Gambling addiction (gambling addiction): what it is and how to deal with it

Gambling addiction , as doctors call this psychological problem, has its own distinctive characteristics. The difficulty in treating gambling addiction is that the person does not even realize that there is a problem. At the same time, the pathological craving for gambling leads to the destruction of the social and financial components of a person’s . Gradually, personality degradation begins, and a real threat to health and life arises.

The most difficult thing in the fight against this scourge is the beginning. To realize the full threat of the problem and understand its essence from a medical point of view, call the “I am Independent” Center 8 (800) 200-76-83 . Specialists will advise you on this issue for free.

Selection of treatment

Possible options for the development of addiction

Gambling addiction is one of the widespread problems of our time around the world. The active development of Internet technologies, constant advertising of online casinos and bookmakers contribute to the fact that people, especially those with an unstable psyche, are increasingly becoming captive of gambling addiction . For example, the number of official users game is more than 400 million people . to determine the number of gamers using a pirated version of the game .

An addicted person , immersed headlong in a new hobby, gradually completely loses his sense of reality, and it is often impossible to return him back to society without the help of specialists. In terms of severity, this mental disorder is equal to drug addiction and alcoholism.

Gambling addiction is an addiction to gambling , but which ones? The objects of irresistible attraction for a gambler can be different:

• Lotteries and sweepstakes (betting on various sports). The addict hopes to hit the big time by constantly investing money to bet on football, hockey teams, boxing and other sports.
• Slot machines, casinos (online and offline). The addict expects a positive result from his actions and gets real pleasure from the upcoming gain. The disappointment that comes after a loss is temporary, as the person expects to make up for the lost chance. This is what makes him start a new gaming session. An example here is trading on the stock exchange of securities, currencies, and precious metals.
• Computer games . This type of addiction is most common among the younger generation. An exciting storyline, a huge number of additional options, exciting communication with like-minded people every time increase interest in the hobby. A gambling addict literally does not want to leave the computer monitor, and he devotes more and more time to this activity. Many online games provide additional functionality, the purchase of which can increase your chances of winning.

Computer addiction

This issue is worth raising separately, since with the development of Internet technologies, a new type of illness has also developed - Internet addiction. Young people who spend a lot of time online are especially susceptible to this mental disorder. If, over time, a person develops an uncontrollable desire to constantly play, and everything else fades into the background, then it is imperative to seek professional treatment for computer addiction from the “I am Independent” specialists.

Selection of treatment

Classification

Depending on clinical manifestations, gambling addicts are divided into 3 types:

• emotionally unstable people;
• having behavioral disorders;
• antisocial individuals who commit impulsive acts, which is associated with the heterogeneity of the group of addicts.

Depending on the degree of addiction, social gaming addiction, intense and problematic gaming addiction are distinguished.

Considering the conditions and distinctive features of gambling games can be divided into:

• constant legal hobbies (lotteries, sports betting);
• illegal (in closed gambling establishments);
• betting on the stock exchange (if it is not related to professional activities, but is of the nature of gambling entertainment);
• betting and arguing for money.

Ludomania: features of playing in casinos and slot machines

In the modern world, casinos have become an attribute of luxury and a form of elite entertainment. Cinema and television reinforce the illusion of successful bettors, that they are always surrounded by gorgeous women and powerful men, expensive cars and beautiful things. The concept is laid down that this type of entertainment is for real daredevils who can solve any problems, calculate everything, win back and achieve success.

For the first time, a gambler visits a gambling house voluntarily, wanting to try something new and interesting, or just for company, but when a person wins, he can experience such a surge of happiness and euphoria that he wants to repeat it again. He takes his mind off his problems by immersing himself in the world of entertainment. Subsequently, a change in interests occurs, the playing distance lengthens and the hobby develops into a painful passion. The game helps you lose your sense of reality and time, but it also has many negative consequences - disorder of habits, separation from family and, of course, loss of capital and debts.

Gambling addiction and slot machines

While addiction to slot machines is more common among teenagers, in developed countries (England, Australia) the number of “problem gamblers” aged 12-13 years reaches 5%. This is due to the availability of gambling and the absence of age restrictions. People of any age are equally susceptible to gambling addiction, but minors are characterized by excessive emotionality, so most often they simply are not aware of their actions, which leads to serious consequences.

Provoking factors for the formation of gambling addiction in adolescence are depression, attention deficit disorder , anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder .

Psychological portraits of gambling addicts

Psychologists identify two main portraits of addicted people for whom professional treatment for gambling addiction :

1. hyperthymic. This type is divided into separate subtypes, among which hyperthymic-unstable deserves special attention. A person with this type always tries to get maximum pleasure in everything. An energetic and optimistic person does not even think that some actions could cause harm to themselves or others. A tendency to act recklessly may result in the development of gambling addiction , alcoholism or drug addiction;
2. hypothymic. An individual with this type is prone to a depressed state. The person is withdrawn, uncommunicative, gloomy, there is a tendency to remorse, self-accusation and self-deprecation, and pondering past mistakes, even minor ones. A pessimistic person sees the whole world in dark colors. Life's problems easily and for a long time throw you out of balance.

Factors influencing the development of gambling addiction

In addition to the characteristics of the individual’s psychotype and predominantly young age, the development of this mental disorder is influenced by other factors:

• involvement of friends or relatives gambling
• low self-esteem, dissatisfaction with work, with one’s achievements;
• excessive focus on the material side of life;
• complexes associated with lack of money;
• feeling of loneliness, lack of understanding from friends and relatives;
• tense family situation (psychologically);
• inability to find pleasure in everyday life;
• sexual dissatisfaction;
• excessive passion for games in childhood.

And this is not a complete list of possible factors. Before starting treatment for gambling addiction the person’s previous life and, together with him, establish the reasons for the development of the disorder.

How to recognize a gambling addict?

Signs of gambling addiction increase gradually. Often patients try to hide them, ashamed of their addiction or creating the illusion that the pathological attraction is under their control. As this control is lost, behavior changes more and more.

Symptoms of gambling addiction at the initial stage can easily be confused with a simple passion for gambling:

• a person spends more time playing, he is interested in this process, and often returns to it in conversations;
• for the first time he experiences a gaming “drive”, a state of excitement or euphoria. I want to repeat these feelings;
• interests and priorities gradually change: if you can choose from several activities, a person will prefer a game; if free money appears, it is spent on it.

If such “passion” does not go away, it progresses, the symptoms become noticeable:

• the range of interests changes. The desire to play dominates, other activities turn out to be unimportant;
• a person constantly thinks and talks about the gaming experience, imagines situations related to it, his probable actions;
• control is lost: a person cannot stop playing on his own. If this is gambling, neither a big win nor a loss stops him. In the first case, he has something to play for further, in the second he must win back. If an addiction to computer games has developed, a person is able to spend 24 hours in front of the monitor;
• if there is no opportunity to play, the patient experiences discomfort. He becomes irritable, anxious, restless or suspicious. Possibly aggressive behavior. This is similar to the psychological state of withdrawal in people addicted to alcohol or drugs;
• deterioration of well-being due to problems with the functioning of the central nervous system: insomnia appears, concentration and performance decrease, frequent headaches are possible;
• if a gambler is passionate about gambling, he strives to increase bets and increase the degree of risk;
• The further the disease progresses, the more difficult it is to achieve a state of drive in the game.

With gaming addiction, the patient may try to overcome it on his own, refuse to participate in games, but such attempts do not yield results. Each new breakdown makes the situation worse. The person considers himself unable to cope with gambling addiction.

If treatment is not started, the addict begins to lie to family and friends about his addiction. He tries to hide the expenses associated with the game, monetary losses, the degree of his involvement, and lies about the amount of time he spends on the gameplay. Relationships with family, study and work are at risk: they cease to be interesting for the gambler. He may commit criminal offenses in order to continue to gamble, or spend money in casinos or slot machines that was not intended for this purpose.

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Stages of formation of dangerous addiction

A psychological disorder in the form of an irresistible craving for various types of gambling develops gradually. the person more and more into despair. The addict goes through the following stages step by step:

1. Preparation. This period is characterized by the emergence of susceptibility to the desire for games of a gambling nature. Such susceptibility is created due to certain psychological personality traits: impulsiveness, low self-esteem, increased anxiety. A person does not accept refusals, does not tolerate disapproval or criticism of actions from the outside.
2. Winning. Due to susceptibility to gambling , the person begins to play. Then the person becomes involved in the game , completely surrendering to its power. After winnings, the player develops faith in his success. If the wins outweigh the losses, then there is an unshakable confidence in your own superpower.
3. Losing. The gambler becomes completely immersed in gambling - it becomes the main interest in life. Everything else - family, work - fades into the background. At this stage, a vicious circle begins, which can be schematically described as follows: starting the game - losing - debts - disappearing for a while - starting the game (in the hope of winning back) and so on.
4. Disappointment. The life of a gambling addict goes steadily downhill, completely collapses. Due to constant gaming , a chronically unstable emotional background arises; due to lies, conflicts arise in the family. All this contributes to the development of new addictions - drug addiction or alcoholism. Debts cause problems (calls from banks, collectors, inventory of property, arrests, and so on). All personal time is devoted to the game .
5. Hopelessness. The player has already lost hope of winning, but still continues to play (often simply for the sake of the gameplay ).
6. Preclinical stage. At this stage, clear symptoms of mental pathology have not yet emerged. Violations are vague in nature, so they can often be attributed to special personality traits. If a player uses willpower to control his actions and actions, then there is a chance that he will overcome gambling addiction on his own.
7. Clinical dependence. During this period, the gambling addict develops clear mental disorders. This manifests itself in the form of a decrease in self-criticism and a complete loss of self-control. At this stage, disturbances are observed in the sensory and emotional spheres (like a flattened affect, as happens in schizophrenia). Here, professional medical assistance from specialists is already needed.
8. Degradation. At this stage, the gambler experiences strong emotions only when playing ; in other cases, nothing can give him pleasure. Many obsessive thoughts become automatic. There is a decrease in tolerance to the outside world, a loss of will. game forecasts .

You should not neglect qualified treatment of a gambling addict, since the main danger of gambling addiction lies in what emotions a person . The gambler is more concerned not so much with the fact of losing, but rather with the impossibility of continuing the gaming session. The process itself gives the player a simultaneous feeling of imminent triumph and a high degree of risk. It is the combination of these emotions that acts like a narcotic substance that provokes the habit and desire to experience similar sensations again and again.

Selection of treatment

Reasons for the formation and development of gambling addiction

Currently, there is no one specific reason for the formation and development of gambling addiction. This could be a seemingly insignificant life event or a combination of reasons. Experts divide the reasons for the development of gambling addiction into several groups depending on the nature of the factors. These factors are also called the mechanisms of a person’s involvement in addiction. Next, we will consider each selected group.

Social and economic accessibility

The media, the Internet or television advertise gambling by publishing information about promotions, quizzes and any other ways to get “easy money”. Thus, the availability of games increases especially on the Internet, where their activities are difficult to control.

Personal motivation

Scientists suggest that factors associated with personal motivation are the most common, leading causes of gambling addiction. This is due to three types of motives:

1. Getting satisfaction from being inside the game process. The opportunity to dominate, take risks, and take leadership positions captivates those people who find it difficult to achieve this in real life or those who want to experience these sensations over and over again.
2. Gaining satisfaction from escaping reality, existing life problems or other influencing unfavorable factors.
3. Superficial motives. There can be a large number of such motives:

• When a person plunges into the previously unknown and wants to thoroughly understand and study the process;
• The motive for winning. Lack of financial resources often prompts a person to gamble, which promises large wins in a short period of time.
• The desire to win back to regain what was lost through losses.

Personal motivation for gambling addiction varies from person to person.

Family relationships

Family relationships or family factors are also a common cause of gambling addiction. It has been scientifically proven that the greatest influence on the formation of a person’s psyche is exerted by his immediate environment - family members, friends, and other relatives. The following family factors create a high risk of addiction:

1. Absence or violation of generational boundaries. That is, in the family there is either no or no understanding of what and how one can say and do in relation to another family member (elder or younger);
2. Family members do not have defined responsibilities within the family and do not adhere to their roles;
3. The difference in the reactions of different family members to the same event is double standards;
4. Conflict, unhealthy atmosphere within the family. Pressure or moral, physical violence;
5. Irrational planning of the family budget, including those situations when the budget does not take into account the needs and priorities of one or more family members.

Character traits

Character traits include factors such as:

1. Complexity, isolation, shyness of a person. Such qualities lead to the fact that the player tries to realize himself in an area where contact with other people is minimal.
2. The presence of social phobias (fears) encourages a person to hide from such inconveniences in virtual reality, where he can completely control what is happening.
3. The feeling of loneliness, uselessness and lack of communication leads to the fact that a person begins to look for an outlet in games.

Problems in socialization and lack of friends become the root causes of the development of gambling addiction

What lengths does a gambler go to for the sake of gambling?

As a habit develops, the gambler’s need for gambling with a regular increase in bets. To find a new large sum, he takes the most risky steps. An addicted person sells expensive equipment, jewelry and other material assets, takes out urgent loans for himself at incredibly high interest rates, steals something from loved ones, relatives, and deceives them. Such immoral behavior turns a gambling addict into an inferior member of society.

Thinking mistakes of gamblers noticed by psychologists

Experts who have been working with gambling addicts for a long time have long identified two types of thinking errors: strategic and tactical.

1. Strategic mistakes are thinking errors that affect the formation of a positive attitude towards one’s own dependence:

• Value orientations are aimed exclusively at the financial and material spheres. The main necessity in life is money, which, in the minds of gamblers, decides everything.
• The feeling of impending winning. A person feels insecure in his current situation and is waiting for that very gain that will solve all problems.
• Constant fantasies about winning, dreams about it.

1. Tactical errors are thinking errors that are aimed at maintaining an existing addiction:

• Blind faith that today you will definitely get lucky.
• Creating a mindset to win, hoping for it.
• The feeling that you can only make money by winning back your losses.
• Bets are perceived by a person as transactions.
• A gambler interprets real money on a gaming account as ordinary numbers on a display; there is no sense of reality.

When should you seek help immediately?

• Euphoria during the game and emptiness, loss after its completion;
• Constant thoughts about the object of your addiction;
• Frequent and large expenses for software updates;
• Repeated attempts to quit the game ;
• Complete disregard for study, work, severance of friendships;
• Systematic manipulation, lying to loved ones;
• Poor appearance (due to insomnia, neurosis, alcohol, loss of appetite);
• Constant requests to lend money;
• Loss of valuables from home;
• Closedness, alienation, aggression, irritability;
• Problems with law enforcement agencies, credit organizations.

Addiction to computer games and social networks

The computerization of all types of life has led to another form of dependence. Modern communication technologies allow people to solve many problems without leaving their homes. Virtual space transforms ordinary communication formats, transports a person to special conditions and changes his mental reactions. Spending time in the environment of social networks and information exchange protocols allows you to minimize the possibility of direct contact, ordinary conversations, creates brain overload and the ensuing negative consequences.

Immersing in the information dimension, the patient experiences:

• Severe physical inactivity, spending hours in a sitting, motionless position. Lack of movement leads to diseases of the joints and internal organs.
• Social isolation. This problem especially concerns young people. Once in the sphere of ordinary communication, they cannot speak normally, experience communication difficulties, become withdrawn, and react with emotional disturbances. Their volitional sphere suffers, and their psychophysical development lags behind.
• Narrowing the scope of interests.
• Psychopathization.

When examined, patients clearly show signs of desocialization.

Methods for treating pathological gambling addiction

Effective treatment for gambling addiction is carried out in several stages . This is the only way to achieve lasting results. The rehabilitation center uses an integrated approach to treatment , which guarantees complete recovery from gambling addiction . Therapy includes:

1. Psychotherapeutic methods.

Psychotherapy can be either individual or group. The method is aimed at making the addicted person independently realize the danger of the current situation and begin to take the first steps to overcome addiction . An individual rehabilitation method is developed for each patient. It usually includes behavioral, cognitive, and relaxation therapy. Different types of psychotherapy can be used to treat addiction :

• group, self-help groups;
• individual, training in self-control and self-regulation skills, personal growth training;
• psychoanalysis;
• body-oriented therapy;
• psychoorientology;
• spiritual therapy;
• neurolinguistic programming.

Psychotherapy involves working with loved ones of a gambling addict, since successful recovery largely depends on their participation in the person’s to society.

1. Consultation with a narcologist.

People prone to gambling addiction also often develop other addictions - alcoholism or drug addiction. If they are diagnosed in a patient, then it is impossible to do without the help of an experienced narcologist.

1. Resocialization.

This is an important part of a comprehensive therapy program that is aimed at returning to your old life, but without gambling . Thanks to the careful work of specialists, the patient receives motivation for a qualitative change in his life. The main task here is to teach the patient to recognize and solve life’s problems on their own, to be responsible for their life, to seek and find joy in simple things, to realize their creative potential for the benefit of themselves and loved ones.

1. Post-treatment support.

Specialists clinic teach a person how to behave after discharge, how to work through possible life difficulties and how to overcome various situations with dignity.

Why is gambling addiction dangerous?

As we wrote above, gambling addiction is officially considered a mental disorder, the basis of which is addiction (addiction, habituation - editor's note), aimed at addiction to gambling. Gambling addiction manifests itself as a form of deviant behavior (one that deviates from the general social behavior - editor's note).

Gambling addiction is dangerous because the gambler does not feel this addiction, does not realize his illness and completely rejects thoughts about his own addiction, but the price that will have to be paid further turns out to be too high.

Gambling addiction becomes a serious problem at the moment when gambling addiction becomes the main goal in life. And playing for money becomes a way of escaping reality and the only way to enjoy life.

Drug treatment for gambling addiction

Additionally, when treating gambling addiction, medication methods can be used as prescribed by doctors.

Special medications are prescribed to patients suffering from a severe illness that provokes depression and suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, insomnia, and eating disorders. In medicine, there are no medications yet developed specifically for the treatment of gambling addiction . However, the patient is prescribed drugs that can overcome the symptoms of a mental disorder, which improves the prognosis of treatment . Such medications include:

• neuroleptics;
• sleeping pills;
• antidepressants;
• tranquilizers;
• psychostimulants;
• nootropics.

If gambling addiction is a disease, how to treat it and who to contact?

Let's start with the second part of the question. To treat gaming addiction, you should contact psychiatrists, narcologists or psychotherapists. The key to the success and effectiveness of therapy is the patient’s sincere desire to get rid of this mental disorder, as well as the psychological support of loved ones.

Treatment of gambling addiction is complex and must take into account the individual personality characteristics of the patient and the stage of development of the disease. One of the most important tasks of a doctor is to determine the root cause of gaming addiction, which must be eliminated first.

The complex of treatment measures includes methods such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, auto-training, medications, etc. Treatment is selected individually for each specific patient.

Among the psychotherapeutic methods, the most promising are behavioral and gestalt therapy, which allows one to resolve the problem or, in other words, “close the gestalt.”

Drug therapy is aimed at eliminating negative symptoms such as insomnia, depressive disorders, impulsivity, anxiety and irritability. For this purpose, tranquilizers, sedatives of herbal origin, antipsychotics (neuroleptics) and nootropics are used. For sleep disorders, sleeping pills are prescribed, and for severe depression, antidepressants are prescribed. It has been established that the most stable remissions are observed in the presence of the following conditions: • Being married. • Absence of other addictions when gambling addiction is a mono-addiction. • Having a permanent job. • Participation in long-term rehabilitation programs, which allows 2/3 of patients to achieve a favorable prognosis during the first year after intensive treatment. Group and individual sessions with patients who have undergone treatment are aimed not only at their psychological rehabilitation, but also at social adaptation. Its meaning is to instill new interests in life, to teach the ability to solve life’s problems, and not to avoid them, hiding in the narrow world and false comfort of gambling addiction. Unfortunately, few people manage to completely get rid of their addiction, but stable and long-term remission allows us to hope for this.

Free treatment

Along with paid centers for the treatment of gambling addiction , there are also institutions where treatment is provided free of charge. The main methods here are most often religion and occupational therapy. Often one of the main goals of such institutions is to make a profit through the free labor of dependent people. If you want to get rid of a problem that is tormenting you, then it is better to trust real specialists who have been working in this area for many years. The table below shows the advantages of paid clinics and free institutions dedicated to getting rid of gambling addiction .

Gambling addiction: how to get rid of addiction on your own?

The number of gambling is growing every year, and there are more and more victims of gambling addiction . During the game , chemical reactions occur in the addict’s body that cause a feeling of euphoria. According to the principle of action, the process is similar to drug addiction or alcoholism, only in this case the person does not take any foreign substances. It is the biochemical reactions that cause euphoria that provoke addiction. The patient cannot reason logically, so it is difficult for him to control himself.

If a person is still at the very beginning of the journey, then there is little chance of getting rid of gambling addiction . To do this, follow the advice of our specialists:

1. You need to admit there is a problem. If a person thinks about the problem himself, then he is already on the right path. A person is still capable of reasoning logically and objectively assessing a situation, and recognizing a problem is one of the first steps to a better life.
2. Analyze the situation (what motivates you to play, why do you need it, what do you lose and gain during the game , what can replace this addiction).
3. We need to make a decision. It must be final and irrevocable. Take your time with this important step, but don’t delay the decision for too long.
4. Make a wish list of long-term goals. Mentally imagine your own successful image. Gradually begin to live up to this image.

If the mental illness is severe, then willpower alone is not enough. We need qualified help from psychologists and sometimes narcologists. Remember that decoctions and conspiracies will not change the situation for the better. The minimum you get is wasted time, and the maximum is a worsening addiction . Many video courses and books on overcoming gambling addiction are of no use without the help of a practicing specialist. It is the psychotherapist who selects specialized literature for independent study, but only at the rehabilitation stage, that is, after diagnosis and identification of the causes of the mental disorder. Distance therapy is unproductive, and real specialists do not engage in such rehabilitation.

Gambling addiction: treatment of addiction in the recreation center “I am independent”

The rehabilitation center is located in the Penza region, namely in the village of Belyn, Pachelmsky district. This location of our medical hospital was not chosen by chance. This area is considered environmentally friendly - there is magnificent clean air and stunning natural scenery. These important factors indirectly contribute to the effective treatment of gambling addicts. Here dependent people are isolated from what they were previously drawn to. They are surrounded by the constant attention of highly qualified specialists and a group of like-minded people, whose main goal is to, together with others, overcome the terrible addiction . A favorable psychological and environmental environment allows each patient to restore health, recover, and find new friends and hobbies.

Positive reviews from former patients about the professionalism of our specialists have spread far beyond the Penza region. Patients come to us for rehabilitation from other regions - Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Saratov, Ulyanovsk regions, and the Republic of Mordovia. We are ready to help everyone who really wants to solve the problem of gambling addiction .

After consulting the addict and talking with his relatives, we can offer motivational services and a post-treatment program, regardless of the person’s .

Conditions of stay in the hospital “I am independent”

Our mission is to help every patient get rid of gambling addiction . Moreover, this must be done effectively, painlessly and as comfortably as possible. Therefore, for accommodation we offer comfortable rooms with a capacity of 2-6 people . There are also separate VIP rooms. Regardless of what you choose, all rooms are equipped with the basic necessities for living - shower, toilet, air conditioning.

on the territory of the rehabilitation center . There is also a kitchen and dining room. 4 meals a day are provided. The menu is designed in such a way that patients restore normal functioning of the body as quickly as possible. A specially designed balanced diet will help defeat dangerous addiction much more effectively. All dishes are not only healthy, but also delicious.

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All events

To avoid this, a gambling addict should set a spending limit on computer games. With the development of Internet banking, this is not difficult to do - just set a limit on online purchases on a bank card, or purchase a separate card and connect to it an automatic transfer of a certain amount. Of course, in this case, a person himself must clearly understand the prohibition he has created, so as not to try to look for workarounds for it.

Set your priorities

A person involved in a game begins to attach great importance to computer achievements, which gradually crowds out other significant aspects of life. Therefore, to get rid of addiction you need to try to change your way of thinking. It is necessary to realize the fact that as soon as a person changes the game (and with the development of this industry this can happen very quickly), all the achievements obtained in the game will lose meaning.

A person must figure out what is really important to him and direct his main energy in this direction.

OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION

Set a time limit

Before you sit down at your computer or laptop, you can set a timer for a specific time. As soon as the timer signals the end of the game, you will already know that it is time to call it a day. At first, the timer can be set to the maximum time, then the time can be reduced daily. In this way, you can train yourself to play for a very short time, and leave the computer with a feeling of accomplishment.

Set up a system of rewards and punishments for yourself

Learn to praise yourself for every achievement in the fight against gambling addiction, for following the rules, reducing gaming time, and success in real life. Think about what brings you pleasure outside of the computer and treat yourself as a reward. This way, a person will not only be able to get rid of gambling addiction faster, but will also feel the joy of life, ridding himself of depression.

If you don’t follow the established rules, you can punish yourself with physical exercise, memorizing poems or foreign words, that is, something that is very useful to do, but you don’t always want to do.

But in no case should you blame yourself in case of failure, as this will lead to a decrease in self-esteem and loss of self-confidence, which can ultimately result in depression and breakdowns.

Household issues come first

People addicted to games often do not perform simple daily household chores and leave them for later. Make it a rule to complete your home and social responsibilities (school, work, family, everyday life) before playing computer games. You can make it a habit to first wash the floor, dishes, iron the laundry, and for this, play a game as a reward. This way, the person will be motivated to do other homework, and will begin to understand that a person lives not only by playing games, and this is only part of an interesting and rich life.

Arrange yourself days of gaming fasting

Regularly giving up video games will help you rethink your life, find new hobbies, and communicate with friends and relatives. To do this, you just need to not turn on the computer or not use the gadget once a week or a month. You can come up with an incentive for yourself for such endurance. For example, buy a cake or rolls. A day free from games can be spent as interesting and fruitful as possible, then you will understand that in real life there is a lot of good things that you should not give up.

Take up sports training

Gamers spend a lot of time on the computer or phone. They don't notice that the muscles don't move and the fat accumulates. If you start doing physical exercise or jogging, it will help you take your mind off the game and benefit your body. Daily workouts will gradually become a habit, and you will no longer want to spend a lot of time at the computer.

Enlist the support of loved ones

Any addiction is a family problem, and therefore it must be solved together with all family members. Support from loved ones is an important part of recovery from addiction. Psychologists at the rehabilitation center always work not only with the gambling addict himself, but also with his family members, which makes treatment more successful and prevents the possibility of breakdowns.

Don't be afraid to seek medical help

There is no shame in admitting your addiction to people who can help you. Contact specialized psychologists - and they will definitely help you understand yourself and solve the psychological problems that caused the emergence of gambling addiction.

Daily routine in the hospital of the recreation center “I am independent”

We practice an individual approach, so the daily routine is selected for each patient. One way or another, a specially designed daily routine allows patients to successfully combine group exercises, self-development and sports exercises. In addition, experts place special emphasis on ensuring that every person finds a new exciting hobby. This approach allows patients to instill healthy behavior patterns that will definitely help them in later life, after discharge from the clinic .

Body-oriented therapy, used by rehabilitation staff , helps relieve gambling addicts from certain psychosomatic disorders:

• constant headaches;
• problems with posture;
• sleep disorders (insomnia);
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Consequences of gambling addiction

The disease affects all aspects of a person's life. The consequences of gambling addiction can be destructive for the patient’s personality, his health and the sphere of society. Experts identify three main areas that are most susceptible to changes due to a pathological craving for games.

Physiological

• loss of appetite and sleep patterns;
• headaches, blood pressure surges;
• autonomic dysfunction;
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• deterioration of memory, concentration, attention.

Psychological

• emotions become dull;
• prolonged depression occurs;
• fatalism appears in judgment.

Social

• indifference to work, study;
• disorientation in current events, news;
• violation of friendly and family ties;
• aggression towards loved ones trying to cure gambling addiction.

Resocialization program

Rehabilitation of a former gambling addict involves a gradual return to society. After undergoing therapy in a hospital setting, specialists clinic assist the patient in finding a job. Also at the stage of resocialization, group trainings are held, where former patients share their achievements with each other. The positive results of therapy inspire former gambling addicts, and their faith in their own strength is strengthened.

The resocialization process does not require a hospital stay. All group meetings are held in a separate modern office. A former rehabilitation patient can always seek qualified help from specialists. In our clinic , he is guaranteed to receive psychological support and participation. The completion of the resocialization program is complete recovery from gambling addiction , restoration of trusting relationships with loved ones, and a full return to family and work activities.

Post-treatment patient support

People who are prone to gambling and gaming often have certain personality traits that contribute to the development of addiction . A person can be either an optimist by nature or a pessimist, but in any case, he needs to be taught how to properly work with his existing unstable psyche in the future. Together with an experienced psychologist, various possible situations are worked out. The patient must learn to cope with various kinds of life stress on his own. And our specialists give him truly working tools, with the help of which the resocialization of the patient will be much easier. At any time after discharge from the clinic , a former gambling addict can seek qualified help from our specialists.

When should you contact a medical psychologist?

If you can’t stop playing on your own, then the only sure way out is to contact an experienced psychologist. The process of developing addiction should not be delayed. The sooner a person begins treatment, the higher the chances of beating gambling addiction forever. If measures are not taken, the addiction will develop further and lead to serious consequences.

The alarm should be sounded when a person tries to devote all his free time to the game. He stops worrying about household chores, he does not want to be interested in the lives of his family and friends. Such closeness from communication is already the first signal that it is time to visit a psychologist.

Help for codependents

A codependent is a close person or relative of a gambling addict who is deeply absorbed in the latter’s problems. Codependent people, like gambling addicts, need professional help from a psychologist, since the emergence of pathological emotional dependence does not allow them to live fully. Due to constant lies, manipulation and theft, a codependent person is in a state of constant stress and fear. Anger at the gambling addict, feelings of guilt and helplessness only aggravate the situation. As a result, life is restructured in such a way that one’s interests become secondary.

Codependency can manifest itself in the following:

• feeling of constant anxiety. There may be problems with sleep - a person cannot relax due to a difficult situation;
• criticism of a gambler. Criticism can be expressed both in a passive form and in an active one - the codependent gently exhorts to stop the game or throws a loud scandal;
• increasing feelings of despair and helplessness. This condition can gradually lead to depression;
• loss of interest in previous interests (hobbies, interests). Previously favorite activities no longer bring joy;
• breaking of previous social contacts. A codependent person moves away from friends and relatives, communication is reduced to a minimum or stops completely.

Usually a codependent does not even understand that he has psychological problems, but even if he is aware of their existence, he does not know how to solve them. Without the qualified help of an experienced psychologist, it is almost impossible to solve the problem. A codependent person definitely needs psychological support from a specialist.

Codependency is eliminated through individual and group work with a psychologist. A practicing specialist will help build harmonious relationships in the family, eliminate increased anxiety, and teach you to live in your own interests. The psychologist will also give recommendations on how to behave correctly with a former gambling addict so that he does not return to gambling again , including computer games .

Why people often treat people who play games badly

In 2019, the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion (VTsIOM) conducted a survey among Russians about their attitude towards video games, which showed that 58% of respondents consider them harmful due to the following consequences:

1. The emergence of addiction (26%);
2. Decreased visual acuity (23%);
3. Negative impact on the human psyche (13%);
4. Decreased mental abilities (10%).

The generally accepted stereotypes that all gamers are addicted and sick people are inherent in adults who are distrustful of computer technology, or their loved ones or relatives (and perhaps they themselves) have experienced gambling addiction. A person’s immersion in games of any kind makes them detached from society, their thought processes and perception of the world differ from the accepted ones, in some cases, gamers simply “escape” to the virtual world, which alarms other people living in reality. It is believed in society that the greatest harm from gaming occurs when people are involved in online casinos and other types of gambling.

Gambling is a major problem among gamblers

Not everyone who plays games is a gambler

Many people have tried to play some kind of game at least once in their lives, for example, cards on the train - also a game of chance, most often for money. However, not all people who enjoy gaming from time to time are gambling addicts.

A gamer does not mean a gamer. Those whose hobby does not become uncontrollable cannot be called gambling addicts. If computer games are not a person’s only hobby, then it is difficult to talk about pathological changes or disorder.

Gambling addiction or gambling is particularly common when a person is literally obsessed and strives to constantly be in the gaming process. His behavior and reactions undergo changes not for the better, and the hobby itself becomes an addiction (dependence or addiction).

Why games are usually good

According to the same VTsIOM survey mentioned above, some respondents noted the positive impact of games on a person, among them:

1. Development of logical thinking (10%);
2. Increased attentiveness (4%);
3. Increased reaction speed (6%);
4. Reduced stress levels (8%).

Experts, in cases of normal, not excessive interest in games, note that games of various types have a positive effect on a person and his condition. All people from childhood begin to experience life through gameplay - and this is a completely normal phenomenon. The gameplay can interest even a small person in learning and memorizing. Experts also identify a number of factors that positively affect a person during games:

1. Games help fight accumulated stress. During the game, the happiness hormone is produced and the release of dopamine is activated;
2. Stimulate active brain function. Some logic games, puzzles, and especially chess develop both hemispheres of the brain, improve concentration, strategic thinking and allow you to learn faster;
3. Playing games together helps develop teamwork skills, team building, and improved relationships with other people.

In addition, in addition to the factors mentioned above, gaming in the 21st century allows you to process visual information faster and more efficiently, develop motor functions and increase mental flexibility.

Modern computer games are part of culture and art

Svetlana Kovalenko

Psychologist, clinical psychologist

Ask a Question

My appeal is more relevant to parents whose children are enthusiastic and spend time playing on the computer with great interest. Today, games are not meaningless plots, they are real stories that are in no way inferior to the books that we read as children. Modern video games carry many correct and moral messages. If your child is passionate about it and enjoys it, this does not mean that he or she is developing a gambling addiction. Try to find out what he plays, what the plot of this or that game is about, try to support his interests. Nowadays games have a lot of cultural and social meaning.

Cost and duration of stay in the hospital of the recreation center "I am independent"

The rehabilitation period takes several months, and sometimes even several years - it all depends on the form of the mental disorder. However, the former patient always needs maintenance therapy for a long time.

The cost of a hospital stay starts from 30,000 rubles, which already includes meals in the canteen (4 times a day). Personal accompaniment of the patient is possible, which will cost a little more. The final price of services is influenced by the length of hospital stay and the chosen therapy method. You can find out more detailed information about our services by calling our hotline 8 . Specialists will answer all your questions in detail.

Why should you contact the “I am Independent” center?

• An integrated approach to the treatment of addiction to games, including computer games .
• A staff of qualified doctors and specialists with extensive experience working with gambling addicts.
• Post-treatment support for patients to minimize the risk of relapse.
• Working with the family of an addict. Psychological and counseling assistance to relatives and friends of patients.
• 24/7 service. Contact us at any time of the day - we are always in touch!
• Individual approach to healing each person .
• Excellent hospital location. Picturesque landscapes, clean air and complete isolation from temptations allow each patient to recover.
• Comfortable living conditions in modern rooms with amenities.
• Affordable prices for all services provided.
• Opportunity to work with addicted people from any region of the country.

How to sign up for treatment at the “I am Independent” CRC?

It is generally accepted in society that gambling addiction is just a bad habit. However, in fact, it is a serious disease that is officially included in the International Directory of Classifications of Diseases DSM IV. This mental disorder is characterized by the inability to stop due to a complete loss of control over the situation. A person who has become addicted to gambling needs therapy and psychological support, and not reproaches and accusations.

To receive qualified treatment , seek help from a rehabilitation center . To do this, we suggest using the following scheme:

1. Call the KRC “I am Independent” hotline number and get a free consultation.
2. Make an initial appointment with a psychotherapist.
3. Get a therapy program tailored to your specific situation.
4. Get treatment in a rehabilitation hospital . Constant supervision by experienced doctors and specialists contributes to a speedy recovery.
5. Take advantage of post-treatment support from psychologists if necessary. If you feel that you may lose control of the situation, immediately contact the specialists of our clinic . They are always ready to help you.

Contact the rehabilitation center at any time - we work around the clock! Whatever your situation, our specialists will always find a way to solve the problem effectively. Anonymity is guaranteed. To find out even more detailed information, call us at the hotline number 8 (800) 200-76-83 from any region of the country. We work with gaming addicts from all over Russia.

Signs of computer addiction

Often innocent hobbies of virtual reality, unbeknownst to the person himself or his environment, develop into an addiction. Hours spent on a computer or smartphone have a detrimental effect on subtle matter – the human psyche. And while some can easily switch to the real world, others become dependent on technological gadgets and cannot cope with it. An addiction to games is not always a pathology; it can be a person’s hobby, allowing him to relax, escape from problems and enjoy an exciting process.

How to distinguish addiction from hobby

Games on the computer in themselves do not cause harm - they develop attentiveness, logical and strategic thinking, and reaction. However, you need to be able to distinguish between a passion for games and an addiction to them. There are several signs when a hobby develops into a serious problem for a person who enjoys virtual games. Addiction can be determined by the following characteristic signs of gamer behavior:

• Stops controlling the time spent in the game.
• Cannot distract himself from the gameplay, has difficulty switching to important matters.
• Sacrifices personal, work, and study time for the sake of gaming.
• Spends significant sums on purchasing games, upgrading heroes, betting, purchasing more powerful equipment, gadgets, etc.
• Has no or abandoned other hobbies, is not interested in films, books, sports, music.
• I changed my lifestyle - meals are ignored, little time is devoted to sleep.
• Spoils relationships with others, conflicts, and shows aggression when trying to separate him from the game.

Another sign of addiction is that a gambling addict transfers the paraphernalia of the virtual world into real life. This is expressed in honoring game characters, hanging posters on the wall, joining fan groups, wearing clothes with character prints and game symbols. The game completely absorbs a person’s life, he ceases to control himself and manage his own time. A gamer with an addiction (a harmful addiction to a certain activity) begins to use lies and other techniques in order to achieve the opportunity to be in the game as much as possible.