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Betting or gambling, much like drugs or alcohol, can lead to addiction. It affects the brain’s reward system by releasing dopamine, a hormone responsible for feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.
This dopamine rush creates a sense of excitement and reward. Even though winning is not guaranteed, gamblers often continue chasing the thrill, sometimes to the point of losing everything they own—whether it’s money or assets.
This article will explore gambling or betting addiction, its psychological effects, and effective ways to overcome it. 
Are Gambling and Betting the Same Thing?
The terms betting and gambling are often used interchangeably; however, they have distinct meanings.
Gambling refers to the broader practice of risking something valuable, usually money or assets, on an event or game that has an uncertain outcome in the hope of winning more.
These events may include activities like casino games, lotteries, and slot machines. The key element in gambling is that it is largely based on chance, with little to no influence from the person participating.
Betting, on the other hand, is a form of gambling that involves placing a wager on the outcome of a specific event by predicting the outcome of sports, elections, or other contexts. Though luck may still play a role, betting typically involves a level of skill or knowledge about events.
Bettors usually analyze teams, players, or other relevant factors to make more informed decisions. Unlike casino games, where outcomes are purely random, betting allows for an element of strategy, although the outcome remains uncertain.
What is Betting Addiction?
Addiction, just like diabetes, cancer, and other illnesses, is a disease. Many people struggle with different forms of addiction, such as alcohol, drugs, sex, or gambling.
Betting addiction, also known as gambling addiction or compulsive gambling, is a mental health disorder. It is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite the negative consequences that follow. It’s a behavioral addiction, similar to substance abuse.
Although gamblers are aware that their gambling habit could lead to financial problems, relationship strain, and other negative outcomes, the urge to gamble often overpowers their rational thoughts. This is typically due to the thrill of excitement and the hope of winning triggered by gambling.
Symptoms and Signs of Betting Addiction
People who struggle with addiction compulsively pursue addictive behavior to satisfy their needs. This is because their brain becomes wired to crave the addiction, regardless of the negative consequences. Betting addiction is also referred to as gambling addiction.
According to The DSM-5, for a diagnosis of gambling addiction, a person must show or experience at least four of the following symptoms for 12 months:
- Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel excitement.
- Restlessness or irritability when trying to stop gambling.
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop, control, or reduce gambling.
- Thinking often about gambling and making plans to gamble.
- Gambling when feeling distressed.
- Returning to gambling again after losing money.
- Lying to conceal gambling activities.
- Experiencing relationship or work problems due to gambling.
- Depending on others for money to spend on gambling
Psychological Effects of Betting Addiction
1. Compulsive Behavior
People with a betting addiction often feel a strong, uncontrollable urge to gamble. They are constantly chasing the thrill of a win or trying to recover the money they’ve lost.
2. Cognitive Distortion
Gambling addicts often think in irrational ways. They may believe they can control the outcome of a bet or that they’re “due” for a win after a series of losses. These irrational thoughts make them keep gambling, thinking they’ll win big next time, even when the odds are against them.
3. Suicide Ideation
In severe cases, gambling addiction can lead to suicidal thoughts. The sense of hopelessness that comes from financial ruin, relationship problems, and guilt from their habit may lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.
As a result of the overwhelming mental distress caused by their situation, they may feel there’s no way out and may consider ending their own lives.
4. Anxiety and Depression
Gambling addiction often goes hand-in-hand with other mental health issues. Many people turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the stress of gambling or to escape from the consequences. They might also struggle with sleep problems, depression, restlessness of the mind, or craving the next bet.
Consequences of Betting Addiction
Although betting is seen as a recreational activity, its negative consequences outweigh the euphoria that comes from it.
Financial Problems
One of the major consequences of betting is financial problems that come from chasing losses. Gambling becomes a problem when a gambler turns to taking out loans. Either from financial institutions, friends, or family to gamble with the hope of winning back money they’ve lost.
This action often leads to more losses, thereby resulting in mounting debts that they may not be able to pay off. Betting can also lead to bankruptcy if financial losses are not managed properly.
Relationship Issues
Betting addiction has broken a lot of happy homes. When a gambling partner constantly lies about gambling habits and financial situation, this may lead to a loss of trust.
For example, imagine a situation where a gambling partner wagers the family’s assets and money, only to lose everything, carelessly putting the family in a difficult position. Truth be told, a situation like this can break a home and cause emotional damage to the family.
Health Problem
While betting addiction is primarily linked to mental health issues, it can also cause significant damage to physical health.
The stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep associated with betting can take a toll on the body, often leading to health problems like high blood pressure, heart issues, and other stress-related conditions.
How to Overcome Betting Addiction
Just like any other form of addiction, a gambler can overcome their gambling habit.. However, admitting that you are addicted to gambling is the first step when seeking help. Acknowledging the problem shows self-awareness and a desire to overcome it.
Here are some ways in which you can overcome betting addiction:
Talk To a Mental Health Professional
There are professionals in the field of mental health who specialize in helping those with behavioural addictions like betting addiction. They help individuals understand underlying conditions or events that might have led to their betting addictions.
Treatment options like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help identify the triggers associated with the urge to gamble. These triggers may include boredom, financial issues, and more. Understanding these triggers is a crucial aspect of managing the addiction. CBT aims to change a person’s behavior by modifying negative thought patterns.
Talk to Someone
The hardest thing to do is also the most important. The feeling of being alone, lying to loved ones, hiding finances, and other ways of avoiding the truth are some of the most destructive behaviours for people experiencing gambling issues.
It is much better to be honest with your partner when you begin experiencing problems than to hide the truth and let the problems grow. Most of the serious consequences of gambling come after long periods of hiding the truth from employers or loved ones. Talking to someone if you’re starting to experience problems is probably the best thing to do.
Join Support Group
Support groups provide both practical and emotional assistance to individuals struggling with addiction. In a support group environment, there is no judgment regarding your choices; the goal is to help you get better. You will meet others who share similar concerns and seek a safe space to talk and express their feelings.
Support groups like Gamblers Anonymous (GA) offer an ongoing network of individuals who understand the challenges of maintaining sobriety over time. They provide continued support even after formal treatment has ended.
In Conclusion
“Addiction is an adaptation; it’s not you; it’s the cage you live in.” Johann Hari.
While betting can be entertaining, it’s vital to approach it responsibly to avoid negative consequences. Becoming addicted to betting is much easier than overcoming that addiction, so recognizing when fun turns into a harmful habit is crucial.
