Gambling addiction is a serious condition that can lead to severe consequences. It manifests in various ways, each sign as concerning as the next.
One of the first signs is a preoccupation with gambling. This involves constant thoughts about past, present, or future gambling experiences. As the disorder progresses, there is a need to gamble with greater amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement, a phenomenon known as tolerance.
The addiction becomes more evident when there are repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling. This struggle is often accompanied by restlessness or irritability when trying to reduce or stop gambling, a condition known as withdrawal.
As the addiction deepens, the individual may start chasing losses, trying to recover lost money by gambling more. This is often coupled with deception, where the individual lies to family members or others to hide the extent of the gambling.
The disorder can lead to the individual risking significant relationships or opportunities. They continue to gamble despite the risk or actual loss of important relationships, job, or other opportunities. In desperate situations, they may rely on others to provide money to relieve the financial strain caused by gambling.
Neglecting responsibilities is another sign of this disorder. The individual may avoid work or other commitments to gamble. In extreme cases, they may resort to selling personal items to fund gambling.
These signs can vary in intensity and may not be present in all individuals.
Recovery from gambling disorder is possible with the right support and tools.
Compulsive gambling, compulsive retail therapy, and compulsive overeating may seem like distinct issues, but they share a common thread: the brain’s reward system. At the heart of these behaviours lies the release of feel-good chemicals, such as dopamine, which drive the compulsion to engage in these activities.
When a person gambles, the anticipation of a win triggers a surge of excitement, similar to the satisfaction one feels when purchasing something they love but cannot afford. Whether it’s a piece of jewellery or a sprawling mansion, the brain’s reward system links this feel-good factor to the act of acquiring something, creating a powerful urge to repeat the behaviour.
For compulsive addicts, the chase often becomes more thrilling than the actual win or acquisition. This relentless pursuit can lead to significant personal and financial losses, as the addict continues to chase the high at all costs. The key to breaking this cycle is recognizing when to stop. Each step further down this path increases the risk of social decline and poverty.
Understanding the science behind these behaviours can help develop better strategies for managing and overcoming them. By acknowledging the similarities between different types of compulsive behaviours, we can create more effective interventions and support systems for those struggling with addiction.
Jenny’s Story: A Cautionary Tale
A report in The Guardian cites Jenny, a woman who once achieved her dream of owning a home through hard work and determination, only to lose it all to online gambling.
Jenny, a successful accountant, bought her own home in 2016. However, her life took a drastic turn when she started playing online slots to help a friend in financial trouble. Initially, Jenny viewed gambling as harmless fun, but she soon found herself spending up to £5,000 a day.
Her addiction escalated rapidly, consuming her disposable income and leading to severe consequences. By January this year, Jenny had lost her home and job, and was facing legal proceedings for embezzling £275,000 from her previous employer to fund her gambling losses.
The advent of highly addictive online gambling products has led to an increase in similar cases. National figures reveal that an estimated one in 40 people face serious harms due to gambling, including criminal activities, relationship breakdowns, and homelessness.
Jenny’s addiction worsened during the COVID-19 lockdown in spring 2020. She was constantly chasing losses, trying to win back the money she had lost. The death of the friend she had been trying to help further pushed her into the clutches of gambling.
Despite the severity of her situation, Jenny was never asked for proof of income or encouraged to take a break by the gambling platforms. Once her money ran out, she began transferring funds from her workplace, fully aware of the wrongness of her actions.
When her employers discovered the missing money, she was suspended but couldn’t stop gambling. In December, she attempted suicide. In January, she finally decided to seek help.
The Gambling Survey for Great Britain found that about one in 20 adults who considered suicide said it was related to gambling. Liz Ritchie, co-founder of the charity Gambling With Lives, believes these figures could help remove the stigma around gambling addiction.
Jenny found help from the charity GamCare, which provides support and resources for those affected by gambling addiction. Her story is a stark reminder of the devastating impact gambling disorder can have and the importance of seeking help early.
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