"Think gambling is not a "real" addiction? Check out these startling statistics from a study by the University of Buffalo:
If you live within 10 miles of a casino, the risk is doubled that you will develop a problem with gambling.
Alcoholics are 23 times more likely to also develop a gambling addiction.
80 percent of adults in America conduct some form of gambling every year.
Three out of every five gamblers struggle with an addiction to gambling.
Annually, 750,000 people aged 14 to 21 have a gambling addiction.
Gambling addictions are real and just as destructive as addictions to any harmful substance.
This article explores the similarities between addiction to substances and addiction to gambling. How does gambling addiction affect the brain? How can gambling addiction be treated in Washington State rehab as a co-occurring disorder?
Symptoms of Gambling Addiction
The Mayo Clinic defines compulsive gambling as "the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your life. Gambling means that you"re willing to risk something you value in the hope of getting something of even greater value."
Interestingly, gambling stimulates the same part of the brain that alcohol or drugs can. Gambling addicts gamble to the detriment of everything else, losing savings, losing their homes, racking up debt, and more. This behavior is often hidden from spouses or loved ones, just like alcoholism or drug addiction.
Addiction treatment in Washington state
What are some of the signs of compulsive gambling?
A constant preoccupation with gambling
Increasing the amounts being gambled
Attempting and failing to cut back on gambling
Feelings of anger, frustration, and restlessness when you try to cut back
Chasing losses by continuing to gamble, losing, and then trying to recoup what you lost
Lying to hide gambling
Stealing to get more money with which to gamble
Asking people to loan you money to pay debts or gamble"
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