Understanding and Overcoming Gambling Addiction: A Journey of Hope for Loved Ones

Loved ones of problem gamblers often find themselves navigating a complex web of emotions and challenges. As they witness the devastating impacts of gambling addiction on their family’s financial stability, emotional well-being, and relationships, they may feel overwhelmed by feelings of anger, betrayal, and fear. The constant stress and anxiety can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, not just for the gambler but also for those around them. 

In response to these challenges, family members might be tempted to react with judgment or frustration, but it’s crucial to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. By recognizing that addiction is a chronic disease rather than a moral failing, loved ones can play a vital role in supporting recovery and healing. This understanding can help them avoid exacerbating the situation and instead foster an environment conducive to seeking help and rebuilding relationships.

When all is said and done, only you can take responsibility for your life. Only you have control of your path, and some things are worth the struggle to overcome.

For loved ones and gamblers seeking support in Florida, the FCCG’s 24/7, Confidential, and Multilingual 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine offer a lifeline to guidance and assistance specifically designed for loved ones affected by problem gambling.

How Can Someone Become Addicted to Gambling?

Understanding how someone can become addicted to gambling can be challenging, but it’s essential for supporting loved ones through this struggle.

How Gambling Addiction Develops

1. Initial Excitement: Gambling can initially provide a rush of excitement and pleasure, similar to other enjoyable activities. This is due to the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine in the brain, which create feelings of euphoria.
2. Brain Chemistry Changes: Over time, as gambling becomes more frequent, the brain starts to rely on these external stimuli to produce dopamine. This can lead to a decrease in the brain’s natural ability to release these “feel-good” chemicals.
3. Dependence and Cravings: As the brain becomes dependent on gambling to feel good, individuals may experience intense cravings to gamble, even if it causes harm. This is not a matter of willpower but a result of changes in brain chemistry.
4. Loss of Control: Eventually, the desire to gamble can become overwhelming, leading to a loss of control over the behavior. Despite negative consequences, such as financial problems or strained relationships, the individual may find it difficult to stop.

How Biological, Genetic, and Environmental Factors Can Predispose Individuals to the Development of a Gambling Problem

Did you know that some individuals are also more prone to gambling addiction due to biological, genetic, or environmental factors?

Biological Factors

• Neurotransmitter Dysfunctions: Issues with dopamine and serotonin can predispose individuals to addiction, as these chemicals play crucial roles in regulating mood and pleasure.[1][2]

Genetic Factors

• Heritability: Research suggests that genetic factors contribute significantly to the risk of developing a gambling disorder. [2][3][8]
• Specific Genes: Variants in genes related to dopamine and serotonin receptors have been linked to an increased risk of gambling addiction. These genetic predispositions can be passed down through generations. [1][2][8]

Environmental Factors

• Social Influences: Peer pressure and family exposure to gambling can normalize the behavior and increase the likelihood of developing a problem. Friends and family members who gamble can encourage participation. [1][8]
• Access to Gambling: Living in areas with easy access to gambling venues can increase the risk of developing a gambling disorder. Disadvantaged neighborhoods often have more gambling outlets, contributing to higher rates of problem gambling. [4][5][8]
• Life Experiences: Stress, financial difficulties, and untreated mental health issues like depression or anxiety can also contribute to the development of gambling addiction as individuals may seek gambling as a coping mechanism. [6][7][8]

These factors often interact with each other, meaning that someone with a genetic predisposition may be more susceptible to environmental triggers that lead to addiction.

Why It’s Not Just About Money

While financial issues are a significant aspect of gambling addiction, it’s crucial to understand that the addiction itself is not just about money. It’s about the emotional and psychological highs associated with gambling, which can become as addictive as any substance. Even though gambling addiction has permanently changed the person’s brain, recovery is possible!

Even as a loved one, you can learn to manage the impacts of gambling addiction. Receive powerful self-help tools and literature, build a support network, and connect with professional assistance with the help of free resource referrals available through the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine. This is what recovery looks like. Whether you are the gambler or an affected other, is near impossible to stop these behaviors on your own!

888-ADMIT-IT Resources include:

• FCCG’s Online Program for Problem Gamblers (OPPG)
• FCCG’s Peer Connect Program
• FCCG’s A Chance for Change Recovery Workbooks
• FCCG’s Financial Debt & Budgeting Toolkit
• FCCG’s Literature & Population-Specific Materials
• FCCG’s Website/Mobile App/Social Media Sites
• Counseling Services with Certified Professionals
• Self-Help Support Group Information and Referrals
• Self-Exclusion Programs
• Financial Resources
• Legal Resources
• Employment Assistance Resources
• Online Supports, Podcasts, Videos, & Mobile Apps

Supporting Recovery

By recognizing that gambling addiction is a disease rather than a moral failing, loved ones can provide compassionate support. Encouraging professional help and offering emotional support can be crucial in the recovery process. Call or text the 24/7, Confidential, and Multilingual 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine today, and get connected to the help you need!

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM)

Did you know that every March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM)? This year, the FCCG’s PGAM theme is Shine the Light on Problem Gambling: 888-ADMIT-IT Reveals the Route to Recovery. Learn more about the campaign here, and play our new game to challenge your knowledge!

In Florida, revealing the route to recovery from problem gambling – for gamblers and loved ones – starts with contacting the 24/7, Confidential, and Multilingual 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine. Even if you’re not directly impacted, we could use your help to spread the word that help and hope are available during PGAM!

References:

[1] National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). “Substance Use and Mental Health.” NIMH, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health.
[2] Shaffer, Howard J., et al. “Toward a Syndrome Model of Addiction: Multiple Expressions, Common Etiology.” Harvard Review of Psychiatry, vol. 12, no. 6, 2004, pp. 367-74. doi: 10.1080/10673220490905764.
[3] “Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling: An International Collaboration, Third Edition – Biological Factors.” Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO), Nov. 2018, www.greo.ca/en/frameworks/resources/conceptual_framework-Biological_Factors.pdf.  
[4] Martins, Silvia S, et al. “Environmental Influences Associated with Gambling in Young Adulthood.” Journal of Urban Health: Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2013, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3579310/.
[5] Abbott, Max. “The Epidemiology and Impact of Gambling Disorder and Other Gambling-Related Harm.” World Health Organization, 28 June 2017, www.who.int/docs/default-source/substance-use/the-epidemiology-and-impact-of-gambling-disorder-and-other-gambling-relate-harm.pdf.
[6] Champion, Chayil. “Gambling Addiction Can Cause Psychological, Physiological Health Challenges.” UCLA Health, 28 Dec. 2021, www.uclahealth.org/news/article/gambling-addiction-can-cause-psychological-physiological-health-challenges.  
[7] Moreira, Diana, et al. “Risk Factors for Gambling Disorder: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Gambling Studies, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2023, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9994414/.
[8] Xuan, Yan-Hua, et al. “Genetic and Environmental Influences on Gambling: A Meta-Analysis of Twin Studies.” Frontiers in Psychology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 5 Dec. 2017, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5723410/.