Gambling Addiction: The Cards You’re Dealt

Signs, impact, and how to get help.

Let’s start with the impossible-to-ignore glut of sports betting messaging we’re all getting on our TVs and smartphones these days. The flood gates have been opened to the point at which phrases like “triple your bet now for free” or “get $50 on us for your first bet” have become part of the American consumer consciousness. These enthusiastic entreaties to get you to risk it all are always followed up with an anemic fine-print reminder that excessive gambling can actually be problematic–you can almost hear the voiceover saying “Oh yeah…please play responsibly or whatever.” 

Why bring this up and spoil all the fun? Well, because it’s part of a decades-long trend of trying to separate gambling addiction (yes, addiction) from other types. No, you can’t overdose on a poker chip; you don’t need to detox from dice, and nobody ever suffered life-threatening physical symptoms from roulette withdrawal; but it is possible and all-too-common for gambling addicts to lose their savings, alienate their family, and friends, find themselves in increasingly risky situations to nurture their habit, and even take their own lives because they don’t see a way out. 

The reality is that gambling addiction is a pervasive and devastating mental health condition that can easily lead to other co-occurring disorders. If you or someone you care about is experiencing these challenges, you’re not alone, your struggles are valid, and help is out there when you need it. 

How Does Gambling Addiction Work in the Brain?

Like other types of addiction, the “high” that gambling addiction produces stems from a complex sequence of neurobiological triggers and events. This includes surges of dopamine in the brain that are associated with its reward system. 

Gambling also impacts the prefrontal cortex by impairing impulse control and the amygdala by triggering neurotransmitters related to fear and anxiety. 

In addition to dopamine surges that can impair reward sensitivity and risk tolerance, excessive or problematic gambling has been proven to trigger higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and serotonin, which helps in the regulation of mood. 

Research has shown that gambling disorders tend to disproportionately impact lower-income people due to the higher-stakes outcomes of winning and losing. In a cruel irony, this almost makes the financial and lifestyle impact of the disease that much more severe. 

Additional research indicates that men are significantly more likely to become problem gamblers than women and young people are at especially high risk. 

What Are the Signs of Gambling Addiction?

It can be more challenging and take longer to spot the signs of gambling addiction in some people than in others. There are rarely any immediate physical signs, and what some people perceive as a “problem” others may see as a hobby, especially for those with more money to lose than others. There are, however, established criteria by the American Psychiatric Association that can help to diagnose and recommend treatment for gambling, including: 

• Needing to engage in higher-stakes gambling in order to maintain the “high”
• Restlessness and irritability when trying to curtail gambling frequency 
• Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
• Excessive preoccupation with gambling, including persistent desires to relive past gambling experiences, making plans to gamble again, and fixating on how to get money to bet
• Gambling to cope with negative or overwhelming emotions (helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression, etc.)
• Frantically trying to recoup losses or “chasing” them immediately after losing
• Deception, indignation, and erratic behavior related to gambling habits
• Impact on professional and academic performance or romantic and social relationships
• Relying on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling

If you or your loved one fit any of these criteria, it’s important to realize that you’re not alone—help is available. 

Treating Gambling Addiction

Treatment for gambling addiction varies for each person, depending on the scope of their issue, the lifestyle impact of their gambling, any co-occurring disorders related to the behavior, and other factors. Some of the more effective treatment approaches include: 

Behavioral Therapy

Techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and others can be helpful tools to contextualize and diminish gambling cravings. These techniques help identify and manage triggers as they arise and address the root causes of addiction. 

Support Groups and Recovery Meetings

Meetings and support groups occupy a specific type of importance in gambling recovery because of the legal and increasingly pervasive nature of gambling. It may be easier for some people to relapse from gambling addiction than from drug addiction simply because of accessibility reasons. Support groups create a consistent and reliable social safety barrier against the threat of set-backs. The National Problem Gambling Helpline offers immediate support and guidance for all those impacted by gambling addiction, including loved ones of those who are struggling. This network includes 28 contact centers that cover all 50 states and the U.S. territories. It offers call, text, and chat services 24/7/365.

Many insurance companies offer coverage for gambling addiction to make treatment more affordable and accessible. Get the help you need now.