In the International Classification of Diseases Handbook (ICD-11) published by the World Health Organization, gambling disorder is listed among behavioral addictions and is defined by the following characteristics:
- Inability to control gambling (in terms of initiation, frequency, intensity, duration, termination, and context).
- Prioritizing gambling over other interests or daily activities in life.
- Continuing or increasing gambling despite negative consequences.
Although patterns of gambling behavior can be continuous or periodic, they are generally repetitive. To diagnose a person with gambling disorder, the three characteristics mentioned above must be observed prominently for at least 12 months. However, if each of these characteristics is present and the symptoms are severe, this diagnosis can be made even if the duration is short. In recent years, with the increased use of the internet, gambling disorder can also arise due to online (internet-based) gambling behaviors.
Although gambling disorder has been considered an impulse control disorder in psychiatry for many years, it has started to be classified under the category of non-substance-related addictions. This addiction is often accompanied by betting with increasing amounts of money, inability to limit or stop gambling behavior, constant preoccupation with gambling, gambling becoming more prioritized than other interests and daily activities in life, continuing to gamble despite negative consequences, or increased motivation to gamble.
In the DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria Reference Handbook, gambling disorder is defined as follows: Within a twelve-month period, a persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior that leads to clinically significant distress or impairment, manifested by at least four (or more) of the following:
Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement.
Being restless or irritable during attempts to cut down or stop gambling.
Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
Frequent thoughts about gambling (reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money to gamble).
Often gambling when feeling distressed (helpless, guilty, anxious).
Returning another day to get even after losing money gambling (chasing one's losses).
Lying to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.
Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling.
Relying on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.
To Cope with the Thought of Gambling;
One should stay away from places where gambling is played and websites where gambling is conducted online.
One should distance themselves from things that trigger the thought of gambling (horse racing programs, casino advertisements, lottery tickets, etc.).
One should stay away from people associated with gambling.
One should avoid engaging in discussions about gambling.
One should carry only enough money to meet daily needs and avoid using credit cards and ATM cards unnecessarily.
It is necessary to change one's lifestyle and replace negative habits with positive behaviors.
Neither the person who gambles nor someone who knows a family member who gambles should avoid seeking addiction treatment and fighting gambling through this means.
One should seek help from a trusted family friend or friend for support.
It is important to engage in other activities. Redirecting attention to other activities (such as doing housework, going to sports) will be beneficial.
Risk Factors
Gamblers hope to recover their losses in one go.
When this does not happen, they try to cover up their behavior and losses with lies.
They may engage in illegal activities such as fraud, deception, theft, embezzlement to obtain the money needed for gambling.
They jeopardize or lose significant relationships, jobs, or education because of gambling.
Severe depression, depression, and even suicide cases are seen in addicts who realize they cannot compensate for their losses.
For Treatment
Since the impact of this bad habit, which deeply shakes societies and destroys the family, the foundation of society, is not limited to the individual, this pathological addiction should be addressed as a public health issue. Treatment of this disorder is possible. Since the model of substance addiction treatment is frequently applied in the treatment of pathological gambling addiction, these individuals should be directed to substance addiction treatment departments.
It is possible to achieve success with a treatment program tailored to the individual. For this, it is first necessary to accept that gambling addiction (by the person who gambles) is a pathological disorder.
What Are the Possible Causes of Gambling Disorder?
The American Psychiatric Association states that there can be many reasons that lead people to gamble. The most common of these reasons are listed as follows.
Seeking excitement
Being in search of action
Escaping unwanted feelings and thoughts
Suppressing unwanted emotions
What Are the Harms of Gambling?
Gambling disorder harms the individual, family, and society financially, relationally, emotionally/psychologically, culturally, and professionally; it poses a risk in terms of public health and criminal behavior. The American Psychiatric Association states that individuals who gamble often hide this behavior from their close ones, especially family members; when financially strained, they seek help from others rather than their families. It also mentions that individuals with gambling disorder, like those with alcohol and substance use disorders, can lie to family members to conceal their behavior.
Did you know?
According to the World Health Organization,
The prevalence of gambling disorder among adults ranges from 0.1 to 5.8 percent. Approximately 350 million people exhibit problematic gambling behavior annually.
According to the American Psychiatric Association,
Men can be introduced to gambling behavior at earlier ages compared to women.
Individuals with problematic gambling disorder are likely to develop suicidal thoughts or engage in conversations about suicide. It is extremely important to take these conversations seriously and direct the individual to seek psychological support.