The impact of addiction on mental health
Introduction
Gambling addiction is not just a problem of finance and relationships, but also a serious risk factor for mental health. Constant tension, guilt and loss of control trigger a chain of psychopathological conditions. Understanding these mechanisms helps to seek help in time and start the recovery process.
1. Anxiety disorders
Chronic anxiety and panic attacks
- Waiting for play to continue and fear of losing maintains high levels of basic anxiety.
- Periodic panic attacks when trying to stop playing or thinking about debt.
OCD-like obsessions
- Need to check balance, betting history and notifications 24/7.
- Ritualization: repeated "clasps" of access, installing new applications, clearing history.
2. Depression and suicidal ideation
Forces of depression and hopelessness
- Continuous financial losses and broken relationships cause deep feelings of guilt.
- Reduced interest in life, alienation from loved ones and hobbies.
Suicidal risks
- According to studies, 20-30% of people with severe gambling addiction had suicidal thoughts or attempts.
- The need for immediate psychiatric intervention when suicidal thoughts appear.
3. Cognitive impairment
Impaired concentration and attention
- Constantly "thinking through" betting strategies reduces the ability to focus on work and study.
Reduced executive functions
- Difficulties with planning, decision making and impulse control extend beyond the game context.
Short-term memory
- With high dopamine "stress," the retention of new information worsens, which manifests itself in forgetfulness.
4. Sleep disorders
Insomnia and fragmentary sleep
- Gaming sessions at night and constant betting thinking lead to difficulty falling asleep.
Sleep-play-sleep cycles
- Sleepless nights are replaced by a day spent recovering sleep, which disrupts circadian rhythms.
5. Exacerbation of stress reaction
Hyperactivation of the HPA axis
- Prolonged stress maintains high levels of cortisol, leading to anxiety, fatigue and somatic disorders.
Somatization
- Tension headaches, back pain, digestive disorders are typical "physical" manifestations of mental stress.
6. Social phobias and isolation
Avoidant behavior
- Fear of discussing the problem with friends and colleagues, leading to social isolation.
Shame and self-blame
- Shame for lost money and deception of loved ones creates a vicious circle: the greater the closure, the stronger the depression.
7. Comorbidity with other addictions
Alcohol and drugs
- Attempts to "mitigate" anxiety and depression often lead to substance abuse.
Internet and gaming addiction
- Cross patterns: going to video games or social networks when casinos are unavailable.
8. Recommendations for mental health recovery
1. Immediate recognition and diagnosis
See a psychiatrist or psychotherapist to assess the extent of the disorders and suicidal risk.
2. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Reprogramming automatic thoughts about bets, working with distortions, developing self-control skills.
3. Medication support
With severe anxiety and depressive symptoms, a course of anxiolytics or antidepressants under the supervision of a doctor is possible.
4. Support groups and mutual assistance
Gamblers Anonymous, online groups, Gambling Help Online hotline (1800 858 858).
5. Strengthening healthy dopamine sources
Regular physical activity, hobbies, social contacts to restore the balance of neurotransmitters.
6. Restoring sleep and rest
A strict bedtime schedule, turning off gadgets 1-2 hours before bedtime, relaxation techniques.
Conclusion
Gaming addiction deals a serious blow to mental health, provoking anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment and social isolation. A comprehensive approach - from rapid diagnosis and CBT to group support and healthy alternatives - is needed to restore mental balance and return to a full life.
Gambling addiction is not just a problem of finance and relationships, but also a serious risk factor for mental health. Constant tension, guilt and loss of control trigger a chain of psychopathological conditions. Understanding these mechanisms helps to seek help in time and start the recovery process.
1. Anxiety disorders
Chronic anxiety and panic attacks
- Waiting for play to continue and fear of losing maintains high levels of basic anxiety.
- Periodic panic attacks when trying to stop playing or thinking about debt.
OCD-like obsessions
- Need to check balance, betting history and notifications 24/7.
- Ritualization: repeated "clasps" of access, installing new applications, clearing history.
2. Depression and suicidal ideation
Forces of depression and hopelessness
- Continuous financial losses and broken relationships cause deep feelings of guilt.
- Reduced interest in life, alienation from loved ones and hobbies.
Suicidal risks
- According to studies, 20-30% of people with severe gambling addiction had suicidal thoughts or attempts.
- The need for immediate psychiatric intervention when suicidal thoughts appear.
3. Cognitive impairment
Impaired concentration and attention
- Constantly "thinking through" betting strategies reduces the ability to focus on work and study.
Reduced executive functions
- Difficulties with planning, decision making and impulse control extend beyond the game context.
Short-term memory
- With high dopamine "stress," the retention of new information worsens, which manifests itself in forgetfulness.
4. Sleep disorders
Insomnia and fragmentary sleep
- Gaming sessions at night and constant betting thinking lead to difficulty falling asleep.
Sleep-play-sleep cycles
- Sleepless nights are replaced by a day spent recovering sleep, which disrupts circadian rhythms.
5. Exacerbation of stress reaction
Hyperactivation of the HPA axis
- Prolonged stress maintains high levels of cortisol, leading to anxiety, fatigue and somatic disorders.
Somatization
- Tension headaches, back pain, digestive disorders are typical "physical" manifestations of mental stress.
6. Social phobias and isolation
Avoidant behavior
- Fear of discussing the problem with friends and colleagues, leading to social isolation.
Shame and self-blame
- Shame for lost money and deception of loved ones creates a vicious circle: the greater the closure, the stronger the depression.
7. Comorbidity with other addictions
Alcohol and drugs
- Attempts to "mitigate" anxiety and depression often lead to substance abuse.
Internet and gaming addiction
- Cross patterns: going to video games or social networks when casinos are unavailable.
8. Recommendations for mental health recovery
1. Immediate recognition and diagnosis
See a psychiatrist or psychotherapist to assess the extent of the disorders and suicidal risk.
2. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Reprogramming automatic thoughts about bets, working with distortions, developing self-control skills.
3. Medication support
With severe anxiety and depressive symptoms, a course of anxiolytics or antidepressants under the supervision of a doctor is possible.
4. Support groups and mutual assistance
Gamblers Anonymous, online groups, Gambling Help Online hotline (1800 858 858).
5. Strengthening healthy dopamine sources
Regular physical activity, hobbies, social contacts to restore the balance of neurotransmitters.
6. Restoring sleep and rest
A strict bedtime schedule, turning off gadgets 1-2 hours before bedtime, relaxation techniques.
Conclusion
Gaming addiction deals a serious blow to mental health, provoking anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment and social isolation. A comprehensive approach - from rapid diagnosis and CBT to group support and healthy alternatives - is needed to restore mental balance and return to a full life.
