Gambling addiction is pathological gambling, currently referred to as gambling disorder or Gambling Disorder. It is characterized by a pattern of problematic, persistent, and recurrent gambling that causes significant deterioration or distress in a person’s life.
This phenomenon has intensified with the advent of technology, especially among younger people. From mobile phones they can access bank accounts and new forms of betting around the clock.
The possibility of gambling at any moment, without the need to go to a casino or betting shop, makes it easier for the behavior to go unnoticed by the surrounding environment for a while.
Del deseo de ganar a la imposibilidad de detenerse
Many people start gambling because they see it as an easy way to obtain money. The initial bets are accompanied by the expectation of winning more and more.
When they win a prize, they feel excitement and gratification. Then a thought may appear: “If I won a lot by betting a little, if I bet more, I’ll win more.”
However, when they lose, they fail to stop. They continue gambling with the hope of recovering the money and reversing the debt. In psychology, this belief that one can control the situation and solve the consequences is known as magical thinking.
The impulse ends up prevailing even when the person already acknowledges that gambling is causing problems.
El testimonio de un paciente con trastorno del juego
A patient described what was happening to him in this way:
“I didn’t realize I was gambling. I spent my salary in a single day, I borrowed money, I had zero social life and I locked myself in to play. Now my family has closed all my accounts and they’re figuring out how to pay what I owe.”
The account shows how the disorder can advance across different aspects of daily life. The money allocated for routine expenses disappears, debts increase, and the person begins to isolate themselves.
According to the intensity of the symptoms and the impact they produce, gambling disorder can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Diagnosis must always be carried out by a mental health professional.
Las señales de alerta de la ludopatía
Not gambling can generate distress, anxiety, irritability, worry, and guilt. These symptoms can lead to sleepless nights, thinking about how to get money to gamble again.
It is also common for the person to trust that they will be able to overcome the problem on their own, recover what was lost, and resolve the debts with a new bet.
The environment often signals the situation progressively. At first, family and friends may lend money because they believe the explanations they receive. Sometimes, the person fabricates an illness, an operation, or another emergency to justify the request.
After several episodes, suspicions begin and the addiction is finally discovered. By then, there may be loans, lines of credit, and debts with different people.
The disorder does not only affect the economy: it can also lead to the loss of emotional bonds, friendships, and even employment.
Cómo ayudar a un ser querido con ludopatía
When the problem is discovered, the reaction of those around the individual is crucial. These actions can help initiate a recovery process:
- Listen without judging. What is done is done. Constant reproaches do not change the losses nor help the person move forward.
- Show support and understanding. Being with the person does not mean justifying the behaviors, but recognizing that they are going through an addiction and need help.
- Limit access to money. Reducing the availability of cash, bank accounts, and payment methods can help interrupt the gambling cycle.
- Remove gambling apps. It is also important to avoid places or situations related to betting.
- Seek professional help. The involvement of psychology and psychiatry professionals allows assessing the severity of the condition and defining the appropriate support.
Aceptar ayuda como primer paso
It is important to keep in mind that you gamble to lose. And in that loss, not only money is at stake: relationships, projects, and quality of life can also be compromised.
It is not possible to change the past, but you can start building a way out. The first step is to recognize the problem and accept help.
The process can be difficult and include moments of frustration. However, one should not be discouraged: every day represents a new opportunity to begin.
Solange Sznaidleder holds a degree in Psychology and is the Mental Health Coordinator at the Sanatorio Modelo de Caseros. MN 55.475 / MP 190.449.
