Gambling Addiction - The Science Behind It

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<h1>Gambling Addiction - The Science Behind It</h1><strong> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_TaniaParsons.aspx'>TaniaParsons</a></strong><br /><p>With time and with the development of more and more new modes, gambling is gaining popularity at an alarming rate. Although, it is a fun activity for many, but for others, it is nothing but a significant hindrance to daily life. For many gamblers, the simple fun slowly turns out to a serious addiction, ultimately leading to a lot of emotional, physical and psychological problems for addicted gamblers. Addicted gamblers develop a peculiar behavior and intense thirst for gambling that comes in the way to the gambler’s way of living. This kind of addiction also involves a condition called pathological or compulsive gambling, which increases the interest of the gambler towards the game and the urge to engage in it irrespective of knowing about the negativity becomes uncontrollable. Addicts continue to chase the game even if there are continuous failures and indulge in cheating, lying and stealing habit just to support their addiction. Different researches have pointed out the reason behind a gambler’s continuous participation in the game despite of losses and it is the fact that an addict takes a loss as a near win situation and thus, goes on with the chase. Luke Clark, an expert and study researcher from University of Cambridge has pointed out the fact that drug addiction and problem gambling can be linked with many points to support. He said that both drugs and problem gambling target the same human brain mechanisms, the dopamine system. Tendencies in male and female gamblers It has been seen that female gamblers mostly belong to the age group of 45 years and above and either gamble alone or where no heavy experience is required. On the other hand, male gamblers are seen to develop addiction at an early age of around 35 years. Causes behind adopting gambling Women, mostly seem to take up gambling to beat mental health like depression, anxiety, loneliness or hopelessness or escape from any type of unhappy conditions like broken marriages or relationships or job frustrations. Whereas, male addicted gamblers take up addiction to escape from low self-esteem or insecurities. They adopt the game to develop feelings for them but get entangled into more problems like lies, financial losses, broken relationships or debt problems. Statistics for pathological or compulsive gambling Several researches done in America reveal that around 2.5 million of the adult population is patient of compulsive gambling. Around 3 million people are already considered to be problem gamblers and some 15 million are under the risk of becoming so. Compulsive gambling is not only destroying for the gambler, but his family too. Another study revealed the fact that at least 2.9% of the adult population comes under either a pathological gambler or a problem gambler group. Researches conducted on the relation between alcohol and gambling proves that acute drinkers are always in the risk of becoming problem gamblers. This kind of addiction is very much common in Caucasian Americans. Addict will never see compulsive gambling as a big problem, but his way to chase the game will have many underlying problems. It has been seen widely that most of the problem gamblers are either addicted to alcohol or drugs. Treatment Various types of treatments in the form of psychotherapy and medications are given to patients suffering from problem gambling. Cognitive behavior therapies work well as they try to develop positive feelings and discard negative ones in compulsive gamblers. Activities like discussion, advice and feedback are involved in the process of treatments. Medications generally include anti-depressants. But it is better to do a thorough research of the different types of treatment methods before choosing one. The right type of treatment method will depend on factors like extent of the addiction and age of the gambler among various other factors. </p><strong>About the Author:</strong><br />To find out more about <a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://gambling-addiction-helpline.com">Gambling Addiction</a> visit http://gambling-addiction-helpline.com. You will find various videos and important tips to Quit Gambling here.<p> Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Gambling-Addiction-The-Science-Behind-It_61115.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Gambling Addiction - The Science Behind It_61115.aspx</a></p>

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Keywords : gambling addiction, addicted gamblers, compulsive gambling, compulsive gamblers,

Category : Recreation and Sports : Gambling and Casinos