Gambling addiction
Who doesn’t like to place a bet once in a while? Millions of people buy a ticket for the State Lottery or the Dutch Postcode Lottery. We all know that our chances of winning are extremely small, yet we keep dreaming of winning a large sum of money one day. Gambling is associated with fun, relaxation and excitement.
The
first time you lose is simply considered bad luck. However, if you
lack the willpower to resist having another go, and you feel the urge
to keep gambling regularly and/or to keep placing higher bets, then
your gambling habit has turned into an addiction. Your desire to win
makes it impossible for you to accurately assess the benefits and
disadvantages of the risk of losing. You simply want to try and make
up for any previous losses. Even when you do win, you are inclined to
use that money to place another bet. This excitement produces a high
in the brain of gambling addicts similar to other addictions.
There
are three stages in pathological gambling:*
• The
winning phase:
gambling is still seen as a fun activity. The gambler starts to
believe that they have a talent or ability as a gambler and that wins
are not a mere coincidence. When the gambler loses, it is merely
considered as an incident of bad luck that can be rectified.
•
The
losing stage:
gambling is aimed towards winning back losses. Family life and work
may begin to suffer from neglect. The gambler begins to acquire
debts. Gambling is no longer about having fun.
• The
desperation phase:
the gambler is completely enthralled by gambling and becomes
increasingly isolated from loved ones. The gambler may engage in
criminal acts to get money for gambling.
Gambling (slot
machines, (internet) poker games, bingo) where you are immediately
confronted with your loss or win are the most dangerous forms of
gambling. Internet gambling is very hard to control and can take up
your attention 24 hours a day. More and more poker and bingo
competitions have been held in the Netherlands in recent years. There
is always an urge to win back your losses or to try and increase your
win by placing a higher bet.
More and more money is required to
sustain your gambling habit. Compulsive gamblers always try to hide
their habit from the people around them and they often feel ashamed
about it. This leads to more and more issues with the people who are
closest to them. Lies, loans, social isolation, criminal acts,
embezzlement, restlessness, irritability, and putting relationships,
jobs, school at risk, etc. are all symptoms related to a gambling
addiction. You find yourself in a downward spiral. Continuing your
gambling habit will only make matters worse.
Ongoing and
repetitive problematic gambling behaviour is typified by one or more
of the following criteria. The person concerned:
1. has a
penchant for gambling (e.g. relives his or her wins, prepares the
next gambling night or searches for money for gambling).
2.
places increasingly higher bets to achieve the desired sense of
excitement.
3. regularly tries – though without success – to
control his or her gambling behaviour, to gamble less often or to
stop gambling altogether.
4. is restless or irritable during
attempts to control or end his or her gambling habit.
5. uses
gambling to escape problems or to alleviate feelings of unhappiness.
6. returns to gambling soon after a loss to try and win back that
loss.
7. lies towards family members, therapists or others to
hide the gambling habit.
8. has committed illegal acts (e.g.
forgery, fraud, theft or embezzlement) to sustain the gambling habit.
9. has risked losing or has lost important relationships, work,
studies or career opportunities as a result of the gambling habit.
10. counts on the fact that others will help out in times of
financial despair caused by gambling.
Our treating physicians at RoderSana are specialised in the treatment of gambling addiction. They will help you develop the necessary courage, strength and perseverance for a long-term recovery. Our team will thoroughly assess your background, the underlying causes and possible solutions based on individual needs. RoderSana can refer you to specialist experts who can help you clear your financial debt. Close family, relatives or friends will also be involved in the treatment process. In many cases, they have been trying to help you for years. They may have blamed you many times. They felt powerless. We are here to help and guide these people as well, so we can provide the best possible conditions for a long-term solution.
Do you have questions about gambling addiction? Are you interested in our proven treatment method? Please contact RoderSana, free of obligation.
*Source:
Wikipedia
