Gambling Disorder

While the symptoms of gambling disorder vary, some common signs may include the following: 

• A compulsive desire to gamble with increasing amounts of money for excitement or the desire to win
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
• Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
• Preoccupation with gambling, such as thinking about past experiences or planning future ventures
• Gambling when distressed, anxious, or depressed
• Risking or chancing exponential loss
• Returning to gambling more after losing money
• Lying to conceal the extent of gambling behavior
• Jeopardizing significant relationships, jobs, or educational and career opportunities due to gambling
• Relying on others for money to alleviate financial problems caused by gambling

Additional signs of gambling disorder

Below are signs you might be developing gambling disorder: 

• Thinking about gambling more often and having intense cravings for gambling
• Gambling with money or possessions you don’t have 
• Continuing to gamble even when it negatively affects finances, work, or personal relationships
• Seeking financial assistance due to money problems from gambling

Consequences of gambling disorder

Below are some of the potential consequences due to behavior driven by gambling disorder: 

• Significant loss of money or possessions
• Severe debt
• Legal problems
• Damaged relationships with friends and family members
• Worsened physical or mental health 

While the direct cause of gambling disorder is unknown, this complex condition may be influenced by a combination of factors, including biological sex, age, family history, co-occurring disorders, and personality traits. Understanding these common causes and risk factors can shed light on the development of gambling problems.

Gender and age

Men have historically been more susceptible to gambling problems than women, though the gender gap has narrowed in recent years. Adolescents are at a higher risk of developing gambling disorders, with 2% to 7% of young individuals affected compared to about 1% of adults.

Family history

Individuals with a parent who has a gambling disorder are more likely to develop similar challenges, indicating a genetic component to the condition. Researchers are currently exploring the connection between genetics and gambling disorders, suggesting that about 50% of the disorder's development can be attributed to genetic factors.

Co-occurring disorders

Gambling disorder often co-occurs with other behavior or mood disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),¹ schizophrenia,² antisocial personality disorder (ASPD),³ or other personality disorders. 

Some individuals may experience mental concerns like substance use disorders⁴ and other conditions related to impulse control.

Personality traits

Certain personality traits may increase an individual's vulnerability to gambling disorder. Restlessness, boredom susceptibility, extreme work ethic, or high levels of competitiveness are some traits associated with a higher risk of developing the disorder.

Early recognition of these factors can help identify individuals at risk and inform targeted prevention and intervention strategies to address gambling disorder effectively. Additionally, fostering awareness and providing support for those affected can play a significant role in mitigating the impact of this condition.

Common treatments for gambling disorder include psychotherapy, certain medications, group therapy, and various self-care techniques. The goal of treatment is often to help individuals regain control over their gambling behavior, develop healthier coping strategies, address underlying psychological issues, and achieve abstinence or responsible gambling habits.

Medication

While there are several potential pharmaceutical treatment options available, no medication currently holds FDA approval for gambling disorder. Medication is typically prescribed to treat co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety. Opioid antagonists have potential investigative benefit. Most medication trials for gambling disorder have been relatively short-term and with small sample sizes, warranting further research in this area. Consult a medical doctor before starting, changing, or stopping a medication for any condition. 

Self-care

Self-care may also be a helpful way to cope with the symptoms of gambling disorder. Below are a few options:  

• Seeking help: Individuals with gambling disorder are encouraged to seek professional assistance, as early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
• Developing coping strategies: Learning healthier coping mechanisms and stress management techniques may aid in overcoming urges to gamble.
• Support from family and friends: While it is often up to an individual to stop gambling behaviors, having encouragement from loved ones can make a difference.

Avoiding inciting events or factors: Identifying and avoiding situations or environments that cause one to want to partake in gambling behavior can be crucial in the recovery process.

Seeking support from mental health professionals with expertise in gambling disorder or impulse control disorders may help individuals address and reframe recurrent thoughts and behaviors that lead to problematic gambling. 

Certain online therapy platforms, such as BetterHelp, offer the ability to connect individuals with mental health professionals from home, potentially mitigating the impact of gambling disorder.

Additional resources can include the following:  

• Gamblers Anonymous
• HelpGuide.org
• International Center for Responsible Gambling
• National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER)

For help with substance use, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

A recent study published by BMC Psychiatry suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy could be a promising treatment approach for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. The research found that participants who received CBT showed significant reductions in gambling behaviors and improvements in overall psychological well-being compared to the control group. 

Another piece of research conducted by the University of Colorado Boulder delved into the underlying behaviors contributing to gambling addiction. The study identified that excessive reliance on near-miss outcomes during gambling can reinforce addictive behaviors. This behavior, known as the "near-miss effect," activates the brain's reward system, leading individuals to persist in their gambling habits even in the face of negative consequences. 

Understanding these underlying mechanisms may be crucial for developing targeted interventions to prevent and treat gambling addiction effectively.

Below are several key statistics on gambling disorder:

• According to the National Council on Problem Gaming, two million adults in the US meet severe gambling criteria in a given year, with four to six million American adults having mild to moderate challenges. 
• Individuals with gambling disorders report first gambling at significantly younger ages than non-problem gamblers, with problematic behaviors often beginning in the mid-20s.  
• An estimated 96% of individuals with gambling problems have at least one other psychiatric disorder.
• In 2021, the National Gambling Treatment Service reported that 92% of clients who completed scheduled treatment saw an improvement in their condition.