Have you ever wondered why some people seem unable to resist the appeal of gambling? Or maybe you yourself felt this irresistible attraction to casinos, sports betting or online games? L'addiction In games of money is a serious problem that affects millions of people around the world. In this article, we will dive into the heart of this dependence, explore its symptoms, its causes, and above all, discover the means to get out of it.
What is addiction to gambling?
Definition and characteristics
Addiction to gambling, also Called pathological game or ludopathy, is a behavioral disorder characterized by a loss of control On the practice of gambling. Imagine a whirlwind that attracts you inexorably, making you lose sight of your responsibilities, your relationships and even your sense of reality. This is exactly what people suffer from this addiction.
The different types of games of money
THE Money games take many forms, each with its own power of attraction:
- Casino games (roulette, slot machines, blackjack)
- Sports betting
- Poker
- LOTERIES
- Scratch games
- Online gambling
Each of these games can become a source of addiction, with its own particularities and dangers
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Addiction to gambling: symptoms
How do you know if you or a loved one are developing an addiction to gambling? Here are the Main signs to monitor :
Behavioral signs
- Play more and more frequently and long
- Lying about playing activities
- Neglect his professional or family responsibilities
- Try to recover the lost money by playing more
Emotional and psychological signs
- Irritability and anxiety when you cannot play
- Obsessive thoughts on the game
- Feeling of guilt or shame
- Frequent mood swings
Financial signs
- Borrow money to play
- Sell personal goods to finance the game
- Accumulate game debts
- Fly or commit fraud to get money to play
These symptoms may vary in intensity, but their combined presence is often revealing an addiction problem.
The causes of addiction to gambling
Understanding the origins of this addiction is crucial to prevent and treat it effectively.
Psychological factors
- Low self-esteem
- Thrill research
- Impulsive tendency
- Pre -existing mood disorders (depression, anxiety)
Social and environmental factors
- Early exhibition for gambling
- Peer pressure
- Financial problems
- Stress and trauma
Biological factors
- Genetic predisposition
- Chemical imbalances in the brain (especially in terms of dopamine)
It is important to note that addiction to games of money often results from a combination of these factors, making each case unique.
Addiction to games of money: treatment
Fortunately, there are solutions to get out of the gear of the games of money. Therapeutic approaches are varied and often complementary.
Cognitivo-behavioral therapies
These therapies aim to modify the thoughts and behaviors related to the game. They help the patient to:
- Identify and question erroneous beliefs about the game
- Develop coping strategies to manage the desires to play
- Learn to manage stress and negative emotions
Support groups
Groups such as anonymous players offer a space for sharing and mutual support. They allow people dependent on:
- Share their experiences
- Find comfort with peers
- Learn recovery strategies
Drug treatments
In some cases, drugs may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms associated with addiction, such as:
- Antidepressants
- Mood stabilizers
- Opioid antagonists
It is crucial to emphasize that these treatments must always be supervised by a qualified health professional.
Potential advantages of psilocybin in the treatment of addiction to gambling
Although research on the use of psilocybin to specifically treat addiction to gambling is still limited, Several potential advantages can be deducted from existing studies on the effects of this substance :
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Promising efficiency: Studies have shown encouraging results in the Treatment of other addictions, suggesting a similar potential for game addiction [2].
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Durable effect: Psilocybin could offer long -term improvement in symptoms, sometimes after a single dose [2].
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Consumption reduction: In alcohol addiction animal models, psilocybin has half reduced consumption, which could result in a reduction in compulsive play behavior [1].
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Action on the neurological mechanisms of addiction: Psilocybin acts on the accumbens nucleus and serotonin and dopamine receptors, involved in addiction mechanisms [1].
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Treatment of comorbidities: Addiction to games is often accompanied by depression and anxiety, for which psilocybin has shown beneficial effects [3].
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Alternative to current treatments: Psilocybin could offer a new option for patients who do not respond well to conventional treatments [2].
It is important to note that these potential advantages require more specific research for addiction to gambling. Psilocybine assisted therapy should always be carried out in a controlled medical framework, due to the associated risks and contraindications [2].
Addiction to games of money: testimonies
Nothing beats lived experience to understand the reality of addiction to gambling and the way to recovery.
Testimony of Christine:
Weakened by the Covid crisis, Christine discovers online casinos in December, resulting in rapid addiction. Despite a ban in Belgium and France, she continues to play on illegal sites based abroad, harassed by bonus offers and VIP statutes. She loses more than € 40,000 in a few months, finding herself in great financial difficulty. Helped by a psychologist in Belgium, she wants to try an application to protect herself from this addiction.
Extract from the site https://stopjeu.com/temoignages/
Aline: overcoming addiction to online games
"I still played online casinos all night with money that does not belong to me. I am in depression, taken in an uncontrollable addiction, and I even play with the money of my loved ones."
These testimonies show that, despite the difficulty, it is possible to overcome addiction Games of money with help and determination.
Addiction to games of money: psychology
The addiction cycle
Addiction to games of money often follows a predictable cycle:
- Anticipation and excitement
- The "High" of the game
- Loss and despair
- Resolution to no longer play
- Back to step 1
Understanding this cycle is crucial to break it.
The impact on mental health
Addiction to games of money can have devastating consequences on mental health:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Suicidal ideas
It is essential to deal with these mental health problems in parallel with addiction itself.
Hospitalization for game addiction
When is hospitalization necessary?
Hospitalization can be considered in the following cases:
- High risk of suicide
- Severe psychiatric comorbidities
- Ambulatory treatment failure
- Need a total break with the game environment
The progress of hospitalization
Hospitalization for game addiction generally includes:
- A complete evaluation
- Weaning game behavior
- Individual and group therapies
- Support for financial management
- Preparation for exit and post-hospitalization monitoring
Hospitalization offers a secure framework to start the recovery process.
Statistics on addiction to gambling
Prevalence in France
According to the latest studies:
- Approximately 1.6% of the French population would be affected by an excessive practice of gambling
- Men are more affected than women (ratio of 2 to 1)
- Young adults (18-34) are particularly at risk
Social and economic costs
Addiction to games of money has a significant impact on society:
- Health costs estimated at several billion euros per year
- Loss of productivity due to absenteeism and presentism
- Crime -related costs (fraud, flights)
These figures highlight the importance of prevention and treatment of this addiction.
Aid numbers for addiction to gambling
National Listening Lines
In France, several numbers are available to get help:
- Players Info Service: 09 74 75 13 13 (call not surcharged)
- SOS players: 09 69 39 55 12 (call not surcharged)
These lines offer listening, advice and orientation to professionals.
Online resources
Many websites offer information and support:
- www.joueurs-info-service.fr
- www.ifac-addictions.fr
These resources can be a first step towards the demand for help.
Prevention of addiction to games of money
Education and awareness
Prevention requires better understanding of the risks linked to gambling:
- Awareness programs in schools
- Consumer information campaigns
- Training of health professionals
Responsible game measures
Gaming operators have a role to play in prevention:
- Deposit and play limits
- Risk warning messages
- Possibility of self-exclusion
A global preventive approach is essential to reduce the impact of addiction to gambling.
Conclusion
Addiction to games of money is a complex problem that affects many people. However, with adequate understanding and appropriate treatments, it is possible to overcome this dependence. Traditional methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapies and support groups, are essential, but innovative approaches such as the use of psilocybin also show promising potential.
Although research is still in progress, these prospects offer hope for those who fight against addiction to games of money. If you or a loved one are concerned, do not hesitate to seek help. With adequate support and promising new therapies such as psilocybin, it is possible to find a balanced balance and life.
Faq
What is the medical term to designate dependence on money games?
Dependence on gambling is medically designated under the terms of pathological play, Ludopathy or Disorder related to the Game of Money. In the medical classification, it is considered a disorder of the control of pulses.
What are the factors that can trigger an addiction to games of chance?
Addiction to games of chance can be triggered by various factors:
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Biological : imbalances of neurotransmitters, in particular dopamine
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Psychological : presence of stress, anxiety or depression
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Social : influence of those around them and ease of access to games
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Environmental : advertising exhibition, promotional offers, attractive design of games
What are the negative impacts of an excessive practice of gambling?
Excessive practice of gambling can lead to many negative impacts:
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Financial problems : accumulation of debts, risk of personal bankruptcy
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Relational difficulties : family tensions, social isolation
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Emotional suffering : feelings of guilt, anxiety, depression
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Health problems : neglect of personal care, increased risk of substance abuse
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Professional difficulties : risk of employment loss, drop in productivity
What are the effective strategies to overcome dependence on money games?
To overcome dependence on money games, several strategies can be implemented:
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Consultation of an addictology specialist
- Monitoring of cognitive behavioral therapy
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Participation to support groups like anonymous players
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Set up practical barriers (e.g. blocking online game sites)
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Development New healthy activities to replace game behavior
- In some cases, prescription of drug treatment under medical supervision
Quotes:
[1] https://presse.insterm.fr/des-champignons-hallucinogenes-pour-traiter-laddiction-a-lalcool/68473/
[2] https://www.addictide.fr/une-therapie-assistee-par-sychedeliques-pour-les-personnes-souffrant-troubles-lies-Jeux-de-Hasard-et-Dargent /
[3] https://www.doctissimo.fr/psychologie/problemes-psy/depression/traitée-de-la-depression/psilocybin-definition-indications-et-risques/5b7a34_ar.html
[5] https://www.infodrog.ch/fr/ressources/formes-de-dependances/drogues-psychedeliques.html
[6] https://theconversation.com/addiction-a-lalcool-un-jour-traiter-avec-un-psychedelique-issu-de-Champignons-hallucinogenes-ou-lsd-232055
[8] https://www.biology-journal.org/articles/jbio/abs/2019/02/jbio190015/jbio190015.html
[9] https://www.federationaddiction.fr/actualites/appel-a-particant%C2%B7e%C2%B7s-teude-clinique-sur-les-therapies-assistees-par-les-psychedeliques/
[10] https://dumas.ccsd.cnrs.fr/dumas-03325968v1
