As many as 2 million Americans meet the criteria for pathological gambling, and an additional 4 to 8 million are considered problem gamblers, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. When you or someone you love has a gambling problem, understand the factors that contribute to the problem so you can treat the causes. Kicking gambling can be a lifelong struggle, but it will be made easier with the removal of temptation.
Adrenaline
The rush you feel when you win a round at poker or roulette could be a driving force behind your gambling problem, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Not unlike the adrenaline that other thrill-seekers receive when engaged in a stunt, that feeling of euphoria might be the reason you gamble. Consider whether you are chasing a feeling at the casino, rather than having a good time. Consider other, less harmful ways that you can receive that rush, such as through exercise or extreme sports.
Self-Control
A lack of self-control is a contributing factor that keeps you looking for ways to gamble. Even when you know it's wrong and it's negatively affecting your family, you lack the control to stop yourself. You might have trouble stopping and walking away, even when you're losing money that you cannot gain back. HelpGuide.org notes that most addictions can be traced to a lack of self-control.
Triggers
When you experience a "trigger," it could cause you to gamble even more, according to a study performed by the University of Iowa and published in a 2003 issue of the Journal of Gambling Studies. The study found that much like a drinker who is triggered by the thought of alcohol, problem gamblers might only need the thought of winning or losing money in order to feed the desire to gamble. An article in HealthDay News noted a study where near-wins as small as 75 cents could also spur excess gambling.
Genetics
Some individuals are genetically predisposed to addiction, whether it's alcohol, gambling or drugs. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, notes that if your parents or grandparents were addicts, you are genetically more likely to be susceptible to addiction as well. It's why some people can gamble for fun once or twice on vacation and tolerate it well, while others gamble once or twice and become addicted to the feeling and rush they experience while gambling.
References
- National Council on Problem Gambling: FAQs - Problem Gamblers
- FamilyDoctor.org: Gambling: When Is It a Problem?
- HelpGuide.org: Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling
- Hournal of Gambling Studies, 2003: Risky Business: Emotion, Decision-Making, and Addiction
- Medline Plus: Near-Wins May Trigger Problem Gamblers
