Pathological gambling is not a game

A review of the characteristics that make compulsive gambling a dangerous addiction.

No, it is not, and in Seville we know it well. There are many people who suffer from compulsive gambling, that is, people who suffer from a gambling addiction that can cost them dearly in all aspects of their lives.

As with all addictions, being addicted to gambling requires treatment and therapy adapted to the needs of each person.And it is in this case that Fromm Bienestar has been acting and working with people with compulsive gambling addiction in Seville for years.

What is pathological gambling and what does it consist of?

If we had to define pathological gambling, we would say that it is an alteration that occurs progressively and continuously in the behavior of a person. The disturbance is due to an urge to play that cannot be controlled.. As we say, compulsive gambling is an addiction, but fortunately, it can be treated.

Gambling addiction is a disease recognized not only by the Ministry of Health, but also by the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association. We only provide this information to give you an idea of the magnitude of compulsive gambling.

This disease has very important consequences, just like any other addiction, since it it is capable of annulling the will of the person and make him/her lose the sense of responsibilityThe fact is that, nowadays, gambling addiction is a very serious problem, as is the case with any other addiction.

Nowadays, gambling and compulsive gambling is a psychopathological problem suffered by a not inconsiderable number of citizens.

Moreover, pathological gambling not only influences the behavior and affects the life of the person who suffers from it, but also those who are close to him/her.

It is for this reason that a treatment for pathological gambling must be adequate and comprehensive. It is essential to have a qualified team of professionals, but it is also necessary for the gambler to have a good understanding of the problem.It is essential to have a qualified team of professionals, but it is also necessary for the gambler to have a family and friends to support him. Believe it or not, the treatment of pathological gambling must include all areas of the patient's life, from a biopsychosocial perspective.

Pathological gambling is not a "vice".

Gambling is something accepted in society as a distraction, something to occupy one's time.Something to occupy leisure time, when in reality, it can create many problems in the mental health of the gambler.

We see here then a contradiction, since gambling is allowed, but not to minors, so it is already becoming clear that it is something that can harm the person.

When a gambling addict admits his illness, the first thing is to blame him, since gambling is a vice that can be given up, like smoking. This is not true. It is an addiction.

How does someone become addicted to gambling?

First of all, we must point out that it is possible to be addicted to gambling on a recurrent or continuous basis, i.e., if it is only for a short period of time.that is to say, whether it is only punctually or continuously. This fact does not explain the degree of addiction of the patient.

Usually, the person begins to gamble with other people by gambling from time to time, going to bingo or even with slot machines. In any case, people do not identify this practice as something dangerous, so they continue to do it as a form of entertainment.

The transition to gambling as a habitual behavior occurs in a period of time that ranges between two and five months approximately, and when they enter this phase, they will have the illusion that it is something they can control perfectly well.

However, playing on a regular basis will make them think that it is something they can control perfectly well, habitual gambling will make them think differently about gambling and other games than they would if they did not gamble.. For example, a gambler will spend more money each time and it will not seem like they are doing anything wrong. However, this will affect his personal relationships, as he will have to hide the fact that he is spending that amount of money.

On the other hand, this behavior derived from compulsive gambling makes him constantly worried about the fact that he may be discovered, or because he feels he must gamble to recover everything he has lost, and all this will continue to burden the person. He will put his efforts and try not to gamble to prove to himself that he is not an addict, but sooner or later he will relapse, and he will do it with more strength because of his own frustration.

Are you looking for therapy to overcome compulsive gambling in Seville?

From Fromm Wellness we recommend that, if you know someone or you yourself feel you need help with your gambling addiction, you look for an ally in whom you can trust and who you know will provide you with the help you really need. If you are interested in knowing how we work in our therapy center, access this page.