A gambling addiction is also called compulsive gambling. There are two different degrees of gambling addictions: problematic and pathological. Problem gamblers experience disruptive behavior in major areas of their lives like work or social commitments. Pathological gamblers recognize this behavior but are persistent in its execution despite the disruption to their personal and vocational lives.
Signs
If you think you or a loved one might have a gambling addiction, look for some telltale signs. A compulsive gambler constantly thinks about gambling and uses money set aside for other things like utility bills. You will find yourself lying about gambling. A gambling problem takes up time allotted for work and family and when you're done, you feel guilty.
Women
Gambling addictions show differently between the sexes. According to the Michigan Department of Community of Health, gambling is most rapidly increasing in women. While men gamble for excitement, women gamble for a mental escape. Women experience more shame and men receive more sympathy. Additionally, the progression from recreational to compulsive gambling occurs more rapidly in women.
Near Wins
Almost winning may push problem gamblers to place more bets. According to information released by the Society for Neuroscience, magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, scans show that brain reward pathways become active when you win or almost win, but not when you lose. This activity triggers a release of dopamine from your brain. Being rewarded despite the fact you have not won goes a long way toward explaining why compulsive gamblers find it difficult to stop despite losing.
One State
Oregon provides a number of useful and interesting statistics about gambling addictions. For instance, 75,000 adults in Oregon are problem or pathological gamblers. Additionally, one in every 25 teenagers is a problematic gambler. The average dept racked up as a result of this disruptive behavior is more than $23,000. Among compulsive gamblers, 10 percent attempted suicide, 28 percent had alcohol problems and 23 percent admitted to committing a crime to get money for gambling.
Prevention
You can gamble for fun without developing a gambling addiction. Do not gamble at home when you are alone on the computer with a credit card at your side. Go out for a fun night with friends and set a limit on how much money you plan to spend. If possible, avoid drinking and do not dip into funds tagged for bills, rent and food.
