Gambling addiction

Gambling addiction also known as compulsive gambling, may be a type of impulse-control disorder. 

Compulsive gamblers keep gambling whether they’re up or down, broke or flush, happy or depressed. 

Even when they know the odds are against them, even when they can’t afford to lose, people with a gambling addiction can’t “stay off the bet.” Problem and pathological gambling may affect anywhere from 2 to 4 percent of the population.

Persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

1. The person is preoccupied with gambling and has frequent thoughts about gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble, etc.

2. Similar to drug tolerance, the person needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement or “rush”

3. The person has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling

4. The person is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling

5. The person gambles as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)

6. After losing money gambling, the person often returns another day to get even (“chasing” one’s losses)

7. Lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling

8. The person has committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling

9. The person has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling

10. Relies on others, such as friends or family, to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling

Dr.Hemant Mittal
eksoch@gmail.com

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