What is gambling addiction?
Often, before worrying about this disease, you might have heard of gambling addiction in a trivial way: viewed as a minor issue that would hardly affect you, or even seen as a vice of people with surplus money or poor self-control.
Gambling addiction is a progressive behavioural disorder in which the individual feels an uncontrollable urge to gamble (games of chance), downplaying any negative consequences. It is an addiction where no substance is consumed.
The key characteristics of gambling addiction are:
Behavioural addiction begins as a pleasurable repetitive conduct; it leads to loss of control, tolerance (increasing the behaviour to obtain desired effects), and severe interference with daily life—family, social, work life—and if stopped, withdrawal symptoms appear.cta para lograr el mismo efecto) e interfiere gravemente en la vida familiar, social y laboral. Además, si se interrumpe la conducta, aparece el síndrome de abstinencia.
When someone’s gambling becomes a major problem (no longer just a spare-time, social activity). They think, live, and act based on gambling, neglecting other goals.
Who does it affect?
Gambling addiction can affect anyone. It impacts people of all ages and all genders. Beyond the individual’s own illness, the consequences for their environment (partner, children, friends, workplace) can be devastating during its worst phases.
Am I a gambling addict?
If you have doubts, gambling is probably already causing problems. At first, they may seem small, but they quickly escalate. It is essential to start taking action and consult experts—perhaps just requesting information is enough. Don’t hesitate to call us.
How can I recover?
Rehabilitation, not cure.
The most important step is you taking decisive action to address the problem. From that point, reach out to an association (especially if you’re in Asturias) and with the help of our therapies and psychologist support, you can rehabilitate and regain a normal life, free from gambling.
Gambling addiction is a chronic condition—once someone suffers from it, they must remain vigilant against relapse—but it is possible to lead a fully normal life. Eventually, once withdrawal, anxiety, and the urge to gamble subside, you will be the one who rejects gambling, reclaiming your self-control and will.
