Gambling itself is an ancient and widespread way for people to have fun. Thus, the popular statement that gambling is just as bad as it is doesn’t define reality — which is much more complicated. There are people for whom gambling is a great option to relax, have fun or even make real money — but there are also individuals who understand gambling wrong and become victims of this misunderstanding.
It wouldn’t be a lie to say that gambling has ruined some people’s lives, yet gambling itself wasn’t a root cause — the problem was that those people couldn’t take responsibility for their lives and control their actions. Thus, we always empower people to gamble responsibly, but we also have to research and understand the behavior of individuals who become victims of gambling excitement.
Gambling and Behavioral Deviations: Overview
First of all, we have to deal with the definitions. As we have already stated, gambling itself is neither illegal (in most countries) nor a type of destructive behavior. Nevertheless, there is a difference between normal, responsible gambling when people understand their limits, control their actions and can quit at any moment — and a pathological condition that is called problem gambling. What we are discussing today is problem gambling only.
There are a few signs of problem gambling that may point to the fact that the problem already exists and you have to take care of a person — because, in most cases, people can’t overcome this condition without external assistance from their family and, surely, specialists.
So, the list of problem gambling signs includes:
- Often mood swings
- Irritability
- Anger
- Inability to stop gambling
- Financial problems
- Social issues at work, at home, with friends
What we are interested in the most is anger — sometimes, people who are close to a problem gambler can’t even identify the root cause for bouts of anger that occur more and more often. Why does this happen, and what is the process behind it?
Anger and Gambling: the Explanation
There are many positions regarding the issue of anger and problem gambling. Some scientists believe that the root cause is dopamine — as the link between dopamine and gambling is directly proven and all the studies are well documented, specialists in this field state that as the brain of a gambler produces all the dopamine during the game, afterward, the problem occurs — the brain needs dopamine, but it is over, so the condition that comes after dopamine boost is called dopamine pit. This is the condition when a person has a bad mood and becomes aggressive and frustrated — and in the case of problem gamblers, this condition is with them all the time unless they don’t gamble — as well as it works for some narcissists.
Other studies also show that serotonin levels drop in gambler’s blood after a game, which can also cause rage and aggression.
The problem is that aggression isn’t the only problem — awful balance of serotonin and dopamine levels don’t cause anger only. If untreated properly, gambler moves from aggression to frustration, which can eventually lead to deep depression and suicidal thoughts — and in some cases, the case isn’t limited to thoughts only.
Thus, when the problem gambler starts to show signs of unprovoked aggression, especially towards his loved ones, the only way to prevent further negative consequences is to ask for help. If not to do so, the condition of a problem gambler can start getting worse, as well as the chances for successful therapy.
What to Do if My Loved One is a Problem Gambler: List of Tips
As we have already stated, there are many signs that the little gambling hobby or sports betting is becoming a disease — and this is a disease, clearly, as it follows from the definition of the ICD-11 — but there are too many cases when people realize the size of the problem when it’s too late.
Thus, you have to follow the steps provided below and remember that the only important thing is that you don’t have to let it all go as it goes. Without professional help, there are no chances to save the problem gambler.
- Show your care — sometimes gamblers take all your concerns as some form of aggression towards them, so you have to show that the only reason you’re concerned is that you care about them.
- Listen — you have to understand what their mind is and what led to the situation. Sometimes, gamblers will tell what hurts them on their own.
- Don’t contribute — do your best to make sure that neither you nor your friends borrow money for further gambling.
- Encourage — your support and understanding may help them understand the problem and start the path towards a successful cure.
- Ask for help — many first-class specialists cure ludomania, and thus, you have to contact them as soon as possible — but firstly, discuss this with the gambler, as without his permission and proactivity, there will be no progress.
As you can see, the first and the most important things in helping problem gamblers are support, care and awareness. You have to communicate in an open manner with your loved ones who gamble, as the potential consequences are much worse than such small things as little scandals or misunderstandings from their side. Remember — you are trying to save the life, and this costs anything you will have to do on this difficult path. Focus on success and don’t give up — thus, you will succeed.
