What is a gambling addiction?

Gambling addiction as described in the DSM-5

The DSM-5 (an important manual used by healthcare professionals) says that gambling too much is a behavioural disorder. The DSM-5 is used worldwide by psychologists and psychiatrists to diagnose mental health conditions. According to the DSM-5, you have a gambling disorder if you meet four or more of the following criteria within one year:

• You need to gamble with more and more money to feel the excitement or thrill you want.
• You feel restless or bad-tempered when you try to stop or gamble less.
• You have tried many times to control, reduce, or stop gambling, but you could not.
• Gambling or finding money for gambling is always on your mind.
• You gamble when feeling upset, anxious, or guilty.
• You try to win back the money you lost by gambling more.
• You lie to to hide how much you gamble or how much money you have lost.
• You continue to gamble even when it harms your relationships, work or education.
• You ask other people for money to solve money problems caused by gambling.

You can take a self-test to find out if you have a gambling problem.

Is it a disorder or an addiction?

The DSM-5 does not call it an addiction because no substances (like alcohol or drugs) are used. So it is called a behavioural disorder. However, many people still call it a “gambling addiction”.

Research shows that gambling releases dopamine in the brain, like drugs do. Dopamine is a chemical that gives feelings of pleasure. People who gamble a lot also produce more endorphins, a chemical that makes you feel calmer. It lets them forget their problems for a little while when they gamble.

Your body becomes used to these chemicals. This means you can get addicted even without using drugs or other substances.

How does a gambling addiction develop?

A gambling addiction usually happens slowly. You do not become addicted right after one gambling session. Often, you do not notice that you gamble more and more. A clear sign of a gambling addiction is losing control. Below, you can read what this means.

Notice when you are losing control

• You are not able to stop playing.
• You play more often and for longer periods.
• You set limits for yourself but do not stick to them.
• Over time, you change the rules you set for yourself.
• You gamble with more and more money.
• You keep playing, even if you wanted to stop.
• You borrow money to gamble.
• You think: if I win once, I will pay it back.

Because of this behavior, you spend less time on work, school, or friends. You forget how much money you are actually spending. You gamble with chips or points, so you no longer think about the real money you are losing.

Recognise withdrawal symptoms

If you gamble often, your body produces a large amount of endorphins. This makes you feel calmer. When you stop gambling, your body produces less of this chemical. As a result, you may feel restless or unwell when you stop gambling. You may also feel a strong need to gamble when something reminds you of gambling, such as sounds, lights, or specific places.

You may then notice the following signs:

• You cannot resist the urge to gamble.
• You feel restless or unwell when you are not gambling.
• You feel irritable, sad, or have trouble sleeping when you stop.

Help is free and anonymous

Do you notice these signs in yourself or someone else? Or do you have a question? We are here to listen. You can call, chat, or WhatsApp us for free and anonymously, day and night.

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