Gambling, or a pathological passion for gambling, is regarded by specialists as a non-chemical type of addiction. In this case, not a psychoactive substance, but a certain type of behavior becomes the object of a vicious attraction.
Problem Features
Gambling addiction (synonyms - gambling, ludomania) is a constant participation in gambling, which often jeopardizes a person’s personal life and career. This term originated in the 60s of the last century in the United States, when slot machines were installed almost everywhere there.
Gambling is a type of emotional addiction. 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." The excitement is becoming greater, a person complains that he has a sense of time. He does not remember anything that happened during the game. The personality degrades, a person eventually loses his job, his family, becomes depressed. All this is a 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 motivated by excessive enthusiasm for gambling.
Where does it all begin
The starting point for the formation of dependence can be any form - roulette, tote, slot machine. Often, only a few hours are enough for a violation 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 addiction is approximately 2 times higher than that among adults. The most common are lotteries, slot machines, card games, computer games. Moreover, online games form precisely gambling, and not Internet addiction, which is a completely different form of violation.
Among gambling, in relation to which addiction most often arises, in the territory of the countries of the former USSR, card games, slot machines, roulette, lotteries, various computer games, including those on the Internet, are most common.
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 penny in his pocket, mortgaged and mortgaged all his property. Only the risk of starvation caused the writer to suppress his addiction for a while.
Despite the prohibitions, there were players in the days of the USSR. Then all sorts of restrictions were removed, and a huge number of gaming establishments arose. Doctors who treat players have experience working with representatives of almost all sectors of the population. There are gamers among politicians, and among wealthy people, and even among scientists.
Engagement process
A person is involved in gambling addiction, mainly due to a lack of dopamine. This substance is responsible for experiencing joy and happiness. The player gets a sense of satisfaction due to the increased release of hormones. Ludomania, including gaming addiction to computer games, arises as a result of getting used to bright emotions. When the patient is looking forward to 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 by no means a desire to get rich. The main reason is an uncontrolled attraction.
The principle of formation of addiction
Gambling of any type - for example, gaming addiction to online games - is formed according to the same principle. Having become a hero of the process, a person is transferred to the virtual world, where (as he believes) everything is allowed to him. Well-designed game background, nice design - all this makes a person plunge into a new reality. A weak person who cannot become successful in the real world seeks to realize himself in a virtual universe. Often, leaving in a fantasy world is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to get away from difficult life circumstances.
Main reasons
There are the following reasons leading to the development of addiction.
- A bleak existence. Emotional discomfort and emotional emptiness often lead to addiction.
- Man's dissatisfaction with his career, family life, intimate sphere.
- Personal immaturity. One of the main reasons why game addiction is formed in adolescents.
- Inability to adequately respond to stressful situations.
- Genetic predisposition.
Game Availability
Often, computer gaming addiction is 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 forms quickly and strengthens. A computer (or any other gadget) makes a person happy, but at the same time addicted.
Is it possible to convince the patient?
In most cases, gambling cannot be cured by promises, moral maxims, “carrot” or “carrot” methods. The average person cannot control his passion for the game. In order to get rid of their addiction, gamers need the help of psychiatrists and psychologists.
Effects
It is believed that in at least 60% of cases, a ludoman commits unlawful acts - up to serious crimes. The gambler has problems in almost all areas of life - monetary, 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 ludoman changes a circle of interests. Previous desires are supplanted by gambling addiction, various obsessions appear. Imaginary situations begin to take hold of his mind. A gambler loses control of himself and his life. Almost constantly, he is in a state of irritation, anxiety. This condition is repeated at regular intervals, causing an intolerable desire to start the game again. Only a few can overcome it - people with a really strong will. A similar picture is very similar to drug cravings, resembles the clinical picture of withdrawal symptoms among drug addicts and alcoholics. The gamer suffers from headaches, sleep disturbances, anxiety. Chronic lack of sleep weakens it physically. Decreases libido.
Features of the violation in children and adolescents
Most often, children who become victims of addiction to gambling, have problems with self-esteem, communication with peers, and suffer from complexes. Children of busy parents or those who are constantly at work lack lively, normal communication. This problem can be corrected only by the mother or father - otherwise it is very likely that the child will plunge headlong into the virtual world.
Often, gambling addiction in adolescents, as well as young children, can occur due to family problems. Frequent conflicts overwhelmingly affect the psyche, depress the child. A computer game allows you to get away from this situation. In this case, it represents a protective 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 homework, and then he becomes bored. He can watch TV or do the dishes, but then he will turn on the computer sooner or later.
What does addiction lead to?
The main consequence of a long stay online is, first of all, addiction. Also, a teenager or child loses normal communication skills. Communicating in a chat, in a sense, he becomes invulnerable - no one sees the expression on his face, emotions. Also, computer addiction leads to emotional immaturity. A child cannot understand the feelings of another person. Confidential relationships with friends and parents are lost, egoism is formed.
Another consequence is a sense of impunity. In the virtual world, the game takes place according to the rules and without - because online it is permissible. However, the risk is high that the addicted will lose his sense of responsibility for his actions in the real world. Depression is also common. A teenager can not always indicate their internal psychological boundaries. Passion for games can lead to apathy, inner emptiness.
How to get rid of ludomania?
The treatment of gambling addiction 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 your loved one to lose more than 3-5% of your monthly income. You can not go beyond these boundaries. No need to make attempts to "recoup." Then you don’t have to face the question of how to get rid of gambling addiction.
- As for games on a computer or phone, you also need to take tough measures. Of course, you can let yourself or your child have fun for half an hour. However, after this time, you can not succumb to any excuses. The game must be stopped unconditionally. Blocking the increase in excitement is the most effective principle for the prevention of ludomania.
- Become aware of the problem. One of the most important steps in the treatment of gambling addiction. A person attends a casino or an online game with a desire to get rich. And he considers a computer “shooter” or “walker” as a pleasant way to distract himself. In fact, not many managed to get rich in this way. And the passion for the online game gradually takes away all your free time, takes human thoughts, and prevents self-realization.
- Treatment with strong emotional experiences. Gambling is a powerful source of adrenaline. The game process makes up for the lack of dopamine reserves. Therefore, an activity that brings positive emotions can be an excellent prevention of gambling addiction, as well as a method for its treatment. The new hobby will make it easier to transfer the absence of the game.
- Suppression of desire to play. You must understand that the game takes away from real life. Awareness is an important step towards getting rid of addiction. In the most difficult cases, techniques for influencing the unconscious — hypnosis, suggestion — can be used.
- Find motivation. Without new goals, getting rid of an existing problem will be very difficult. It is necessary to give the brain the 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 to spend time online.
- Reward and praise. It is necessary even for small achievements in getting rid of addiction to encourage yourself. for example, it can be buying clothes or going to the movies. These may be small prizes that you can afford. Stress from the absence of the game will be compensated, replaced by new positive experiences. Of course, this issue also needs to be approached reasonably: you can not replace alcohol addiction or overeating.
- See the cons in the game. It is also important to be aware of the consequences of excessive enthusiasm for games. Dependence can also be eliminated by forming a negative opinion about the game process. It is advisable to be aware of all this in colors, to have vivid examples before your eyes of how ludomania affects a person. It is worthwhile to describe in detail both physical aspects (deterioration of posture, vision) and psychological (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 abstain from games and timely contact a psychologist.