What is gaming addiction and how it manifests itself
Introduction
Gambling addiction is a chronic gambling control disorder that leads to serious financial, emotional and social problems. This is not about a "strong hobby," but about a pattern of behavior where a person loses the ability to stop on his own.
1. Key characteristics of the dependency
1. Obsessive thoughts about the game
- Constant plans for a new session, thoughts about "dogon" after losing.
2. Loss of control
- Failure to reduce the time or amount of bets even when trying.
3. Tolerance
- For the previous level of excitement, more and more amounts or game duration are required.
4. Withdrawal symptoms
- Irritability, anxiety, anxiety when denied access to rates.
2. Behavioral manifestations
1. Frequent and long sessions
- Game 2-3 + hours in a row without interruptions, even in a social or working situation.
2. Catch-up strategy
- Attempts to return lost due to increased rates or frequent replenishment of the account.
3. Concealment of activity
- Lying to loved ones about the amount of time and money spent on the game.
3. Emotional symptoms
1. Anxiety and irritability
- If you can't play or if you lose.
2. Guilt and shame
- After the sessions - complaints about their behavior, self-criticism.
3. Absorption by excitement
- Any news, conversations and memes about casinos cause a strong internal response.
4. Financial and social implications
1. Significant losses
- Loss of savings, debt obligations, credit cards in the red.
2. Relationship breakdown
- Quarrels in the family, loss of trust of friends and colleagues.
3. Professional problems
- Delays, reduced efficiency, risk of dismissal.
5. Physical and related signs
1. Insomnia or overwork
- Playing late into the night, not sleeping.
2. Appetite changes
- Tracking rates instead of food or seizing stress.
3. Psychosomatic complaints
- Headaches, heart palpitations at the time of the game or when stopping.
6. First steps to help
1. Self-test: Take the PGSI online test on Gamblers Help.
2. Contact the hotline: 1800 858 858 - round the clock and free of charge.
3. Setting up RG tools: limits, timeouts and technical blockers.
4. Connection of the "controller": a trusted person who will help to comply with the restrictions.
Conclusion
Gaming addiction is a complex disorder that manifests itself at the behavioral, emotional, financial and physical levels. The sooner you recognize the first signs and seek help (Gamblers Help hotline, self-diagnosis, RG tools), the faster you can regain control and protect yourself from serious consequences.
Gambling addiction is a chronic gambling control disorder that leads to serious financial, emotional and social problems. This is not about a "strong hobby," but about a pattern of behavior where a person loses the ability to stop on his own.
1. Key characteristics of the dependency
1. Obsessive thoughts about the game
- Constant plans for a new session, thoughts about "dogon" after losing.
2. Loss of control
- Failure to reduce the time or amount of bets even when trying.
3. Tolerance
- For the previous level of excitement, more and more amounts or game duration are required.
4. Withdrawal symptoms
- Irritability, anxiety, anxiety when denied access to rates.
2. Behavioral manifestations
1. Frequent and long sessions
- Game 2-3 + hours in a row without interruptions, even in a social or working situation.
2. Catch-up strategy
- Attempts to return lost due to increased rates or frequent replenishment of the account.
3. Concealment of activity
- Lying to loved ones about the amount of time and money spent on the game.
3. Emotional symptoms
1. Anxiety and irritability
- If you can't play or if you lose.
2. Guilt and shame
- After the sessions - complaints about their behavior, self-criticism.
3. Absorption by excitement
- Any news, conversations and memes about casinos cause a strong internal response.
4. Financial and social implications
1. Significant losses
- Loss of savings, debt obligations, credit cards in the red.
2. Relationship breakdown
- Quarrels in the family, loss of trust of friends and colleagues.
3. Professional problems
- Delays, reduced efficiency, risk of dismissal.
5. Physical and related signs
1. Insomnia or overwork
- Playing late into the night, not sleeping.
2. Appetite changes
- Tracking rates instead of food or seizing stress.
3. Psychosomatic complaints
- Headaches, heart palpitations at the time of the game or when stopping.
6. First steps to help
1. Self-test: Take the PGSI online test on Gamblers Help.
2. Contact the hotline: 1800 858 858 - round the clock and free of charge.
3. Setting up RG tools: limits, timeouts and technical blockers.
4. Connection of the "controller": a trusted person who will help to comply with the restrictions.
Conclusion
Gaming addiction is a complex disorder that manifests itself at the behavioral, emotional, financial and physical levels. The sooner you recognize the first signs and seek help (Gamblers Help hotline, self-diagnosis, RG tools), the faster you can regain control and protect yourself from serious consequences.
