Problematic Gambling
"I Know I'm Not Going to Win, But I Keep Doing It"
Problematic gambling is often viewed differently to other addictions.
Many people still think of addiction primarily as a chemical dependence on alcohol or drugs. The reality is much more complex.
Gambling is an extremely direct and potent way of stimulating the reward centre of the brain where dopamine is produced. In many ways, gambling affects the same pathways that drugs and alcohol hijack.
This is one of the reasons gambling can become so difficult to stop, even when a person can clearly see the damage it is causing.
Why Is Gambling So Hard to Control?
In Australia, gambling is highly accessible.
Lax gambling laws mean gambling opportunities are everywhere, exposing more people to the risk of developing a gambling addiction.
The statistics are quite alarming. Australia currently has the highest per capita rate of money spent on gambling in the world, with Australians spending more than $1,200 per person each year.
They may be intelligent, successful, responsible in many areas of their life, and fully aware of the consequences of their behaviour. They may even know they should stop. Yet despite this insight, they find themselves returning to the same pattern over and over again.
When Gambling Stops Being Fun
In the early stages of gambling addiction, a person may experience some wins, although much of this money is usually gambled away again.
By the more advanced stages of addiction, it is common for a person to gamble away all of their winnings in a single sitting. Many are fully aware they are doing it. They may know they are unlikely to come out ahead and may even tell themselves they are going to stop, but still find themselves continuing regardless.
This can be incredibly confusing and frustrating.
People often begin questioning their judgement, self-control, and ability to trust themselves.
Partners, family members, friends, and employers are often equally confused. They can see how capable and intelligent the person is in other areas of life, yet when it comes to gambling, they are unable to utilise these strengths to control their addiction.
The Consequences Can Escalate Quickly
As gambling problems progress, many people find themselves facing significant financial pressure.
Debt is common. Financial stress can place enormous strain on relationships, mental health, and overall quality of life. Some people may even steal money or make increasingly risky financial decisions in an attempt to continue gambling or recover losses.
Like many addictions, gambling can gradually take priority over the things that once mattered most including self-care, families and mortgages.
Why Willpower Usually Isn't Enough
As with all addictions, people are rarely able to control problematic gambling through willpower alone.
This is why internal guilt and external judgement often have very little impact. Most people already feel guilty enough.
Long-term change usually requires more than simply trying harder.
Therapy can help people understand what is driving gambling related behaviours, build sustainable systems that reduce the risk of relapse, and develop healthier ways of coping with stress, emotions, and life's challenges.
Whether the goal is reducing gambling or stopping completely, therapy can make a significant difference.