Q: Is gambling addiction a mental illness?

Yes, gambling addiction, also called <a href="https://www.ncpgambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/DSM-5-Diagnostic-Criteria-Gambling-Disorder.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gambling disorder</a>, is a mental illness, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The opportunity to make big money, no matter how small the chance is and how risky the outcome is, creates a behavioral addiction in some people. Winning when gambling creates a huge rush of dopamine in our brains, and that feeling is addictive. People who are addicted to gambling chase the high associated with winning, even when it negatively affects their relationships, their finances, and their lives.Someone with a gambling disorder will spend more money than they are able and may find themselves in huge amounts of debt. They may choose to gamble online or in casinos rather than go to work, attend school, or keep up with other responsibilities. If you or someone you love is unable to stop gambling, even when it has negative consequences, they are likely addicted to the behavior. Luckily, treatment options are available to help people overcome this and other behavioral addictions.

Question 1

Is gambling addiction a mental illness?

Accepted Answer

Yes, gambling addiction, also called gambling disorder, is a mental illness, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

The opportunity to make big money, no matter how small the chance is and how risky the outcome is, creates a behavioral addiction in some people. Winning when gambling creates a huge rush of dopamine in our brains, and that feeling is addictive.

People who are addicted to gambling chase the high associated with winning, even when it negatively affects their relationships, their finances, and their lives.

Someone with a gambling disorder will spend more money than they are able and may find themselves in huge amounts of debt. They may choose to gamble online or in casinos rather than go to work, attend school, or keep up with other responsibilities.

If you or someone you love is unable to stop gambling, even when it has negative consequences, they are likely addicted to the behavior. Luckily, treatment options are available to help people overcome this and other behavioral addictions.

Question 2

How do you know you have a gambling addiction?

Accepted Answer

There are a few ways to tell if you or someone you love may have a gambling addiction. Some common symptoms to watch out for include:

Not attending work or school and gambling instead
Missing important events like birthdays because of gambling
Losing money, incurring debt, or running into other financial trouble
Being unable to get your mind off gambling
Spending money meant for bills, groceries, or other necessities
Lying to friends or loved ones about how often you gamble or how much you spend gambling
Stealing or attempting to steal money or things to sell for money

Some people's gambling will evolve into a disorder, identified when a person gambles compulsively, even though it's causing significant disruption to their livelihood.

According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), a diagnosis of gambling disorder requires at least four (4) of the following in a 12-month period:

Needing to gamble with more money in order to achieve the desired excitement.  
Is anxious or irritable when they try to cut back or stop gambling.
Has made several failed efforts to manage, reduce, or quit gambling.  
Is often focused solely on gambling (e.g., having persistent thought of previous gambling experiences or thinking about future plans to gamble).  
Regularly gambles when feeling anxious or depressed.
After a gambling loss, returns in an effort to break even.
Lies to others to hide gambling involvement.
Has risked or lost important relationships, jobs, or other opportunities because of gambling.  
Borrows money for bills and other expenses after a gambling loss.

If you've tried to cut back on your gambling but haven't had much success, consider seeking professional help from a therapist who specializes in treating gambling disorders.

Question 3

How do I stop my gambling addiction?

Accepted Answer

Stopping a gambling addiction on your own is difficult for most people. Effectively treating compulsive gambling often involves therapy with a mental health professional and medication (i.e., antidepressants and/or mood stabilizers).

Yet, research suggests most pathological gamblers do not get professional help even though it's generally considered the most effective way to stop this behavior.

Addictions are hard to combat if the person experiencing addiction doesn't have the proper support or coping skills in place.

Many of those addicted to gambling have tried to stop on their own "cold turkey," but found themselves unable to do so, or they've been able to stop for a short time but relapsed. However, with the proper treatment, you can stop gambling and get your life back on track.

Addiction counselors, support groups, and rehab centers can give you the support you need to tackle your addiction head-on, avoid your triggers (i.e., staying away from casinos or places where you can buy lottery tickets), and recover from your gambling issues.

Question 4

How common is a gambling addiction?

Accepted Answer

Gambling addiction affects approximately 1% of U.S. adults, which is about two million people. Millions of other people may be on the verge of becoming compulsive gamblers. These people see their daily lives being impacted by the outcomes of their gambling.

Sometimes, these people gamble instead of going to work or school, or they spend money that was intended for other important things like paying for rent, food, or bills.

If you've ever been to a casino, you've likely felt the "high," of playing a slot machine, betting money on a roulette wheel, or going in on a hand of poker.

It's thrilling to win money, and our brains are hardwired to seek those kinds of thrills because they could pay off. However, the chance of actually winning a significant amount of money from gambling is extremely slim.

According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of gambling disorder requires at least four (4) of the following in a 12-month period:

Needing to gamble with more money in order to achieve the desired excitement.  
Is anxious or irritable when they try to cut back or stop gambling.
Has made several failed efforts to manage, reduce, or quit gambling.  
Is often focused solely on gambling (e.g., having persistent thought of previous gambling experiences or thinking about future plans to gamble).  
Regularly gambles when feeling anxious or depressed.
After a gambling loss, returns in an effort to break even.
Lies to others to hide gambling involvement.
Has risked or lost important relationships, jobs, or other opportunities because of gambling.  
Borrows money for bills and other expenses after a gambling loss.

Is gambling addiction a mental illness?

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