Gambling. Devil's masterpiece. Mental disorder

GAMBLING disorder carries the highest suicide risk out of any other substance use or addictive disorder. One in two gamblers will think about suicide and one in five gamblers will attempt suicide, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA).Yes, gambling is a mental disorder. And gamblers need help. In this digital age when mental health is a major issue of society, we cannot tolerate gambling as an acceptable diversion (amid economic crisis) as endorsed by celebrities through giant billboards and ads. Worse, we cannot afford to have gambling as easy as any game in what is now integral in human's best friend — digital gadget. Accessibility is high, interface is immersive and engagement is anytime, anywhere. The devil is real.And we cannot afford to allow our vulnerable digital-savvy young population as victims of this social menace — a business to some unscrupulous devils perfecting the recipe of addiction.Governments and advocates have dedicated efforts to solve problems of substance, and drug use and abuse, but there are no official efforts aimed at solving gambling. And the damage is imminent.Addiction made easyWhat used to be pastime color-games have become easy (and addictive) gambling experiences within the e-wallets like GCash and PayMaya. There is something for everyone — from sports betting, color games, bingo, scatter, lottery, numbers and colors game, and more.They offer some irresistible bait through the orgasm of a small quick win on to the hell of addiction. How can these technology platforms, that are accessible even to children, be the culprit for the social evil called gambling? How can the conscience of some modern humans tolerate the loss of people's hard-earned money to gambling, especially that poor? How can they feast on the money that could already feed their hungry families? How can they capitalize on the people's desperate hope with nil chance of winning? How can they victimize the vulnerable?Worst, those entertaining content creators and influential celebrities, lured by millions in endorsement fees, have become callous advocates and irresponsible promoters of digital links to their followers' road to perdition. Thanks to those who have refused these evil offers of millions.Who can be behind a human experience that kills, makes one poor in deep trouble of debt, broken family and impaired sanity? Only the evil will. Only the devil can.Mental disorderGambling disorder (previously, pathologic gambling) is identified by a pattern of repeated and ongoing betting and wagering that continues despite creating multiple problems in several areas of an individual's life, (Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-V-TR).Like addictions to alcohol and drugs, gambling addictions are characterized by an increasing tolerance (requires more gambling as time goes on to feel satisfied) and the experience of withdrawal (causes irritability when they try to quit). There is also an intense craving or urge to engage in gambling.Individuals, families and society may be affected by gambling disorder. Gambling involves taking a risk on an unclear outcome or event by risking something of value (usually money) with the intent of trying to win an item of higher value.A diagnosis of gambling disorder requires at least four of the following during the past year (DSM-V-TR):– Frequent thoughts about gambling (such as reliving past gambling or planning future gambling).– Need to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the desired excitement.– Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back on or stop gambling.– Restlessness or irritability when trying to cut down or stop gambling.– Gambling when trying to escape from problems or negative mood or stress.– After losing an item of value by gambling, feeling the need to continue to get even, referred to as "chasing" one's losses.– Often gambling when feeling distressed.– After losing money gambling, often returning to get even.– Lying to hide the extent of gambling involvement.– Losing important opportunities such as a job or school achievements or close relationships due to gambling.– Relying on others to help with money problems caused by gambling.Gamblers demographicsStudies of the APA show that men are more likely to start gambling at a younger age compared to women (2:1 ratio) but women can progress to problem gambling much faster. Trauma and social inequality, particularly in women, are risk factors.Vulnerability is high in people with low incomes who have more to gain with a big win (Shane Kraus). Low income, unemployment and poverty are linked to gambling disorder.An estimated 96 percent of people with gambling problems have at least one other psychiatric disorder — commonly, substance use disorders, impulse control disorders, mood disorders and anxiety disorders. About 4 percent of people being treated for substance use also have gambling disorder.About 40 percent of adolescents who have played simulated gambling games become gamblers. The playful introduction without financial stakes can spark an interest.Seeing parents, siblings or other members of the household gamble also normalizes gambling for kids, making them more likely to engage in gambling and other risky behaviors, including alcohol and drug use (Nower, 2022). And the earlier kids get exposed to gambling through online games and other avenues, the more severe their gambling problems are likely to be later on (Rahman, 2012).The increase in the number of people with gambling problems has been shown to be linked to the increase in the availability of gambling opportunities.Neuroscience of gamblingResearch on gambling says that, counter to simplistic assumptions about the role that the neurotransmitter dopamine plays in addictions, variations in the volume and activity of certain areas of the brain related to learning, stress management and rewards processing that might contribute to problematic gambling (Nutt, et al., 2015).People with gambling problems also have smaller volumes in their amygdala and hippocampus — brain regions related to emotional learning and stress regulation. Teenagers are particularly susceptible to gambling because the prefrontal cortex, which regulates impulsivity and decision-making, is particularly late to develop, especially in boys (Potenza).Helping a gamblerOnly one in 10 people with gambling disorder seek treatment. Some people can stop gambling on their own. But many people need help to address their gambling problems.For now, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common form of treatment for gambling addiction (Nower). CBT is a talking therapy that corrects thinking and behaving.Avoid being judgmental and never treat the gambler as someone who is immoral or an outcast. Avoid preaching, lecturing and losing control in anger. Don't expect immediate recovery and instant resolution of all problems when gambling stops.Counseling should focus on gaining control over gambling. It begins with an accepting behavior that builds the gambler's self-esteem. There is a need to deal with the urge to gamble through distraction and socialization. To avoid triggers, there is a need to improve skills in stress management, problem-solving and conflict resolution.Since the family is the main source of support, healing relationships is important. Set boundaries in managing finances, take control of family finances and document them.Support associated mental health issues, including suicide.The love of money is the root of all evil. Gambling is rooted in such love of money. What the devil builds, as a community we must destroy.