use gambling as a way to forget and cope up to your stress.

The masochist in me is even addicted to the thrill of losing lol what's wrong with me

I like this thread and wanted to contribute, well I love gambling so basically I am addicted. I do sometimes use it to cope with stress but sometimes it adds to the stress lol. It's fun though, I guess I play for the thrill. Thrill seekers are known to gamble head on but I try to be wiser. I always remind myself to only spend what I can lose so I can enjoy playing, won't mind loosing and savor winning. 

I understand other people use gambling in order to survive financial issues but that's unwise. Better to invest your money someplace where you're sure you'll get a return.