<p>What kind of person is predisposed to problem gambling? Are you the kind of person that scientists expect to become a gambler? What are the known types of gamblers? What does Freud think about gamblers? How would you spot someone struggling with gambling issues? Let's consider and try to answer these questions right now.</p><h2><strong>Types Of Gamblers</strong></h2><p>Ralph Greenson developed a simple typology of gamblers, namely: amateurs, professionals and neurotics. Amateurs treat the game as entertainment and professionals try to make money from it, whereas neurotics simply can't stop themselves from playing.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://rg-eu-west-1-static.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/tri_tipa_igrokov_89a69cb991_e58727dbdb.png"></figure><p>When neurotics start gambling, their feelings of anxiety and depression are temporarily alleviated, although this only further exacerbates their problematic behaviour.</p><p>They are also referred to as “avoidant”&nbsp; because they gamble to escape unpleasant emotions and their personal issues. In contrast however, there are others known as “action gamblers”, driven by adrenaline, excitement and the desire to win, who are usually more educated, ambitious and successful.</p><p>That said, “action gamblers” will often fall into the “avoidants” group, as even a professional gambler can become a neurotic.</p><p>Once the gambler is ready to have a go, depending on his disposition and personal circumstances there are several directions which he may head in. He may either gravitate toward trouble-free regular gambling, or possibly get into problem or even pathological gambling, which is recognized as a disorder in the DSM-IV by the American Psychiatric Association. As mentioned earlier, it often depends on one's circumstances.</p><h2><strong>Problem Gambler VS Pathological Gambler: What’s The Difference?</strong></h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://rg-eu-west-1-static.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/tablicza_3ab966cb09_d449bc8e8a.png"></figure><p>Edmund Bergler even developed a list of problem gambling signs that can be used for self-assessment.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://rg-eu-west-1-static.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/Signs_of_problem_gambling_by_Bergler_d6891b30dd_c9183ecd16.png"></figure><h2><strong>How Do Problem Gamblers Feel After Taking A Break?</strong></h2><p>Complete ban on gambling for those with issues is not widely spread. But it's a normal practice for problem gamblers to self-exclude from the game for some time. It's a rough challenge, because this people are fighting a full-fledged addiction.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://rg-eu-west-1-static.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/Gamvling_cycle_9948438435_2ae8ccca1d.png"></figure><h2><strong>How To Keep Control?</strong></h2><p>Here are some tips on how not to lose control in such a situation.</p><ul><li>In the calm phase, problem gamblers should already occupy themselves. Try something interesting that will compensate for hormonal spikes from the game – adrenaline entertainment, a new project, physical activity.</li><li>“Automatic fantasies” are the most insidious, because at this moment nothing bad seems to be happening. In fact, just as a bowling ball can't roll out of a rut once it gets there, our brain and our synaptic connections function in exactly the same way. Therefore, as soon as a gambler realises that he's reliving past victories, he should urgently start thinking about something else.</li><li>When the emotional tension starts increasing, it might be good to sublimate into creative activities. If it doesn't help, try going to a psychologist or seeking support from loved ones.</li><li>Making a decision to start gambling – no arguments will help at this stage, so the main recommendation is “do not negotiate with terrorists”.</li><li>If problem gamblers recognise they are at this stage, they should immediately self-exclude from the game, call their loved ones, and contact a psychologist.</li><li>When a gambler starts the game, he should ask a trusted person to be present with him. This person's goal will be to keep the gambler's behaviour in check.</li></ul><p>It is also interesting to identify the typical cognitive traps of gambling addicts’ “thinking errors”.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://rg-eu-west-1-static.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/gambling_thoughts_75e9030cc0_556b13c514.png"></figure><h2><strong>What Contributes To Problem Gambling?</strong></h2><p>Scientists have discovered which children tend to grow into problem gamblers.</p><ul><li>The children took part in gambling with their parents.</li><li>They are especially attracted to board games – from cards to monopoly.</li><li>The most important values for them are material.</li><li>They always feel jealous of rich relatives and friends.</li><li>They believe they can solve all their problems with money.</li></ul><p>Pretty much the same factors usually affect the adults.</p><ul><li>Tendency to dependent behavior.</li><li>Perceives gambling as a way to win big in no time.</li><li>Surrounded by gambling friends.</li><li>Unorganized spare time.</li><li>“Spare” money, unorganized budget.</li><li>Relationship conflicts.</li><li>Positive image of gambling in advertising.</li><li>Gambling availability.</li><li>Practicing lottery games.</li></ul><h2><strong>What Do Psychologists Say About Problem Gamblers?</strong></h2><p>Sigmund Freud says that this behaviour is based on an unconscious desire to lose in order to feel a sense of injustice and self-pity. It is due to the fact that in childhood a problem gambler did not receive his mother’s attention or was often punished by his father, and also if, as a teenager, he liked to check how far he could go in his risky behaviour. Hoffman believes that the basis of problematic gambling behaviour is the need for risk, and those who have enough risk in life and at work are less inclined to risk strategies in gambling. And in general, studies say that gamblers love strong feelings.</p><p>Steer clear of these problem gambling issues! Be careful and take care of yourself and your loved ones.</p>

Read this article and learn about the factors which lead both teens and adults to problem gambling behavior.

Which Factors Lead To Problem Gambling?

<p>Whilst watching sports and placing bets, there are some fascinating physiological and psychological processes going on in your brain.</p><p>Over the past decade the issue of gambling addiction has become quite significant, so let's try to understand exactly how our behavior changes whilst betting.</p><p>Take a look at some interesting fundamental experiments conducted by a famous behavioral psychologist Burrhus Frederic Skinner. By using pigeons as test subjects, Skinner proved that there is a connection between a stimulus and a reaction to it.</p><p>And his study of rats’ behavior demonstrated that the most powerful addiction is formed at the point it fails to receive a desired reward having already received one – as is the case with gamblers winning and then losing a bet. If you keep winning, gradually dopamine levels will decrease and the game will become boring for you.</p><p>Another experiment resulted in rats eventually dying by constantly pressing a pedal, which caused a discharge of electricity which stimulated the pleasure center of their brain <i>(1)</i>. These experiments show that if our internal and external limiters stop working, we run the risk of developing problem gambling behavior.</p><p>Nature has provided us with <strong>limiters</strong> – special areas of our brain responsible for self-control and regulation of emotions, such as fear and anxiety.</p><p>At a certain point, as long as you continue to make regular bets, you may become more dependent on the area of the brain which provides the dopamine rush than the area for self-control and anxiety, and this can lead to problem gambling behavior and addiction.</p><p>Also, few people know, but in fact dopamine is not a hormone of happiness. It is actually a hormone of anticipated pleasure, which means that this neurotransmitter is at its peak while waiting for your bet to win, and then subsides when your bet is played, regardless of the outcome.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://rg-eu-west-1-static.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/dopamine_5b70db9975_c6eaad78cb.png"></figure><p>Consequently, as the rush declines there is a sense of apathy, leading you to make even more bets regardless of whether you have won or not. As a result, you stop enjoying the game, despite placing further bets that only temporarily relieve the negative feelings caused by declining levels of dopamine <i>(2)</i>.</p><h2><strong>How To Determine That You Are Currently At Risk?</strong></h2><p>There is a special assessment test for problem gambling behavior in the form of scales&nbsp;<i>(3)</i> such as “Social consequences”, “Financial consequences”, “Damaging behavior”, “Signs of depression” and “Compulsive disorder”. Let's have a closer look at them.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://rg-eu-west-1-static.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/social_consequences_4d1659439c_760249a1e5.png"></figure><h3><strong>Financial consequences:</strong></h3><ul><li>lack of a transparent planning and spending budget;</li><li>debts and their constant increase;</li><li>inability to fulfill one’s financial obligations (loan payments, utility bills, etc.) due to the impossibility of forecasting cash income.</li></ul><h3><strong>Damaging behavior:</strong></h3><ul><li>causing harm to others or yourself, including physical, which can be expressed by scratching the skin, pulling out the hair, etc.</li></ul><h3><strong>Signs of depression:</strong></h3><ul><li>long-term state of apathy;</li><li>feeling distressed;</li><li>lack of energy and reaction to pleasant events, as if nothing provides any enjoyment.</li></ul><h3><strong>Compulsive disorder:</strong></h3><ul><li>disturbing obsessive thoughts, often provoking irrational behavior.</li></ul><p>Using these criteria, you can determine whether you are presently experiencing problem gambling behavior. If you notice that you’re showing some of these signs, then you should immediately stop gambling and seek specialist for advice.</p><p>Below you will find a list of indicators by which you can understand whether you are at risk. Use it as a self-assessment test.</p><ul><li>the player needs more and more money to bet in order to experience more excitement and adrenaline rush;</li><li>there is a feeling of anxiety and irritation when there is no access to gambling;</li><li>it is difficult to interrupt the game and take a break;</li><li>obsessive thoughts about betting or how to fund betting;</li><li>betting as a way to get away from anxiety and depression;</li><li>chasing losses;</li><li>lying about the frequency of gambling;</li><li>gambling is becoming more important than actual job or study;</li><li>encouraging other people to place bets.</li></ul><p>If you find yourself with more than three signs, then you should discuss this with a psychologist.</p><h2><strong>How To Avoid Falling Into Problem Gambling Behavior?</strong></h2><ul><li>carefully study the rules of the game esp. hidden commissions and other terms;</li><li>check the license and reputation of the operator you want to gamble with;</li><li>do not gamble when tired, upset, anxious and vice versa in excitement and euphoria;</li><li>remember that alcohol, drugs and medications impair judgment, which will affect your decisions;</li><li>financial management: determine the amount you can spend on gambling without borrowing or using money intended for other purposes;</li><li>time management: determine the time you can spend on gambling, take breaks from the game, gamble at such a time of the day when you do not feel exhausted;</li><li>never try to chase a big loss;</li><li>discuss your gambling with your loved ones and a psychologist so that they can give feedback if something appears to be wrong;</li><li>remember that the chances of winning are not so great, there is always a risk of losing;</li><li>do not rely on superstitions;</li><li>If you feel that you are not in control of the situation, isolate yourself from the game by using the self-exclusion tool.</li></ul><p>Scientific research also shows that the most effective method of preventing problem gambling behavior is self-control and personal responsibility of the player <i>(4)</i>.</p><p>To improve your mood and be filled with the right energy, focus on producing “hormones of happiness” <i>(5)</i>.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://rg-eu-west-1-static.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/hormones_3625ab8cf9_d9c02d5ea4.png"></figure><h2><strong>References</strong></h2><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li><i>(B.F. Skinner ​​The Behavior of Organisms: An Experimental Analysis, 1938. ISBN 1-58390-007-1, ISBN 0-87411-487-X.);</i></li><li><i>This is confirmed by studies of problem gambling behavior – the subjects of the Canadian study say that gambling is a way to alleviate a bad mood, 30% of the subjects have already turned to a psychologist because of a depressed state, 50% admitted having suicidal thoughts (signs of gambling addiction in the Canadian context: a preliminary study using the DSM-Iv questionnaire. Author: Baudouin K. M. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie, (1999 June), Volume 44, No. 5, pp. 483-7. Journal code: 7904187. ISSN: 0706-7437. L-ISSN: 0706-7437.);</i></li><li><i>(Li, H., Mao, L.L., Zhang, J.J.&nbsp;et al.&nbsp;Dimensions of Problem Gambling Behavior Associated with Purchasing Sports Lottery.&nbsp;J Gambl Stud&nbsp;28, 47–68 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-011-9243-3).</i></li><li><i>(Ariyabuddhiphongs, V. Problem Gambling Prevention: Before, During, and After Measures.&nbsp;Int J Ment Health Addiction&nbsp;11, 568–582 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-013-9429-2);</i></li><li><i>(Habits of a Happy Brain. Retrain Your Brain to Boost Your Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin and Endorphin levels. Loretta Graziano Breuning).</i></li></ol>

Read this article to learn about physiological and psychological processes going on in your brain while you're gambling.

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Problem Gambling

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