Why is the game addictive?
Gambling games are designed in such a way that winnings occur unpredictably. Such inconsistent reinforcement forms the most stable behavior: a person continues to play precisely because he does not know when he will get lucky. Additionally, there are sound and light effects, the feeling of “almost winning” when there is very little to win, and the illusion of control - the belief that experience, a system or calculation influences the result. There are no natural stops in the online format: you can play around the clock, and non-cash money does not feel like real money.
- Unpredictability of winnings
- The "almost won" effect
- The illusion of control and one’s own system
- 24/7 availability of online games
- Non-cash money does not feel like a loss
- Bonuses and invitations to return
Signs of addiction
Disorder is said to occur when gaming ceases to be fun and begins to control life. A person thinks more and more often about the game, plans it and remembers past bets, increases the amounts for the sake of the previous excitement, and gets irritated when trying to limit it. After a loss, he returns to win back, lies about the size of his losses, borrows money and takes out loans. Play becomes a way to escape anxiety, boredom and guilt. Gradually, work, studies and relationships suffer, and attempts to quit on their own are frustrated.
- Constant thoughts about the game
- Raising rates for the sake of the same emotions
- Coming back to recoup
- Lying to loved ones about the size of losses
- Loans, loans, selling things
- Irritability when trying to stop
- Play as a way to escape anxiety
- Failed attempts to quit
Consequences
Financial losses are the most visible part of the problem, but not the only one. Hidden debts, conflicts and breakdown of relationships, loss of work due to absenteeism and decreased attention, and problems with the law are quickly added to it. Against a background of guilt and hopelessness, depression and anxiety disorders often develop, alcohol consumption increases, sleep is disturbed, and heart and digestive diseases worsen. It is the combination of debt and depression that makes this disorder dangerous, so if you are thinking about suicide, help is needed immediately.
- Debts, loans, loss of property
- Breakdown of trust and family breakdown
- Loss of work and school
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Increase in alcohol consumption
- Insomnia and exhaustion
- Thoughts of suicide amid hopelessness
How to make a diagnosis
There are no special tests; the diagnosis is made by a doctor based on a description of the behavior and its consequences. They evaluate how long the game lasts, how much time and money it takes, whether there are attempts to stop and what is stopping them, how much work, finances and relationships have suffered. Standard questionnaires on gambling behavior are used. Be sure to check for depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance use, and assess the risk of self-harm - these conditions often go together and require simultaneous treatment.
- Detailed conversation about the history of the game
- Questionnaires on gambling behavior
- Assessing financial and family consequences
- Detecting Depression and Anxiety
- Alcohol and substance use assessment
- Mandatory self-harm risk assessment
Treatment and practical steps
The main method is cognitive behavioral therapy: it helps to dismantle erroneous beliefs about acting out and luck, recognize provoking situations and develop other ways to cope with stress. At the same time, practical restrictions are needed: transferring money management to a trusted person, self-exclusion from gaming services, blocking applications and sites, refusing credit cards. Debt requires a separate realistic plan, otherwise despair pushes you back to the game. If there is concomitant depression, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Restricting access to money and cards
- Blocking gaming applications and sites
- Self-exclusion from gaming services
- A realistic debt repayment plan
- Self Help Groups
- Treatment for Depression and Anxiety
- Family therapy and restoring trust