Gambling Problem? How to Assess Behavior and Stop Betting
Author:
Zach Lutz
Clinical Review by:
Published:
Aug 12, 2024
,
11:35 a.m.
ET
Updated:
Sep 12, 2024
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02:49 p.m.
ET
Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is often easier said than done. While moderation with any activity is key, many individuals find it challenging to strike the right balance, especially when predisposed to addictive behaviors due to personality traits, genetics or environmental factors. Gambling, in particular, has a unique ability to tap into the brain's reward center, making it an alluring but potentially dangerous habit. What might start as harmless fun can quickly spiral into a severe issue.
If you're concerned about your gambling habits or fear you may be on the brink of a problem, this article provides an approach to evaluating your gambling behavior and taking steps to stop betting. Learn how to assess your tendencies, recognize the warning signs, understand the underlying causes and access the proper resources and treatment if needed.
Evaluating Gambling Behaviors
Evaluating gambling behaviors is a necessary step in identifying and addressing potential problems before they escalate. Start by honestly assessing your gambling habits through a series of key questions.
Frequency: Are you gambling more often than before? Is it now part of a daily routine?
Preoccupation: Is gambling creeping into your thoughts regularly?
Impacts: Has gambling affected your relationships, work or school?
Financially, reflect on whether you're spending more money on gambling than you can afford, or if you’ve started borrowing money to continue gambling. Additionally, think about the time and mental energy you devote to gambling.
Emotionally, consider if gambling is causing you anxiety, guilt or distress. Or do you find that gambling is becoming a way to distract yourself and escape those negative feelings?
If you find yourself answering "yes" to any of these questions, it may be a strong indicator that your gambling habits are becoming problematic, and it might be time to seek help.
Beyond self-assessment, an evaluation by a specially trained counselor can offer a deeper understanding of your behavior. This evaluation typically includes detailed questions about your gambling activities, and in some cases, permission may be sought to speak with family or friends to gain additional insights. Your medical history will also be reviewed, as some medications can correlate with compulsive behaviors, including gambling.
Lastly, a mental health assessment will explore your symptoms, thoughts and feelings related to gambling. They may also screen for co-occurring mental health disorders that could be connected to the issue. Taking these steps can help you gain clarity and set you on a path to recovery.
Warning Signs of a Gambling Problem
A gambling problem doesn’t develop overnight; it often emerges gradually, with warning signs that become more apparent over time. Key indicators of problem gambling include:
Trying but failing to stop or cut down on your betting
Spending more money and time on gambling than intended
Financial troubles resulting from gambling, including unpaid bills or borrowing money
Lying to hide the extent of gambling losses
Using gambling as an escape from personal problems or distress
Constantly thinking about gambling
Continuing to gamble despite significant losses and the resulting negative consequences
Experiencing strained relationships, job performance issues, or social isolation due to gambling
Recognizing these warning signs early can help you or someone you care about take action before the problem escalates.
Schedule a FREE gambling assessment with Birches Health today!
Causes of Gambling Addiction
Understanding the causes of gambling addiction can help in recognizing the risk factors in yourself or others. Some common causes include:
Mental Health Issues: Conditions like anxiety, depression and personality disorders can make individuals more susceptible to gambling addiction. People often turn to gambling to cope with their emotions.
Age: Younger individuals, especially those exposed to gambling early in life, are at higher risk of developing an addiction.
Gender: While men are more likely to develop gambling problems than women, the gap is narrowing as both sexes are increasingly exposed to gambling opportunities.
Social Influence: Family members, friends and peers who gamble can encourage similar behavior, potentially leading to addiction.
Medications: Certain medications, particularly those used to treat conditions like Parkinson's disease, have been linked to compulsive gambling behaviors.
Personality Characteristics: Traits like impulsivity, thrill-seeking and difficulty making decisions can contribute to the development of a gambling problem.
Which demographics in the U.S. are most likely to have a gambling problem?
In the United States, certain demographics are more susceptible to developing gambling problems, particularly among younger adults. A 2021 study by the McCreary Centre Society found that Americans aged 20 to 25 are the fastest-growing group of gamblers, with 39% of sports bettors being under 35. This trend is largely attributed to the rise of sports betting apps, which have made gambling more accessible and addictive. These apps are designed to be engaging and trigger dopamine releases, similar to popular mobile games, making it easy for users to gamble frequently and impulsively. The shift from traditional, physical sportsbooks to mobile platforms has allowed gambling to become a constant presence, always at the tip of their fingers, particularly among younger users who are more comfortable with digital technology.
Sports betting, in particular, remains a predominantly male activity, with 69% of sports bettors being men. This demographic is also more likely to participate in high-stakes gambling activities like card games and sports betting, as opposed to women, who tend to favor games like bingo or slot machines. Additionally, early exposure to gambling significantly increases the risk of developing an addiction later in life.
One survey revealed that 43.3% of young adults were exposed to gambling between the ages of 11-16, and nearly 97% of college students had gambled before turning 23. This early exposure, combined with the ease of access provided by mobile gambling platforms, highlights the growing concern among experts about the rising rates of gambling addiction in younger populations.
Resources and Treatment for gambling problems
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, taking swift action is necessary. Birches Health offers a variety of treatment options from the comfort of home, including one-on-one therapy sessions and group counseling, as part of a best-in-class program tailored to help individuals overcome gambling addiction.
How to get help from Birches Health:
For immediate assistance, contact Birches Health at 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com.
