Gambling addiction, also known as pathological gambling, is described as the persistent maladaptive gambling behavior, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). Characteristics of gambling addiction include being mentally preoccupied with gambling, even when not engaged in gambling activities. For addicts, gambling provides a level of excitement, according to the DSM-IV-TR. Gamblers often continue to gamble after several attempts to decrease or stop the behavior.
Money Problems
Pathological gamblers do not keep track of their money when they are gambling. They keep spending money when they lose, because they feel they will eventually win the money back. Gamblers often gamble when they do not have the money to do so, according to HelpGuide.org. They often jeopardize their main sources of income, such as a job, to maintain their gambling habit, reports the DSM-IV-TR. Compulsive gamblers sometimes embezzle, steal or borrow money to support their habit.
Relationship Issues
Compulsive gamblers often keep their gambling actions secret or lie about it to their loved ones, according to HelpGuide.org. They feel their actions won't be understood. Pathological gamblers may steal from loved ones or borrow money from them to support their habit. Friends and family eventually become worried. Pathological gamblers often jeopardize their relationships with loved ones because of gambling, according to the DSM-IV-TR. This is because they will often choose gambling over their loved ones.
Psychological Effects
Pathological gambling is an addiction, similar to drug addictions. Similar to drug addicts, pathological gamblers feel they must gamble to feel complete and feel better about themselves. They may gamble to feel less depressed, anxious, helpless or guilty, according to the DSM-IV-TR. Pathological gamblers feel restless or irritable when they cannot gamble. Just like a drug addiction, pathological gamblers need to seek treatment to help them stop gambling; many people cannot stop on their own.
References
- Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment.
- "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" American Psychiatric Association, 2000.
