Behavioral Addiction and Gambling Addiction

BEHAVIORAL ADDICTION

When we hear the word addiction, alcohol and substance addiction usually come to mind; however, in 2013 psychiatric authorities recognized the concept of behavioral addiction. Addictions to gambling, the internet, mobile phones, video games, eating, sex, exercise and shopping are considered behavioral addictions; however, for now only gambling addiction is defined among the addictions in DSM-5, the international classification system.

Addiction has several defining features: 1- Continuing the behavior despite its negative consequences 2- Reduced control over the behavior 3- Repeatedly engaging in the same behavior 4- Feeling an intense craving before the behavior. Alcohol and substance use provides short-term rewards and limits control over behavior. Similarly, some behaviors give the person short-term relief, resulting in an inability to control the behavior. In both behavioral addictions and alcohol and substance addiction, changes occur in the same areas of the brain.

What are the symptoms of behavioral addiction?

- Engaging in the behavior for longer and more often than planned

- A constant need to engage in the behavior

- Unsuccessful attempts to control, cut down or stop the behavior

– Spending most of one's time occupied with the behavior

– Being unable to fulfill responsibilities such as work, family and school,

– Continuing the behavior despite its negative consequences

- Increasing the frequency and amount of the behavior to achieve the same effect

– Feeling tense, restless and distressed when unable to engage in the behavior

How is it treated?

It is treated in a similar way to other types of addiction. It is very important that the person wants to be treated. Psychotherapy and medication are the methods used in treatment.

GAMBLING ADDICTION

Gambling can be defined as a game that is fundamentally about willingly taking a risk, is played for gain, has winners and losers, and in which profit and loss depend on chance. Gambling addiction is an addiction that disrupts personal, family and professional goals and causes great harm to the individual, the family and society.

In gambling addiction, the person:

• Needs to gamble increasingly more to achieve the desired excitement,
• Becomes restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling,
• Has made repeated, unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling,
• Is often preoccupied with gambling (such as reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next gambling venture or thinking of ways to get money…)
• Often gambles when feeling distressed,
• After losing money, gambles again to win back the losses,
• Lies to conceal the extent of gambling,
• Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling,
• Relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.

How Is Behavioral Addiction Treated?

A person who gambles should not hesitate to seek addiction treatment. Gambling addiction deeply affects not only the person but also their family and society; therefore, it must be recognized as a public health problem. Treatment is possible; the model generally used for alcohol and substance addiction is applied. For treatment, the person needs to accept that they are addicted and want the treatment themselves.