Gambling, or a pathological passion for gambling, is referred by experts to a non-chemical type of addiction. In this case, the object of vicious attraction is not any psychoactive substance, but a certain type of behavior.
Features of the problem
Gambling addiction (synonyms - gambling, ludomania) is a constant participation in gambling, which often endangers a person's personal life and career. This term originated back in the 60s of the last century in the United States, when slot machines were installed almost everywhere there.
Gambling is one of the types of emotional addictions. It is the most dangerous for the material well-being of a person and the most beneficial for those who give the opportunity to "play". Excitement becomes more and more, a person complains that he loses his sense of time. He does not remember anything about what happened during the game. Personality degrades, a person eventually loses his job, family, falls into depression. All this- the payment for gambling, which often turns out to be much more than just material losses. Truly, gambling is a disease of the soul. There are also many criminal cases due to excessive gambling.
Where it all begins
The starting point for the formation of dependence can be any form - roulette, sweepstakes, slot machine. It often takes only a few hours for a disturbance to occur.
This disorder is very common. In the ICD-10, it is entered under the code F63.0. Among adolescents in various countries, the incidence of gambling addiction exceeds that among adults by about 2 times. The most common are lotteries, slot machines, card games, computer games. At the same time, online games form gambling addiction, and not Internet addiction, which is a completely different form of violation.
Among the most frequently addicted gambling games, card games, slot machines, roulette, lotteries, various computer games, including those on the Internet, are most common in the countries of the former USSR.
Who can be affected by addiction?
Even great people are subject to this violation. One of the most famous domestic gamers, perhaps, was F. M. Dostoevsky. He often remained without a single penny in his pocket, pawned and re-mortgaged all his property. Only the risk of starvation forced the writer to temporarily suppress his perniciousaddiction.
Despite the prohibitions, there were players in the days of the USSR. Then all kinds of restrictions were lifted, and a huge number of gaming establishments arose. Doctors who treat players have experience working with representatives of almost all segments of the population. There are gamers among politicians, and among rich people, and even among scientists.
Involvement process
A person becomes addicted to gambling, mainly due to a lack of dopamine. This substance is responsible for the experience of joy and happiness. The player gets a sense of satisfaction due to the increased release of hormones. Ludomania, including gambling addiction to computer games, arises as a result of getting used to vivid emotions. When the patient anticipates the joy of winning, adrenaline becomes a kind of drug for him. And the next time he is attracted to a casino or an online game, it’s not at all the desire to get rich. The main reason is uncontrollable attraction.
The principle of addiction formation
Gambling of any type - for example, gambling addiction to online games - is formed according to the same principle. Becoming the hero of the process, a person is transferred to a virtual world, where (as he believes) everything is allowed to him. A well-thought-out gaming background, nice design - all this makes a person plunge headlong into a new reality. A weak person who cannot become successful in the real world seeks to realize himself in the virtual universe. Often care ina fictional world is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to get away from difficult life circumstances.
Main reasons
The following reasons are identified that lead to the development of addiction.
- A joyless existence. Emotional discomfort and spiritual emptiness often breed addiction.
- Man's dissatisfaction with his career, family life, intimate sphere.
- Personal immaturity. One of the main reasons teenagers develop gambling addiction.
- Inability to adequately respond to stressful situations.
- Genetic predisposition.
Game availability
Computer gaming addiction is often formed due to the availability of the latest developments. Online games are currently presented in a very large assortment. In addition, developers are constantly captivating users with new versions. Thanks to accessibility, even gambling addiction in adults is formed quickly and strengthens. A computer (or any other gadget) makes a person happy, but at the same time dependent.
Is it possible to convince the patient?
In most cases, gambling cannot be cured by promises, moral maxims, "stick" or "carrot" methods. The average person cannot control their passion for the game. Gamers need the help of psychiatrists and psychologists to get rid of their addiction.
Consequences
It is believed that in at least 60% of cases the gamblercommits illegal acts - up to serious crimes. A gambler has problems in almost all areas of life - financial, social, personal. He begins to suffer from isolation, suspiciousness, anxiety. In this regard, suicide attempts are not uncommon - they are committed by about 40% of players.
A gambler's circle of interests is changing. Previous desires are replaced by gambling addiction, various obsessions appear. Imaginary situations begin to take over his mind. The gambler loses control over himself and his life. Almost constantly he is in a state of irritation, anxiety. This state is repeated at certain intervals, causing an unbearable desire to start the game again. Only a few can overcome it - people with a really strong will. Such a picture is very similar to drug cravings, reminiscent of the clinical picture of withdrawal in drug addicts and alcoholics. The gambler suffers from headaches, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. Chronic lack of sleep weakens him physically. Decreased libido.
Features of the disorder in children and adolescents
Most often, children who become victims of addiction to gambling have problems with self-esteem, communication with peers, suffer from complexes. Children of busy parents or those who are constantly at work lack lively, normal communication. Only a mother or father can fix this problem - otherwise, the child is very likely to plunge headlong into the virtual world.
It is not uncommon for adolescents and young children to develop gambling addiction due to family problems. Frequent conflicts have an overwhelming effect on the psyche, oppress the child. A computer game allows you to get away from this environment. In this case, it is a defensive reaction to the negative. Another prerequisite for the development of gambling addiction in children aged about 12-15 years is the presence of a large amount of free time. The child comes home, does his homework, and then he gets bored. He may watch TV or wash the dishes, but then he will turn on the computer sooner or later.
What does addiction lead to?
The main consequence of being online for a long time is, first of all, addiction. Also, a teenager or child loses normal communication skills. Communicating in a chat, he in a sense becomes invulnerable - no one sees the expression on his face, experiences. Computer addiction also leads to emotional immaturity. The child cannot understand the feelings of another person. Trusting relationships with friends and parents are lost, selfishness is formed.
Another consequence is a sense of impunity. In the virtual world, the game takes place according to the rules and without - after all, it is allowed online. However, there is a high risk that the addict will lose a sense of responsibility for their actions in the real world. Depression is also not uncommon. A teenager is not always able to designate his inner psychological boundaries. Passion for games can lead to apathy, inner emptiness.
How to get rid of gambling addiction?
Gambling addiction treatment always involves the use of a set of techniques. Consider the most useful:
- Prevention. It is necessary to ensure that games and online casinos do not turn into a terrible problem. You should not allow yourself or a loved one to lose more than 3-5% of your monthly earnings. You cannot go beyond these boundaries. You don't have to try to "recoup". Then you won't have to face the question of how to get rid of gambling addiction.
- When it comes to games on a computer or phone, tough measures need to be taken here too. Of course, you can let yourself or your child have fun for half an hour. However, after this time, no excuses can be given. The game must be stopped unconditionally. Blocking the growth of excitement is the most effective principle for the prevention of gambling addiction.
- Recognize the problem. One of the most important steps in the treatment of gambling addiction. A visit to a casino or online games a person reinforces with the desire to get rich. And he considers a computer “shooter” or “walker” as a pleasant way to distract himself. In fact, not many people managed to get rich in this way. And the passion for online games gradually takes away all free time, occupies a person’s thoughts, hinders self-realization.
- Treatment with strong emotional experiences. Gambling is a powerful source of adrenaline. The process of the game makes up for the lack of dopamine reserves. Therefore, an excellent prevention of gambling addiction, as well as its methodtreatment can be an activity that brings positive emotions. A new hobby will make it easier to bear the absence of the game.
- Suppression of desire to play. It must be understood that the game leads away from real life. Awareness is an important step towards getting rid of gambling addiction. In the most difficult cases, techniques for influencing the unconscious can be used - hypnosis, suggestion.
- Find motivation. Without new goals, it will be very difficult to get rid of the existing problem. It is necessary to give the brain a setting not only to get rid of gambling addiction, but also to achieve new, constructive goals. Think about what you have to lose by spending time online. If you set a really serious life goal, then there will be no time left for spending time online.
- Reward and praise. It is necessary to encourage yourself even for small achievements in getting rid of gambling addiction. for example, it could be shopping for clothes or going to the movies. These can be small prizes that you can afford. Stress from the lack of play will be compensated, replaced by new positive experiences. Of course, this issue also needs to be approached reasonably: you cannot replace gambling addiction with alcohol or overeating.
- See cons in the game. It is also important to be aware of what the excessive passion for games leads to. Addiction can also be eliminated by forming a negative opinion about the game process. It is desirable to realize all this in colors, to have before your eyes vivid examples of how gambling affects a person. Costsdescribe in detail both physical moments (deterioration of posture, vision), and psychological ones (personal and professional degradation, loss of interest in real life).
Gambling is a violation that can destroy a person's life, his brightest hopes. Therefore, at the first signs of this disorder, urgent measures must be taken. The best method of prevention is to refrain from playing games and contact a psychologist in a timely manner.
