A recent literature review shared by the WHO has presented us with alarming statistics. According to the statistics, around 1.2% of the total adult population of the world is facing a gambling disorder. A problem with that statistic is that gambling addiction is not a widely reported phenomenon.
As a result, the total valuation in the figure above may be inaccurate. Only about half of the total figure is likely to be reported. Therefore, this disparity is one of the most significant and glaring ones.
In today’s article, we will be looking at some facts about gambling addiction that you need to know so that you can help yourself as well as your loved ones. Let’s go!
Facts About Gambling Addiction You Must Know
What is Gambling? Gambling can be best defined as the practice of risking one’s money in the hopes of doubling or tripling it. Just as there is an aspect of growth, there is also another aspect, and that is loss.
The problem of gambling addiction has truly become huge since online gambling portals like MonopolyCasino and the like have made accessibility an achievable metric. As a result, more and more people have reportedly fallen into the traps of gambling addiction.
Hence, having a clearer idea about your favorite pastime can help prevent it from becoming an addiction.
Fact #1: Recognized Mental Disorder
The American Psychiatric Association, or APA, has officially recognized gambling as a mental ailment. APA, along with WHO, has categorized gambling compulsion under the “Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders.’ The categorization can be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
This categorization was immensely important as it allowed people suffering from this addiction to seek help officially, without having the fear of being mocked or sneered at. However, this is a relatively new development. This means that development on this aspect is still ongoing.
The classification clearly states that gambling is a potent addiction. A person suffering from addiction tends to prioritize gambling experiences over personal well-being. This is a classic sign of addiction that needs real treatment.
Fact #2: Millions Get Affected
Gambling addiction is not a joke—millions of people across the globe are suffering from this. However, as we have mentioned, the actual figure could be significantly larger, as many such cases go unreported or remain unnoticed.
Scientists believe that almost all countries show a percentage between 6% to 12% people suffering from the pains of living with gambling addiction. This rise has been observed in recent years due to increased accessibility.
Casinos have transitioned from brick-and-mortar businesses to digital platforms. Online casinos have made it easier for enthusiasts to play casino games from anywhere in the world. Post-COVID-19, the percentage skyrocketed.
The pandemic made people fall in love with online casinos. As a result, this liking eventually translated into something problematic and sinister.
Fact #3: Just as Addictive As Drugs
Many ‘experts’ claim that gambling is a faux addiction. However, this is far from the truth. Gambling appeals to the reward system of your brain, kind of like cocaine or any other type of drug. It overrides the system and pushes the brain to release dopamine.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that makes a person feel satisfaction and pleasure. As a person continues to repeat this cycle, the brain becomes increasingly dependent on external stimulation to improve one’s mood. It also develops a dependency and tolerance where a person slowly increases their dependency on gambling.
This creates a vicious cycle, and the person affected by this situation becomes addicted. As a result, many progressive jackpot slots and other online gambling games have included anti-addiction systems. Switching on these systems triggers a timer.
For example, you set a timer or a budget. As soon as you reach either of the two, your application closes. In most cases, a person has to wait for over 24 hours before they can access the portal again.
Fact #4 Young Adults Show Higher Signs
As per studies, it is seen that gambling addiction is more rampant amongst young adults, especially college students. This is a weird piece of information that has a credible reason behind it.
Analyzing gambling data suggests that around 1 out of ten college students is a compulsive gambler, or is showing signs of an advanced stage of gambling addiction. This is quite alarming, as the affected population in the US is already standing at around 2-5%. Parallel to this, an assessment revealed by the NCAA survey suggests that around 58% of people have placed a sports bet.
Accessibility is one of the predominant factors over here. However, there is also the aspect of easy money. Most online casino platforms market themselves as an ‘easy money platform.’ This marketing trope brainwashes the youth, and they end up slipping into addiction.
The only way to counter these problems is to limit the marketing of gambling platforms. Adding a disclaimer after an advertisement can also function as a legible deterrent. Ultimately, raising awareness is a crucial step in managing the situation.
Fact #5 Gambling Addiction Leads To Mental Disorder
Addiction is not an isolated mental health situation. Many people do not know that any form of addiction would eventually lead to bigger mental ailments. As per research, it is noticed that a sizeable portion of people suffering from gambling addiction have stated that they suffer from issues such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders.
Estimation suggests that around 50 to 60% of people suffer from mental health problems like extreme mood swings, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety. Therefore, it is kind of proven that if a person is down with a gambling addiction. They would eventually develop other mental ailments.
The complexity of the situation often calls for a more professional intervention. Therefore, it is high time that you or your loved ones take the necessary action to deal with addiction.
Navigating Life Through Gambling Addiction
Navigating life while dealing with an extreme form of addiction can be difficult. The constant feeling of guilt, paranoia, and withdrawal effects can devolve a person into a mess. It can take away a human being’s agency and make them a prisoner of a habit. Therefore, choose the right kind of life and steer away from the silent killer called gambling addiction.
