Online gambling addiction (OGA in the rest of the text) is the compulsive desire to continue gambling online despite the negative consequences. Spending the most time on this activity, financial problems, experiencing cravings when unable to gamble online, and a desire to spend even more money are the main symptoms of this addiction.
According to Kelvin Jones and Melissa Kruger at playcasino.co.za, the causes of OGA can be biological, social, or psychological. In other words, OGA is an emotional problem that can exacerbate or trigger mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.
Financial problems, debts, and even bankruptcy are just a few serious consequences of online gambling addiction. Although a serious issue, online gambling addiction is treatable, especially with professional assistance.
Definition of Online Gambling Addiction
This is a chronic addiction that is classified as an impulse-control disorder. Addiction to online gambling can have serious consequences for a person’s physical and psychological health and well-being, financial situation, and overall quality of life.
A person who engages in online gambling continues to do so regardless of the consequences to their life. In other words, a person is prepared to put something they value (in this case, finances, health, and relationships) at risk of winning at online casinos, virtual poker, or betting.
Online gambling, like alcohol and drugs, can stimulate the brain but also go undetected. As a result, online gambling addiction is a serious disorder.
What Factors Contribute to Such Addiction?
This state of mind can be caused by biological, psychological, social, or environmental factors. These are their names:
Biological causes:
A study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine found that online gambling causes the release of dopamine, serotonin, and other feel-good neurotransmitters. A person wishes to relive those pleasant emotions and thus continues to gamble online. At the same time, the receptors for these neurotransmitters weaken, requiring more exposure to achieve the same effects. This can result in dependence and addiction.
Psychological causes:
Everyday life stresses and burdens and underlying mental health issues can all be why someone engages in online gambling. They use this type of gambling to avoid negative emotions and events.
Social/Environmental:
Online gambling increases the likelihood of developing an addiction. Friends or family members who gamble online frequently motivate a person to try it, which can lead to compulsive gambling and addiction.
What Are The Consequences of an Addiction to Online Gambling?
Physical effects:
High blood pressure, gastrointestinal bleeding, coronary heart disease, deterioration of pre-existing health issues, and heartburn;
Psychological effects:
Causing or exacerbating generalized anxiety disorder, depression, personality disorders, and obsessions;
Short-term effects:
Reduced savings, feelings of regret or guilt, increased consumption of alcohol or other substances, less time or money for family and recreation;
Long-term effects:
Severe financial problems include bankruptcy, serious relationship problems, poor work performance, job loss, poor overall health, legal issues, thoughts of suicide or attempts, excessive alcohol and other substance use, and an intensified sense of guilt.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms?
The following are the signs and symptoms of online gambling addiction:
- Obsession with online gambling
- Having intense cravings when unable to gamble due to a poor internet connection or other factors
- Constantly considering online gambling, bets, or moves to make to feel better about life
- Neglecting work or school to engage in online gambling
- Taking advantage of every opportunity to test gambling platforms or apps
- The majority of my time is spent on phone gambling.
- Gambling-related financial difficulties, unpaid bills, and a large number of loans
- Taking bigger chances when gambling online
- Feeling guilty but still gambling
- Attempts to stop gambling have failed.
- Online gambling deception
- Isolation and withdrawal from social situations
- Friendship, family, and relationship issues as a result of online gambling habits
- Being secretive about using a phone or a laptop
Other potential symptoms include:
- Behavior Modifications
- Financial problems
- Mental health has deteriorated
- Online gambling has caused problems with family and friends.
Overcoming The Addiction?
A fight against OGA necessitates a strong support system and a well-structured treatment plan. The most difficult challenge is to continue using the internet while resisting the urge to gamble online. It’s critical to delegate credit cards and financial commitments to a husband, wife, relative, or friend immediately.
The following step is to restrict access to digital wagering platforms, delete apps, and refrain from visiting those websites.
“One day at a time” is not a cliche in addiction treatment but a valuable lesson to remember. That is, a person should not dwell on what happened the day before or on what might happen the next day or in ten days. The only goal should be to do their best today.
Because the brain dislikes monotony and prefers stimulation, there are other ways to achieve it. Many of these methods are not addictive. The goal is to stretch and exercise the mind. This can be accomplished through brain games, reading, writing, being creative, picking up a hobby, or doing something different than usual.
Managing stress also aids in the recovery from an addiction to online gambling. People react to stress differently, and some may respond to negative moods and emotions by gambling online. Online gambling becomes a way to escape stressful situations and negative moods in this case.
