Have you ever wondered why some people seem unable to resist the lure of gambling? Or perhaps you yourself have felt that irresistible pull towards casinos, sports betting or online gaming? gambling addiction is a serious problem that affects millions of people around the world. In this article, we will dive into the heart of this addiction, explore its symptoms, its causes, and above all, discover ways to get out of it.
What is gambling addiction?
Definition and characteristics
Gambling addiction, also called pathological gambling or ludopathy, is a behavioral disorder characterized by a loss of control over the practice of gambling. Imagine a whirlwind that inexorably draws you in, making you lose sight of your responsibilities, your relationships and even your sense of reality. This is exactly what people suffering from this addiction experience.
The different types of gambling
Gambling takes many forms, each with its own power of attraction:
- Casino games (roulette, slot machines, blackjack)
- Sports betting
- Poker
- Lotteries
- Scratch cards
- Online gambling
Each of these games can become a source of addiction, with its own particularities and dangers
.
Gambling addiction: symptoms
How do you know if you or a loved one are developing a gambling addiction? Here are the main signs to watch for:
Behavioral Signs
- Gambling more frequently and for longer periods of time
- Lying about gambling activities
- Neglecting work or family responsibilities
- Trying to win back lost money by gambling more
Emotional and Psychological Signs
- Irritability and anxiety when unable to gamble
- Obsessive thoughts about gambling
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Frequent mood swings
Financial Signs
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Selling possessions personal to fund gambling
- Accumulating gambling debts
- Stealing or committing fraud to obtain money to gamble
These symptoms can vary in intensity, but their combined presence is often indicative of an addiction problem.
Causes of Gambling Addiction
Understanding the origins of this addiction is crucial to preventing and treating it effectively.
Psychological factors
- Low self-esteem
- Thrill seeking
- Tendency to impulsivity
- Pre-existing mood disorders (depression, anxiety)
Social and environmental factors
- Early exposure to gambling
- Peer pressure
- Financial problems
- Stress and trauma
Biological factors
- Genetic predisposition
- Chemical imbalances in the brain (particularly in the dopamine)
It is important to note that gambling addiction often results from a combination of these factors, making each case unique.
Gambling Addiction: Treatment
Fortunately, there are solutions to get out of the spiral of gambling addiction. Therapeutic approaches are varied and often complementary.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies
These therapies aim to modify thoughts and behaviors
nts related to gambling. They help the patient to:
- Identify and challenge erroneous beliefs about gambling
- Develop coping strategies to manage urges to gamble
- Learn to manage stress and negative emotions
Support groups
Groups such as Gamblers Anonymous offer a space for sharing and mutual support. They allow people with addictions to:
- Share their experiences
- Find comfort from peers
- Learn recovery strategies
Medication treatments
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms associated with addiction, such as:
- Antidepressants
- Mood stabilizers
- Opioid antagonists
It is crucial to emphasize that these treatments should always be supervised by a qualified healthcare professional.
Potential benefits of psilocybin in treating gambling addiction
While research on the use of psilocybin to specifically treat gambling addiction is still limited, several potential benefits can be inferred from existing studies on the effects of this substance:
- Promising Efficacy: Studies have shown encouraging results in the treatment of other addictions, suggesting similar potential for gambling addiction. games[2].
- Sustainable effect: Psilocybin may provide long-term improvement in symptoms, sometimes after a single dose[2].
- Reduction in consumption: In animal models of alcohol addiction, psilocybin reduced consumption by half, which could translate into a reduction in compulsive gambling behavior[1].
- Action on the neurological mechanisms of addiction: Psilocybin acts on the nucleus accumbens and serotonin and dopamine receptors, which are involved in the mechanisms of addiction[1].
- Treatment of comorbidities: Gambling addiction is often accompanied by depression and anxiety, for which psilocybin has shown beneficial effects[3].
- Alternative to current treatments: Psilocybin may offer a new option for patients who do not respond well to conventional treatments[2].
It is important to note that these potential benefits require further research specific to gambling addiction. Psilocybin-assisted therapy should always be conducted in a controlled medical setting, due to the associated risks and contraindications[2].
Gambling Addiction: Testimonials
There is no substitute for real-life experience to understand the reality of gambling addiction and the path to recovery.
Christine's testimony:
Weakened by the COVID crisis, Christine discovered online casinos in December, leading to a rapid addiction. Despite a ban in Belgium and France, she continued to play on illegal sites based abroad, harassed by bonus offers and VIP statuses. She lost more than €40,000 in a few months, finding herself in great financial difficulty. Helped by a psychologist in Belgium, she wanted 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 played online casinos all night again with money that didn't belong to me. I am depressed, caught in an uncontrollable addiction, and I even gamble with my loved ones' money."
These testimonials show that, despite the difficulty, it is possible to overcome gambling addiction with help and determination.
Gambling Addiction: Psychology
The Cycle of Addiction
Gambling addiction often follows a predictable cycle:
- Anticipation and excitement
- The "high" of gambling
- Loss and despair
- Resolving not to gamble anymore
- Returning to Stage 1
Understanding this cycle is crucial to breaking it.
The impact on mental health
Gambling addiction can have devastating consequences on mental health :
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Suicidal thoughts
It is essential to treat these mental health issues alongside the addiction itself.
Hospitalization for gambling addiction
When is hospitalization necessary?
Hospitalization may be considered in the following cases:
- High risk of suicide
- Severe psychiatric comorbidities
- Failure of outpatient treatments
- Need for a complete break from the gaming environment
The course of a hospitalization
Hospitalization for gambling addiction generally includes:
- A complete assessment
- Withdrawal from gambling behaviors
- Individual and group therapies
- Support for management financial
- Preparing for discharge and post-hospitalization follow-up
Hospitalization provides a safe environment to begin the recovery process.
Gambling Addiction Statistics
Prevalence in France
According to the latest studies:
- Around 1.6% of the French population is affected by excessive gambling
- Men are more affected than women (ratio of 2 to 1)
- Young adults (18-34 years old) are particularly at risk
Social and economic costs
Gambling addiction has a significant impact on society:
- Health costs estimated at several billion euros per year
- Loss of productivity due to absenteeism and presenteeism
- Costs related to crime (fraud, theft)
These figures highlight the importance of preventing and treating this addiction.
Help numbers for gambling addiction
National helplines
In France, several numbers are available to get help:
- Players Info Service: 09 74 75 13 13 (non-premium rate call)
- SOS Players: 09 69 39 55 12 (non-premium rate call)
These lines offer listening, advice and referral 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 seeking help.
Prevention of gambling addiction
Education and awareness
Prevention requires a better understanding of the risks associated with gambling:
- Awareness programmes in schools
- Public information campaigns
- Training of health professionals
Responsible gaming measures
Gaming operators have a role to play in prevention:
- Deposit and playing time limits
- Warning messages on risks
- Possibility of self-exclusion
A comprehensive preventative approach is essential to reduce the incidence of gambling addiction.
Conclusion
Gambling addiction is a complex problem that affects many people. However, with proper understanding and appropriate treatments, it is possible to overcome this addiction. Traditional methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and support groups, are essential, but innovative approaches such as the use of psilocybin also show promise.
While research is still ongoing, these insights offer hope for those struggling with gambling addiction. If you or a loved one are affected, do not hesitate to seek help. With the right support and promising new therapies like psilocybin, it is possible to regain balance and a fulfilling life.
FAQ
What is the medical term for gambling addiction?
Gambling addiction is medically referred to as pathological gambling, ludopathy, or gambling disorder. In the medical classification, it is considered an impulse control disorder.
What are the factors that can trigger a gambling addiction?
Gambling addiction can be triggered by various factors:
- Biological: imbalances of neurotransmitters, especially dopamine
- Psychological: presence of stress, anxiety or depression
- Social: influence of the environment and ease of access to games
- Environmental: exposure to advertising, promotional offers, attractive game design
What are the negative impacts of excessive gambling? ?
Excessive gambling can lead to many negative impacts:
- Financial problems: accumulation of debt, risk of personal bankruptcy
- Relationship difficulties: family tensions, social isolation
- Emotional suffering: feelings of guilt, anxiety, depression
- Health problems: neglect of self-care, increased risk of substance abuse
- Professional difficulties: risk of job loss, reduced productivity
What are effective strategies for overcoming a gambling addiction?
To overcome a gambling addiction money, several strategies can be implemented:
- Consultation with an addiction specialist
- Follow-up with cognitive behavioral therapy
- Participation in support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous
- Establishment of practical barriers (e.g., blocking online gaming sites)
- Development of new healthy activities to replace gambling behavior
- In some cases, prescription of drug treatment under medical supervision
Citations:
[1] https://presse.inserm.fr/des-champignons-hallucinogenes-pour-traiter-laddiction-a-lalcool/68473/
[2] https://www.addictaide.fr/une-therapie-assistee-par-les-psychedeliques-pour-les-personnel-souffrant-de-troubles-lies-aux-jeux-de-hasard-et-dargent/
[3] https://www.doctissimo.fr/psychologie/problemes-psy/depression/traitement-de-la-depression/psilocybine-definition-usage-indications-et-risks/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-du-lsd-232055
[8] https://www.biologie-journal.org/articles/jbio/abs/2019/02/jbio190015/jbio190015.html
[9] https://www.federationaddiction.fr/actualites/appel-a-participant%C2%B7e%C2%B7s-etude-clinique-sur-les-therapies-assistees-par-les-psychedeliques/
[10] https://dumas.ccsd.cnrs.fr/dumas-03325968v1
