Pathological gambling or addiction gamblingIt is currently one of the most difficult forms of behavioral addiction, with repercussions that go beyond financial losses and impact the mental health and quality of life of those involved.
In recent years, the popularity of gambling houses/casinos in Brazil has led to growing concerns about the effects of pathological gambling, especially among adolescents and young adults.
With this in mind, we look at the link between compulsive gambling and mental health, and the implications of the new format, below. Betting on Traditional Games Interventions that can help mitigate the harm caused by these practices.
The link between betting and mental health
Pathological gambling is a condition that affects approximately 1% to 3% of the world’s population and is often associated with psychological problems.
The relationship between gambling addiction and mental health is complex and bidirectional. While compulsive gambling can worsen existing mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, many people begin gambling as a way to cope with negative emotions.
The vicious cycle between loss and gambling increases psychological distress and increases feelings of guilt, shame, and hopelessness. The inability to control the constant urge to play can lead to low self-esteem and social isolation.
Financial loss causes significant stress, which in turn increases the risk of major depression and other mental illnesses.
Mental disorders related to addiction
Several mental disorders may contribute to the development of pathological gambling. For example, anxiety is one of the most common symptoms among compulsive gamblers.
The financial uncertainty caused by gambling can cause high levels of stress and persistent worry, further intensifying the symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Depression is another disorder commonly associated with gambling addiction. For many people, gambling provides a temporary escape from feelings of sadness, but as losses accumulate, feelings of failure become more severe.
This cycle can promote depression and become a serious obstacle to recovery.
Disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have also been shown to be associated with this practice.
In people with ADHD, increased impulsivity makes it more difficult to resist immediate rewards. People with OCD may develop an obsessive obsession with winning, triggering the compulsive behavior of playing games repeatedly.
Gambling in Digital Games
As the digital gaming industry develops, new types of games similar to traditional games of chance have emerged. A representative example is as follows: loot boxes.
Os loot boxes These are virtual packages purchased with real or in-game currency that contain random prizes that can enhance the player’s experience.
This mechanism for simulating betting has sparked debate about the risk of adolescents and young adults being exposed to gambling-like behavior at a young age.
Studies show that early exposure loot boxes (And other forms of betting on digital games such as roulette or roulette slot) may increase the risk of developing gambling-related problems in the future.
About 20% of players who already bet on existing games also buy games. loot boxesAnd this behavior often develops into other forms of betting, such as casino gambling.
This crossover gambling E gambling Creating a new generation of players vulnerable to behavioral disorders and mental health issues.
What Neuroscience Says
Studies of the brains of compulsive gamblers have provided new information in recent years to understand the mechanisms underlying gambling addiction.
Studies point to dysfunction in brain regions associated with reward and emotion regulation, such as the ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex. These neural circuits influence impulsive behavior and risk assessment abilities, important aspects of addiction development.
Neuroimaging studies have shown that people with gambling addictions show less activity in the ventral striatum when anticipating financial rewards.
Furthermore, decreased amygdala and hippocampus volume may make it difficult to regulate emotions and learn negative associations with loss.
Understanding these mechanisms may help develop new treatments to treat compulsive gamblers. Some studies have investigated the use of brain stimulation as a way to control impulses and improve emotion regulation in people who exhibit compulsive behaviors.
Although still in their infancy, these interventions show promise for improving available treatments.
Current Interventions and Treatments
Treating pathological gambling is difficult, especially because many affected individuals do not seek help. It is estimated that 90% of compulsive gamblers never receive treatment.
The most common options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps identify and modify dysfunctional thoughts, and dual treatment to address co-occurring mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The most effective treatment programs combine individual therapy and support groups in addition to medication management for co-occurring mental disorders.
Focusing on identifying emotional triggers and reframing thinking patterns has been shown to be effective in reducing gambling impulses in recent years.
Fun should come first
The environment of online casinos and bookmakers can be highly immersive, but it is important to maintain a healthy perspective on the practice. The main purpose of gambling should be fun and entertainment, not the constant pursuit of winning.
Before you start gambling, always set clear limits for your time and money and don’t let your emotions influence your betting decisions.
Gambling responsibly means recognizing when to take a break and not allowing gambling to become a source of stress or anxiety.
If you are looking for a platform where you can enjoy a safe gaming experience, consider opening a BC.GAME account. Our cryptocurrency casino offers a variety of games with a low house edge and a transparent and fair approach.
Always put fun and balance first in your gaming experience. Play responsibly, know your limits, and enjoy your entertainment in a healthy way.