Gambling Addiction: Symptoms And How To Fight It
Casinos don’t like to mention gambling addiction, even though it’s not their direct fault. Nonetheless, the problem of gambling addiction is as big as ever. This mental disorder can affect anyone. In this article, we’re going to shed light on gambling addiction (aka ludomania) and understand how it emerges and progresses. Also, we’ll address possible ways of solving this problem (or, at least, making it more bearable for the gambler).
Symptoms
The trickiest thing about ludomania is that the person is often unable to identify the problem. In other words, the player finds it hard to accept that they are developing an unnatural addiction to gambling games. Even though family and friends start talking about strange behavior, the addicted person denies everything.
Few gamblers actually find the strength to admit that their passion for casino games is becoming dangerous. Gambling addiction leads to mood swings, depression, problems at work, ruined relationships with friends and family.
A gambling addict experiences problems with time control. If you tend to spend hours on the gambling site without even noticing it, it should put you on alert.
The common symptoms of ludomania include irritability, insomnia, lack of appetite, and others. If you’re experience these and/or other alarming symptoms, this is your body and mind signaling to you that something is wrong.
Limitations Do Good
There is nothing wrong about the person who dives into lengthy gambling sessions every now and then. After all, everyone of us has their own ways of relaxation. However, if this repeats too often, you should sit and think about your unhealthy habit and what’s causing it.
Like any addiction, ludomania becomes stronger with time. You can’t develop gambling addiction within an hour or a day. The disorder is progressing step by step. You start with 1-hour play sessions and slowly increase the play time until you find yourself gambling throughout the night.
Our recommendation is to limit your play sessions. Once the time is up, it’s up. Don’t give in to temptation to extend your time. It will take plenty of self-control and strong will, but eventually you’ll learn to say “no” to your whims.
Avoid gambling more than 3-4 hours a day. Take 5-or 10-minute breaks every hour. If you fear you might miss the time, set the alarm. Once the alarm goes off, close the gambling site and go away from the computer (smartphone, tablet). Stretch your muscles, take a walk, have a cup of tea, do some errands, etc. Do anything to get your mind off gambling. It’s not that hard, right? The main thing is the sincere wish to avoid ludomania.
What Do I Do If I’ve Already Developed A Gambling Addiction?
As we’ve said earlier, people find it hard to admit that they’ve grown dangerously addicted to gambling. If you’re noticing that your friend or family member is being affected by gambling, you must make them see a specialist and get treatment. It’s highly unlikely that the person will be able to solve the problem themselves. With due professional help, a gambling addict will return to their normal life pretty soon.