Gambling Addiction: Definition, Causes, Effects, and Treatment

Gambling addiction, or gambling disorder, is a behavioral addiction that develops an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite being aware of the negative consequences. Gambling can involve more than money, including properties, assets, jewelry, electronics, or other valuable resources. Some people may bet on services or favors, like agreeing to perform certain tasks if they lose.

People with gambling addiction or disorder often show common symptoms like preoccupation with gambling, gambling with larger amounts, repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit, chasing losses, lying about gambling, and asking others for financial help.

There can be various causes for gambling addiction, combining genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. A family history of addiction, underlying mental health issues like depression or anxiety, and exposure to gambling at an early age can all contribute to the development of this disorder.

Gambling addiction can lead to several negative effects, including financial difficulties, relationship problems, deteriorating mental health, and legal issues. In extreme cases, gambling addicts may opt for illegal activities or ways to fund their gambling habits. 

Gambling addicts usually get treatment with a combination of therapy, support groups, and sometimes medication. They may need help from certified medical experts or therapists to address and treat underlying mental health issues like depression or anxiety. 

What is Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction, commonly known as gambling disorder, is a condition where a person cannot control the urge to gamble, even when it causes severe problems in their life. It involves a continuous need to bet money or valuables despite negative consequences.

According to the DSM-5, gambling disorder is diagnosed when an individual shows at least four of the following symptoms within 12 months: a need to gamble with increasing amounts of money, restlessness when attempting to quit, unsuccessful efforts to control gambling, preoccupation with gambling, gambling when feeling stressed, chasing losses, lying to hide their gambling habits, jeopardizing significant relationships or opportunities, and asking others to provide money in financial problems caused by gambling.

The unhealthy rise of gambling addiction is concerning in the United States. According to the University of Maryland (School of Medicine), approximately 4-6 million or 2-3% of adults in the US have mild or moderate gambling problems. At the same time, 2 million or 1% of adults have severe gambling addiction.  These statistics highlight the significant impact of gambling addiction across the country.

What is the difference between gambling addiction and problem gambling?

Gambling addiction and problem gambling are two different types or levels of gambling issues. Gambling addiction is a severe condition where a person can’t stop gambling, even when it causes significant problems in their life. For example, someone with a gambling addiction might spend all their money on betting, lie about it, and ignore their responsibilities to keep gambling.

Problem gambling is when gambling starts to create trouble in someone’s life, but it’s not as severe as an addiction. It includes any gambling behavior that causes harm or stress. For example, a person might gamble too much during a sports season, leading to money problems or arguments with loved ones, but they can stop or cut back afterwards. 

The key difference between gambling addiction and problem gambling is how severe the issue is. Everyone with a gambling addiction is a problem gambler, but not all problem gamblers are addicted. Problem gambling can be a warning sign, and it’s essential to get help before it turns into a full addiction.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Gambling Addiction?

The signs and symptoms of gambling addiction are preoccupation with gambling, the need to gamble with increasing amounts of money, unable to stop gambling, gambling to relieve bad feelings, chasing losses, lying about gambling, jeopardizing relationships or opportunities, and relying on others for financial help. 

These signs and symptoms of gambling addiction are listed below.

• Preoccupation with Gambling: Constantly thinking about gambling and planning future gambling activities is an important sign of gambling addiction. This obsession can interfere with daily activities and responsibilities. 
• Need to Gamble with Increasing Amounts of Money: According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5, feeling the need to bet larger amounts of money to achieve the same thrill or excitement is a major symptom of gambling addiction.
• Unable to Stop Gambling: Gambling addicts make repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or quit their gambling habits. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) identifies this constant failure to quit as diagnostic criteria for gambling disorder.
• Gambling to Relieve Bad Feelings: Gambling addicts may use gambling as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health/emotional issues. Gambling becomes a way to avoid dealing with these underlying problems.
• Chasing Losses: Chasing losses and trying to win back money lost from gambling by continuing to gamble is a warning sign of addiction. This behavior often leads to even greater losses and deeper financial troubles.
• Lying About Gambling: Concealing the extent of gambling activities from family, friends, or therapists is a sign that you are leading to addiction. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 17% of gamblers in the US lie about their gambling habits to family and friends. 
• Jeopardizing Relationships or Opportunities: According to DSM-5, constantly risking or losing significant relationships, jobs, or educational/career opportunities because of gambling is a symptom of gambling disorder. 
• Relying on Others for Financial Help: According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 12% of gamblers rely on others to pay their debts or bills. They ask friends, family, or others to bail them out of financial trouble caused by gambling.

What are the Causes of Gambling Addiction?

The causes of gambling addiction are genetic factors, psychological factors, environmental factors, biological factors, and early exposure to gambling. 

These causes of gambling addiction are listed below.

• Genetic Factors: A family history of addiction can increase the likelihood of developing gambling problems. Genetics can influence brain responses to rewards, making some people more prone to addiction. A study by the University of Iowa found that close relatives of pathological gamblers are more likely to develop gambling addiction.
• Psychological Factors: Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and stress can contribute to gambling addiction. People may gamble to escape their psychological problems. According to a research paper, DSM-IV pathological gambling in the National
• Comorbidity Survey Replication: Around 49% of gamblers faced mental health disorders at some points of their lives. 
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to gambling through friends, family, or environments where gambling is common can lead to addiction. Social circles and easy access to gambling can encourage excessive gambling.
• Biological Factors: Brain abnormalities and imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine can lead to compulsive gambling behaviors. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), gambling disorders are linked with a variety of brain regions, like the striatum and prefrontal cortex. 
• Early Exposure to Gambling: Being introduced to gambling at a young age can increase the risk of developing addiction later. Early exposure can normalize gambling and make it seem acceptable or exciting.

What are the Effects of Gambling Addiction?

The effects of gambling addiction are the various negative consequences that result from gambling disorder.  

The most common effects of gambling addiction are financial difficulties, relationship problems, deteriorating mental health, and legal issues.

These negative effects of gambling addiction are listed below.

• Financial Difficulties: According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, financial hardship and bankruptcy are common consequences of gambling addiction. People with gambling addiction may spend all their money on gambling, use their savings, take loans, or sell possessions to fund their habit.
• Relationship Problems: Research from the Journal of Gambling Studies shows that gambling addiction can cause severe strain on personal relationships with family and friends. The secrecy, lies, and financial stress associated with gambling can lead to arguments and even breakups or divorces.
• Deteriorating Mental Health: The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that people with gambling addiction are at higher risk for severe mental health problems. The stress of gambling losses and guilt can cause mental health issues, sometimes leading to suicidal thoughts.
• Legal Issues: Research published in the Journal of Gambling Studies shows that severe gambling addiction can lead to illegal and criminal activities, resulting in legal problems. Addicts might engage in theft, fraud, or embezzlement, leading to criminal charges and imprisonment.
• Physical Health Problems: According to research on Pathological Gambling, the stress and lifestyle associated with gambling addiction can lead to physical health issues. High stress levels can contribute to problems like ulcers, headaches, and high blood pressure.

How does gambling addiction affect your physical health?

Gambling addiction can lead to various physical health issues, mainly due to stress and unhealthy behaviors. People with gambling addiction often experience high levels of stress, which can cause physical problems like headaches, high blood pressure, and stomach ulcers. The constant worry about debts and losses can also weaken the immune system, making the body more prone to illnesses. According to a study by Jasmine M. Y. Loo, Shane W. Kraus, and Marc N. Potenza, gambling problems have higher rates of physical health issues, with 65% reporting stress-related physical symptoms.

How can gambling addiction affect your mental health?

The stress and guilt from losing money and hiding the addiction can cause severe emotional distress. Many people with gambling addiction feel hopeless and trapped, leading to depression and anxiety. According to the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. 2006, 36 – 50% of gamblers seeking mental health treatments have a history of suicidal thoughts. The emotional rollercoaster of winning and losing can trigger these mental health problems.

How does gambling addiction affect the brain?

According to the American Psychological Association, gambling addiction affects the brain by changing its reward system, particularly impacting the neurotransmitter dopamine. The brain regions involved in the reward processing are the striatum and prefrontal cortex. When someone gambles, the brain releases dopamine, a chemical that makes them feel good. Over time, the brain starts to crave more dopamine, leading to more gambling to achieve the same pleasure.  

What are the Risk Factors for Gambling Addiction?

Several risk factors can influence gambling addiction, which increases the chances of developing gambling behaviors. 

The most common risk factors for gambling addiction are listed below. 

• Family History of Addiction: Genetics play a significant role, as a family history of gambling or other addictions can increase the risk of developing gambling addiction. 
• Age and Gender: Younger and middle-aged people, especially males, are more likely than women to develop gambling problems. 
• Personality Traits: Certain personality traits, like high impulsivity and a need for excitement, can increase the risk of gambling addiction. People who constantly seek thrill may find gambling difficult to resist.
• Existing Financial Problems: Existing financial difficulties can lead individuals to gamble to solve their money issues. They may find gambling as a quick fix when they are financially struggling.

How is Gambling Addiction Treated?

You can treat gambling addiction through therapy, medications, self-help groups, and treatments for underlying conditions. The time it takes to stop and recover from gambling addiction can range from a few weeks to 1 year, depending on the severity of the addiction.

The treatment options for gambling addiction are listed below.

Therapy

Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helps people that require treatment for gambling addiction identify and change harmful gambling behaviors and thoughts. Therapy provides long-term strategies to cope with urges, improve problem-solving skills, and address underlying issues. People with gambling disorders will have regular sessions with a licensed therapist that can help them develop healthier thinking patterns.

Medication

Certain medications, like antidepressants and mood stabilizers, can help manage symptoms of gambling addiction. Medications can be effective in reducing the urge to gamble, especially when combined with therapy. A healthcare provider should prescribe them to help manage conditions like depression or anxiety associated with gambling addiction. However, medications can have some side effects. 

Self-help Groups

Self-help groups, like Gamblers Anonymous (GA), provide support through a group of individuals who share similar conditions and struggles. These groups offer a supportive environment, shared experiences, and a structured recovery program. Regular attendance at meetings helps people with addiction build a support network and stay committed to their recovery journey.

Treatment for Underlying Conditions

Addressing underlying mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or substance abuse is essential for treating gambling addiction. Treating these underlying issues can reduce the urge to gamble and improve overall mental health. This treatment involves a plan with therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes to address both gambling addiction and any underlying conditions effectively.

How to Deal with Gambling Cravings?

You can deal with gambling cravings by avoiding isolation, postponing gambling, and finding different activities for distraction. 

The ways to deal with gambling cravings are listed below.

Avoid Isolation

Avoiding isolation is effective in dealing with gambling addiction. Staying connected with friends, family, and supportive groups can help you avoid the cravings to gamble. Being around others provides emotional support and reduces feelings of loneliness and boredom, which can trigger gambling cravings.

Postpone Gambling

Postponing is an effective technique for breaking the immediate urge to gamble. It gives time to rethink the decision and opt for healthier choices. When you feel the urge to gamble, set a timer for 15 or 30 minutes and engage in another activity during that time. Often, the craving will pass or lessen in intensity.

Find Different Activities for Distraction

Finding alternative activities is very effective as they not only distract from gambling but also help build a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Activities like exercising, reading, or pursuing hobbies can provide fulfillment, keep your mind occupied, and distract you from the urge to gamble.

Do gamblers have a high suicide rate?

Yes, gambling addicts have a higher suicide rate compared to the general population. The intense financial stress and relationship problems caused by gambling addiction can lead to severe emotional distress. Many gamblers feel hopeless and overwhelmed by their situation, which can result in depression and suicidal thoughts. Research published in the Journal of Mental Health and Addiction states that 50% of gamblers have suicidal thoughts after major losses. This alarming statistic highlights the need for support for those struggling with gambling addiction to prevent suicides.

Does gambling addiction cause depression?

Yes, gambling addiction can cause depression. The cycle of winning and losing in gambling, combined with financial stress and relationship problems, can lead to emotional distress. Many people with gambling addiction feel trapped and hopeless due to debts and the inability to stop their gambling behavior. This constant stress and anxiety can trigger depression. According to the American Psychological Association, people with gambling addiction are more likely to experience severe depression and related mental health issues.

Is gambling addiction a disease?

Yes, gambling addiction is considered a disease. Like other addictions, it makes changes in brain chemistry and function, particularly in the areas related to reward and impulse control. This makes it difficult for individuals to stop gambling even when it causes significant harm. Just like other chronic conditions, understanding gambling addiction as a disease portrays the need for medical and psychological treatment. 

Is gambling addiction genetic?

Yes, gambling addiction can be genetic. Genetics can play a role in the development of gambling addiction. People with a family history of addiction, including gambling, are more likely to develop similar behaviors. However, genetics is just one factor. Environmental factors and personal experiences also play a role in the development of gambling addiction.

Is gambling addiction a disability?

Yes, gambling addiction can be considered a disability. It affects the brain’s reward system and can lead to serious financial, social, and psychological consequences. In some countries, including the United States, gambling addiction can be classified as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if it limits one or more major life activities.

Is gambling addiction environmental?

Yes, environmental factors can influence gambling addiction. The environment plays an important role in the development of gambling addiction. Factors like exposure to gambling from a young age, peer pressure, and living in a community where gambling is common can increase the risk. Recognizing these environmental factors helps create effective prevention strategies to decrease the risk.