The Bulgarian gambling market is significantly larger and quite intense compared to other countries in Europe and the world. Does this affect the Bulgarians, is it easy to get addicted to gambling and how can one deal with this problem.
How does gambling addiction develop?
Gambling is one of the most insidious forms of addiction. It gives a person the illusion that he can make a large sum of money in a very short time. For many people gambling is a harmless pastime, but over time it can become a serious problem. The common opinion is that gambling is limited to slot machines, roulette tables, slot machines and casinos. However, this is far from the case. Buying lottery tickets, participating in raffles, betting with friends even. It's all a form of gambling and can cause addiction.
How can it be determined that a gambling addiction is present?
A gambling addiction is an irrepressible desire to play various games of chance. Gambling is characterised by the fact that the risk taken in the bet is constantly increasing and control over behaviour is lost. Addicts suffer huge losses in the hope that by betting something valuable they will gain something even more valuable. They lack any awareness of their own condition.
What are the causes of gambling addiction?
First of all, gambling stimulates the reward system in the brain, which is also stimulated by drug and alcohol intake. When we do an activity that excites us, neurons in the reward system release a chemical called dopamine. In doing so, we get a mild wave of pleasure that encourages us to make that activity repetitive. Thus addiction is born. Gambling addiction can also occur with financial problems. Many people think they can solve their money problems by gambling. Unfortunately, however, the opposite happens. A vicious circle develops in which the gambler tries again and again to recover his losses...
What are the signs of gambling addiction?
The signs of gambling addiction are almost identical to the signs of any other type of addiction:
- Overwhelming urge to bet
- Shaming and lying to family members and seeking to hide gambling activity
- A desire to steadily increase the amounts wagered in order to experience the same excitement
- Feeling restless and irritable when it comes to trying to reduce gambling
- Loss of social relationships- family, work, friends. Gambling becomes the most important thing in an addict's life
Gambling can also have serious financial consequences?
Yes, it is. You have to bear in mind that gambling is not a financial problem, it is an emotional-psychological problem, but it has financial consequences. One of the worst consequences is when gambling addiction leads to criminal acts(most often theft) or fraud in order to make money gambling.
Is there a cure for gambling addiction?
Treatment for gambling addiction is entirely possible. "Medical Karaj works with an international addiction clinic where the most modern and innovative treatment methods are applied. All of them are safe and medically proven methods to treat addicts. The main goal is to eliminate the pathological need for gambling activity.
What is the treatment for gambling addiction?
A diagnosis is first made by determining the patient's overall physical and mental condition. Drug therapy is administered to stabilize the patient's mental state. At the discretion of specialists, treatment with medical devices is administered. Psychotherapy- individual, group, educational, family psychotherapy is applied. Finally, the phase of mental blockade is reached, which has elements of hypnosis, when the patient, in a state of trance, for a very short time as if reliving his life. After discharge from the clinic, outpatient treatment begins, which lasts 12 months.
What is achieved with the treatment?
The main goal of treatment is to lose the desire to gamble. Not to feel pleasure in doing this activity and to break the vicious circle.
Is patient confidentiality respected in the Medical Center?
Of course. Patients and their loved ones can be completely at ease. We are obliged and respect confidentiality regarding their personal information and information about their health condition. We only disclose information about our patients with their express written consent. This is if they wish to tell us about their road to recovery in order to be helpful to others.
What is your recommendation to gambling addicts and their loved ones?
Anyone involved in betting and gambling should ask themselves "Can I stop if I want to?". If the answer is no, it is important to seek help immediately. With professional help from experienced professionals, recovery from gambling addiction is completely realistic and achievable.
Contact the coordinators of ZIC "Medical Karaj" for a free consultation and more information on 0879 009 742.
