-
When you have a gambling addiction, it means that you give in to the compulsion to gamble despite the negative consequences. At its most serious level, a gambling addiction can be distinguished as clinical pathological gambling.
Definition
Gambling addictions are a type of mental disorder. The addiction to gambling is defined as an impulse control disorder that is both chronic and a progressive mental illness.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a gambling addiction are similar to other mental disorders. Symptoms include frequent thoughts about gambling and the need to bet larger and more frequent wages.
Effects
A gambling addiction can cause harm to all those around the addicted person. People who gamble will begin to lie to family and friends as well as withdraw from them.
Danger
Some types of gambling addictions are less harmful than others. Playing the traditional lotteries are referred to as soft gambling while more convenient types of gambling are more dangerous (Internet gambling).
Biology
According to the Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery, gambling addictions are similar to chemical addictions. Those addicted to gambling have lower levels of norepinephrine.
Source:
Medic8.com: Gambling Addiction
More Information:
GamblersAnonymous.org: Questions and Answer About the Problem of Compulsive Gambling
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC