Gambling addiction is the urge to compulsively gamble even when you know it will have a heavy toll on your life and savings. Gambling is a very thrilling and exciting way to entertain yourself. You are wagering money in the hope that you get something bigger. You are betting your money entirely on chance. If left uncontrolled, compulsive gambling can be very dangerous.

Today, we will be discussing how to identify gambling addiction, its remedies, and its complications. Gambling triggers the release of dopamine in your brain. You get addicted to gambling if the normal release of dopamine seems not enough for you, prompting you to gamble more. So, if you are struggling with gambling addiction or want to know more about it before you start gambling, read along. 

Symptoms Of Gambling Addiction

1. Reduced Attention Span:  If you can’t concentrate for more than five minutes on something you are doing, you have a reduced attention span. This can develop over time due to excessive gambling. If you have a reduced attention span, then you might be addicted to gambling.
2. Compulsive Lying: If you feel like lying all the time, even to your family and friends to conceal your gambling tendencies, you may be addicted to gambling. Also, if you are lying all the time, even if you don’t need to, it can be due to excessive gambling.
3. Day Planning: If you plan your day according to your gambling schedules, you must be cautious. This is the first tell-tale sign of gambling addiction. Assign a particular time and do it then. Never let it exceed the given time.
4. Thinking About Gambling: If you are thinking about gambling all the time, you might be addicted to gambling. Similarly, researching betting options, making strategies for gambling, etc can lead to gambling addiction.
5. Unable To Manage Time: If you cannot spend time with your family or friends due to gambling, it can be a sign of gambling addiction. Similarly, you need to be careful if your work is hoarding up due to delegating that time for gambling. Assign a particular time for gambling and never exceed it.
6. Borrowing Money: Constantly borrowing money from your friends or even loved ones for gambling can be actually a poor indicator. If you acquire loan and also are located to them that it’s for an additional function, it suggests gambling dependence.
7. Highs and Lows: If you are a seasoned gambler and do not get the same high that you used to get when you win a bet, it can be a sign of gambling addiction. Similarly, experiencing a low when you lose a bet is also a sign of an unhealthy obsession.
8. Anxiety Attacks: If you get anxiety attacks when a game progresses or after wagering a bet, instead of the usual thrill and excitement, you might be addicted to gambling.
9. Never-Ending Financial Burden: If you lose a bet or a game and decide to try to chase the losses, it can lead to more financial troubles. If you cannot even afford your basic day-to-day needs, it is a hazardous sign of gambling addiction.
10. Return To Gambling: If you ever face an obstacle in your life and instead of facing it, you decide to escape from it by gambling, then, you might be addicted to it. 

Complications Of Gambling Addiction

1. Mental Health Issues: People who are prone to addictions such as substance addiction, should refrain from gambling. Compulsive gambling can lead to various types of mental health issues. Gambling addiction often leads to depression, personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
2. Financial Problems: Gambling addiction can lead to never-ending financial burdens. The high when you feel after winning a bet is due to dopamine being released in your brain. Over time, the amount of dopamine released won’t get you the same high, prompting you to make more bets, leading to more financial troubles.
3. Trouble In Relationships: Gambling addiction might lead to fissures in the relationship between you and your family/friends. A person addicted to gambling cannot find the time to spend with their family/friends. Similarly, you will compulsively lie to them and borrow money from them for gambling.
4. Declining Hygiene: A person obsessed with gambling will have declining hygiene. They give the least importance to cleanliness and personal hygiene. This can lead to many health issues for the gambler.
5. Suicidal Tendencies: A person addicted to gambling will have financial troubles and a problematic relationship with their loved ones. With no one to open up, the gambler’s mind will be filled with suicidal thoughts. The suicide rates are fairly higher in gambling addicts than any other substance addicts. 

Remedies For Gambling Addiction

1. Self-Exclusion: The first thing to do is acknowledge that you have a gambling addiction and completely refrain from gambling. All wagering providers allow the players to close their gambling accounts temporarily or permanently.
2. Time Limit: Set a definite time for gambling and never exceed it even if you have a winning streak. Your gambling should never coincide with your work or your time spent with your family.
3. Spending Limit: Set a deposit limit and a maximum betting limit. If you reach the limit, immediately stop gambling. Never borrow money from others to gamble and only use the money that you can afford to lose.
4. Group Discussions: Join group discussions to learn how other gamblers tamed their addictions. This will give you confidence and gather a lot of information.
5. Therapy and Medication: If you feel like you are getting addicted to gambling, the best course of action is to visit a trained professional that handles addictions. A physician or a psychologist can help you by administering medications or therapy sessions. 

Conclusion

Gambling can be fun and lethal. If you are in control of your gambling, you can enjoy the thrills and spills that it provides. However, before getting into gambling, be very aware of its ill effects. This will help you plan your gambling journey. 

Always set a time and a spending limit before you start gambling and never exceed it. Gambling addiction often leads to mental and financial issues that no one else can solve. Always gamble responsibly and with the money that you can afford. If you feel like things are getting out of your hand, stop gambling immediately and consult a therapist. 

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