Gambling disorder is a psychological condition that involves persistent and repeated gambling behavior. It specifically refers to a behavioral addiction, rather than a mental illness. Gambling disorder can be divided into two main types: intermittent and continuous. Intermittent gambling disorder (IGD) occurs when someone loses control of their gambling for short periods but then stops for long periods. Continuous gambling disorder (CGD) occurs when someone loses control of their gambling for long periods without any breaks or pauses.
Below are signs that you have a gambling disorder.
- You are considered to have a gambling disorder if you have the following symptoms;
- A loss of control over gambling such as failing to resist the urge to gamble despite knowledge of adverse consequences.
- Gambling in situations in which it is physically hazardous like driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Gambling with parenchymal or functional psychiatric disorders such as depression.
- Gambling despite the persistent inability to do what’s required for your personal, family, or occupational functioning including major social, interpersonal, or occupational problems caused by gambling.
What are the Causes of Gambling Disorder?
Gambling addiction is a complex problem. The underlying causes of gambling addiction are not well understood. But research shows that many different factors may contribute to the development of gambling addiction, including:
Genetics: Research suggests that some people may be genetically predisposed to develop a gambling problem. Studies have also shown that family environment, such as upbringing and money can play a role in shaping someone’s chance of developing a gambling problem later in life.
Wrong relationships: Gambling disorder can be caused by gambling in a relationship. The relationship might be good or bad, but it is the gambling that causes problems. People who gamble to support their alcoholism, drug addiction, or other mental health conditions are more likely to develop gambling disorders than those who gamble for fun.
Financial stress: If you are facing financial difficulties, then it is more likely that you will start to gamble more often as a result of your stress levels increasing. The more stress you experience, the more likely it is that you will turn to gambling as a way of coping with your problems and dealing with your financial situation.
Alcohol abuse: There are many reasons why alcohol use can lead to addiction and gambling disorder in particular is one reason for this. Alcohol abuse causes the amount of dopamine in your brain to decrease which leads to feelings of euphoria when you drink alcohol and also causes you to become less sensitive when it comes down from drinking too much alcohol in one sitting which makes it easier for you to go out and gamble again later on once your buzz has worn off after drinking too much.
Key Takeaway
A gambling disorder is a mental illness that causes you to gamble more than you should, especially when you know that it is taking away from your life. Gambling disorders are thought of as having a negative impact on the individual’s life. Excessive gambling can lead to serious problems such as financial troubles, family problems, relationship problems, and social isolation.
