Stages of ludomania development

Introduction

Ludomania (game addiction) develops gradually, through successive stages, each of which contributes to an ever deeper involvement in betting. Knowing these steps helps recognize the problem early and take action before critical loss of control.

1. Experimentation stage

Characteristic: the first trial game - usually out of curiosity or on the advice of acquaintances.
Behavior:

• Irregular short sessions, small bets.
• The game is perceived as entertainment, an emotional upsurge from the "new experience."
• Risks: the formation of positive associations with the game, the beginning of the reinforcement of the dopamine system.

2. Regular game stage

Characteristic: transition to systematic rates - a week, two or a month, depending on the available time and resources.
Behavior:

• A specific game schedule (evening sessions, weekends).
• Rates increase to 1-2% of revenues.
Signs:
• The occurrence of slight anxiety when it is impossible to play.
• The emergence of mental "readiness" for the game even outside sessions.

3. Risky game stage

Characteristic: betting on the return of losses becomes a regular strategy ("dogon").
Behavior:
• A noticeable increase in the amount and frequency of bets.
• Use of loans, advances, microloans to replenish the account.
Signs:
• The player becomes unstable emotionally: irritation, anxiety without access to bets.

4. Problematic behavior stage

Characteristics: the game begins to negatively affect work, study and relationships.
Behavior:
• Absences, delays, conflicts with loved ones.
• Stealth: deleting browser history, lying about expenses.
DSM-5 signs (at least 4 of 9):
• 1. Absorption in the game.
• 2. Failed attempts to shorten or terminate.
• 3. Withdrawal syndrome (irritability, anxiety without playing).
• 4. Increasing tolerance (increasing rates for the "same effect").
• 5. Loss of cost control.
• 6. Victim of obligations (family, work).
• 7. Playing for the sake of avoiding unpleasant emotions.
• 8. Attempts to recover losses ("dogon").
• 9. Lies, concealment of scale.

5. Pathological dependence stage

Characteristic: loss of control over the game, dominance of bets over all aspects of life.
Behavior:
• Constant thinking about the game, the inability to do without it.
• Large-scale loans, thefts, fraud for the sake of financing bets.
Consequences:
• Expressed financial problems: bankruptcy, debts.
• Severe psychological states: depression, suicidal thoughts.
• Breaking social ties, lawsuits, criminal liability.

Conclusion

Understanding five stages - from experimentation to pathological dependence - helps to identify dangerous changes in your behavior in time. At stages 1-2, it is still possible to switch to responsible control: setting hard limits, accessing a hotline (Gambling Help Online, 1800 858 858) or taking short self-restraint courses. The earlier the problem is recognized, the easier it is to stop the progression of ludomania.