Vents Magazine Music and Entertainment Magazine 
Related Articles
Gambling is an immensely profitable industry even in India where it falls in the gray area. This is mainly because these games are specifically designed so that the house always wins. Unfortunately, some people still gamble far past their means and eventually seek treatment for gambling addiction before ever seeking professional help for gambling addiction. Gambling addiction can be treated successfully if you know where to look. The first step towards recovery from gambling addiction is in understanding its psychological causes and effects. Knowing the reasons why you gamble can prevent you from falling prey to its addictive properties.
It is generally accepted that the reward pathway of the brain operates in two separate but connected areas of the brain, the mid-brain and the ventral striatum. The ventral striatum is directly linked with instinctual behavior such as hunting, gathering or sex, while the mid-brain is associated with such things as making decisions, reading and recalling information, and so on. These areas seem to be particularly important for problem gamblers. Problem gamblers seem to have a problem with one or both of these areas, so the real reason they gamble may not be in need of correction.
One of the most common symptoms of gambling addiction is uncontrollable urge to gamble. Problem gamblers show an obsession with winning large sums of money, regardless of the consequences that this may have on their personal lives or those around them. This obsession causes the person to engage in wasteful behaviors such as repeatedly losing money on unprofitable ventures. Such behaviors and the obsession with money lead to an even more severe form of psychological disorder known as compulsive gambling disorder.
Compulsive gambling addiction is not like other forms of addiction in that it often becomes completely out of control. When a person suffers from this disorder, he or she is unable to stop gambling even when confronted with extreme financial loss or other significant losses that would realistically affect that person’s financial situation. A major risk for this disorder is the possibility of falling into financial poverty, especially if the gambler is not able to change their behaviors and habits. If left untreated, it is possible that the gambler could lose their home, their spouse and their business.
Other risk factors include an inclination towards thrill seeking or thrill-seeking behaviors. People who gamble are also likely to be thrill seekers; however, unlike those who suffer from gambling disorders, these individuals do not have the same obsessive behaviors or tendencies towards thrill seeking that lead to the use of illegal substances used for illicit activities. In fact, the risk for gambling addiction is increased if the gambler engages in many different activities, including work, marriage and social activities. The risk factors for people who gamble on a regular basis include:
It is important to recognize the symptoms of gambling addiction as soon as possible. The sooner that a person receives professional help, the better the odds of recovering from the addiction and preventing long-term damage. Symptoms include: a constant need for thrills; an intense thrill when success occurs or if they win, a sense of guilt (that there is something wrong with them) and, for some gamblers, a need to constantly evaluate their situation and odds. The gambler may start spending more money than they normally would and may refuse to set limits on their spending and gambling practices. It is also possible that the gambler will spend more time in front of the TV or computer than normal.
Professional gamblers may choose to take on more than one form of gambling. These gamblers can do so in hopes of experiencing a higher chance of winning. However, there are also many people who enjoy betting on horse races or cricket. While it may seem that gambling is simply a matter of chance, the person suffering from a gambling addiction is still using their mind to make bets. In other words, the gambler is not just trying to luck into a win. In addition to having the ability to lose money, gamblers who have this type of addiction also experience unwanted side effects such as anxiety, depression and even paranoia.
Some online casino platforms such as Fun88 India have mechanisms to prevent addictions, by offering reminders when you are placing bets that are too big, or giving time-offs when you are playing too long.
Unfortunately, the symptoms of a gambling addiction can be hard to spot at first. Many people who suffer from this problem do not realize that they are engaging in behaviors that are potentially destructive. There are times when the behaviors are more obvious, such as when the gambler indulges in dangerous behaviors like crossing the road while drunk. For these people, professional intervention may be necessary, but for those who suffer from a gambling addiction, they should be aware that they may need to seek treatment because it can get worse before it gets better.
