gambling addiction
Gambling addiction or compulsive gambling is characterized by playing beyond one’s means, often incurring large debts or destroying the family’s financial security. Problem gamblers chase the next big win despite all evidence that gambling is destroying their lives. They often describe a high that comes from gambling that they crave when not gambling.
Posted under Video Game
Video Game Addicts May Show Similar Brain Structure to Gambling Addicts
There is relatively little understanding of both the possible existence of video game addiction and of gambling addiction, when compared to other types of addiction. Research is increasingly focused on learning about these addictions because as the options available for both online gaming and online gambling grow, there may be an increased level of addiction. Continue Reading
Posted under Sex Addiction
Sex Addiction Placed Alongside Substance, Food, Gambling Addictions
Sex addiction can include several different types of behavior, ranging from sexual encounters with multiple partners outside a marriage to excessive online pornography use. Definitions of sexual addiction continue to remain a source of debate, but medical news articles have highlighted the term as part of larger addiction-focused conferences. This shift in thought – placing sex addiction within the context of other addictions and within the context of being brain-based – may reflect new ways of thinking about and treating sexual addiction.
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Posted under Gambling
How Do You Know If You Have a Problem with Gambling?
While it is true that most people can and do gamble responsibly, for some individuals, what may begin as just casual entertainment sometimes crosses over the line into problem gambling. Problem gambling includes compulsive or pathological gambling, also called gambling addiction. It is a highly disabling and progressive impulse control disorder that affects between 1 and 2 percent of the adult population. So, how do you know if you have a problem with gambling? Let’s look at some of the signs that may indicate trouble.
Posted under Gambling
Regaining Financial Security After Gambling Addiction
Now that you’re in recovery for gambling addiction, you can begin to rebuild your life. A big part of that will undoubtedly involve repairing the financial nightmare that resulted from your compulsive gambling. Just the stress of trying to deal with creditors, mountains of piled up debt, and the insecurity of not knowing if you’ll be able to financially independent again can take a huge toll. Don’t let it. You can regain your financial strength, security and confidence in your ability to take care of your financial obligations. But you do need help. Continue Reading
Posted under Gambling
Georgia Concerned About Link between Gambling and Drug Addiction
Weeks before a controversial new law on casinos takes effect in Georgia, health workers in the capital, Tbilisi, say they have uncovered a worrying link between gambling and drug addiction.
Posted under Gambling
Two Studies Examine Effects of Altering Features on Video Lottery Terminals on Erroneous Beliefs and Gambling Behavior
Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) are electronic gaming machines that give players the option to participate in an assortment of games at a convenient location. Gamblers may choose between various attractions, including roulette and card games. VLTs are legal in many American states and Canadian provinces. Recent studies have shown that the lights, sounds, and ability to easily switch from game to game on VLTs may indicate why disordered gamblers prefer VLTs to other forms of gambling.
Posted under Gambling
Gambling Legislation Lags: Technology Moves at a Tough Speed to Match
Though technology often moves at a pace much faster than legislation, science is often challenged to keep up with legislation. Often, bills are passed without scientific research performed on the subject of the policy, and legislation is approved based on public opinion. In 2006 the United States Senate voted to make Internet gambling illegal. It passed the Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, based on anecdotal evidence and public opinion to support the passing of the legislation. A recent article in The WAGER examined the recent research available to support such legislative decisions.
Current research yields several studies giving information about the prevalence of Internet gambling and disordered Internet gambling. Of 11 empirical studies found on the subject, five provide estimates for the prevalence of Internet gambling. The WAGER also looked at published reports from the four US national surveys that investigated the prevalence of gambling and gambling-related problems, with one study yielding information on rates of Internet gambling. There were also four additional studies found with prevalence rates for internet gambling using a PsycInfo search. In total, ten studies were used to determine prevalence rates in Internet gambling.
Posted under Gambling
How the Brain Makes a Bet
You’re making plans for a casual game of racquetball with a friend. You’re looking forward to the challenge, until his taunting competitiveness gives way to a friendly wager. He bets you that you won’t win, and loser will give the victor his watch. You believe that you and your friend are pretty equally matched. How will you decide whether to give in to his mocking and take the bet? It all depends on how great his watch is.
Posted under Gambling
Families Encouraged to Seek Help for Problem Gamblers
Gambling is a pastime that many find to be fun and rewarding, while others find it to be a crutch they cannot escape. Often perceived as a harmless activity, gambling is becoming a growing problem for potentially hundreds of thousands of individuals throughout the world.
Posted under Gambling
Study Examines the Influence of Emotion on Decision Making Among Disordered Gamblers
You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who disagrees that driving while under the influence of alcohol is not only illegal, it is also life-threatening. Scientists have now identified another DUI – Deciding Under the Influence…of Emotion.
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The Addiction Primer
Everything you need to know to help a loved one struggling with addiction, from the writers and editors of Everything Addiction.
