Gambling Addiction Treatment | Novo Nascer - Saiba do que se trata e como cuidamos de pacientes com este problema.

Gambling addiction is the term used to describe physical, psychological and emotional addiction on any type of gambling. It presents itself in different ways, being one of the most common behavioral addictions.
It is a very common addiction, but as in our culture, it is not very reprehensible, the necessary importance is not given. Gambling, unlike the use of drugs, does not affront values; it is not seen as something negative in general. And although banned in Brazil, gambling addicts find other ways to bet, such as electronic games, dominoes and cards, which are quite common activities. There is also the famous “jogo do bicho” (animal game), already traditional despite the ban.

The form doesn't really matter much. The point of the matter is addiction; it is not being able to get out of the wheel of winning and losing. The addict is always stimulated by the possibility of earning more than they lost. They go to the end, losing whatever they have because they can no longer have a critical sense of reality, they want to win something that is not normally possible. Then, under the motivation to win what they lost, they continue. When they win, there is a feeling of euphoria in which the addict believes that they can remain in that state of great excitement and cannot stop anymore. They are always chasing this sensation, just as the addict finds in crack, alcohol etc., stimuli linked to the area of gratification in the brain.

Gambling and drug addicts have similar brain activities when in use. The gambling is for the person with addiction as if it were a drug. They have this susceptibility and do not know and only finds out when the addiction is already installed. The act of compulsion is a choice at first, then the person cannot stop.
Addiction can develop quickly or over a long period of time. Its roots are basically in the way of dealing with stress and anxiety. In these situations the behavior of the addiction comes into play, putting the gambling as a way of relieving these symptoms.

Even after realizing some losses due to the addictive behavior of the gambling and planning to interrupt, the person just can't do it, they lost control. The gambling is now in control and, in the most chronic state, the thought that takes over the whole day is to feed the addiction. Thus begins an endless cycle of unhealthy behavior that makes them establish even deeper ties of addiction with gambling.
The result is often devastating, affecting all areas of life, resulting in chronic health conditions, poor social engagement, isolation, problems at work, high strain on family and loving relationships, chaotic lifestyle and financial problems.