What is gaming addiction?
Published: April 29, 2025
Gambling addiction, or ludomania, is a pathological tendency to gamble in which a person loses control of time, money and consequences. This is not just a hobby or form of entertainment, but a serious mental disorder recognized by the World Health Organization.
In this article we will analyze:
Why is addiction formed?
Games activate the dopamine reward system in the brain. Every bet, especially a win, causes the release of "joy hormones." Over time, the brain requires more and more excitement, and the reaction dulls - this forms a vicious circle:
Main characteristics of dependence
Below are key symptoms to look out for. If a person has 3 or more signs on a regular basis, this is an alarm.
1. Loss of control
Can't Stop Even If You Lose
Promise yourself "one more time" - and do not hold back
Trying to "recoup" at any cost
2. Time and betting growth
Spend more and more time on slots, bets, live games
Gradually increase the amount - small winnings are no longer pleasing
3. Ignoring responsibilities
Skip work, study, meetings
Forget about household chores, family
Everything revolves around "another back"
4. Financial difficulties
Take credits to play
Getting into debt or spending deferred money
Lying about your expenses
5. Irritability and anxiety
Without playing, you feel discomfort, anxiety, apathy
Easily annoyed if there is no access to the game
Mood swings linked to game results
6. Social isolation
Reduce contacts with friends
Hide what you play
Prefer the game to any other type of leisure
7. Denial and self-deception
Convince yourself that everything is under control
Trying to prove it's just "fun"
Do not recognize the problem, even with obvious consequences
Dependency stages
1. Winning phase
- Increased interest, excitement, each session gives an emotional "thrill"
2. Losing phase
- Increased betting, attempts to recoup, growing tension
3. Despair phase
- Debts, isolation, loss of control, possible depression and aggression
4. Dependency phase
- No game - physical and emotional "breaking," loss of interest in everything except slots/bets
What if you recognize yourself?
Step 1. Acknowledge the problem.
This is the most difficult, but necessary. Without recognition, no treatment will begin.
Step 2. Restrict access to games.
Set interlocks:
Step 3. Let me talk.
Talk to loved ones. Or with a consultant. It is difficult to get out on your own, and social support is extremely important.
Step 4. Seek help.
There are anonymous programs, psychologists, helplines. This is not a weakness, but a real step towards recovery.
Where to go for help?
[Gamblers Anonymous (GA)] (https: //www.gamblersanonymous.org/) - international community
National hotlines (each country has its own)
Psychotherapists who specialize in addiction
Online Consultation and Support Forums
Conclusion
Gaming addiction is not about willpower, but about brain biochemistry and psychological triggers. The earlier you recognize the problem, the higher the chance to cope without serious consequences.
Remember: Games are fun, not a way to get away from life. If they stopped pleasing, but began to devour time, money and strength - this is a call that cannot be ignored.
See also: "How to win back a bonus without harming the budget," "Tactics of minimal risk," "How to distinguish a fake casino."
In this article we will analyze:
- How to recognize addiction in yourself or a loved one
- What stages a person goes through
- Why the dependency forms
- What to do if you've learned the worrying signs
- Where to go for help
Why is addiction formed?
Games activate the dopamine reward system in the brain. Every bet, especially a win, causes the release of "joy hormones." Over time, the brain requires more and more excitement, and the reaction dulls - this forms a vicious circle:
- 1. The game →
- 2. Win or lose →
- 3. Emotional outburst →
- 4. A desire to repeat →
- 5. Loss of control
Main characteristics of dependence
Below are key symptoms to look out for. If a person has 3 or more signs on a regular basis, this is an alarm.
1. Loss of control
Can't Stop Even If You Lose
Promise yourself "one more time" - and do not hold back
Trying to "recoup" at any cost
2. Time and betting growth
Spend more and more time on slots, bets, live games
Gradually increase the amount - small winnings are no longer pleasing
3. Ignoring responsibilities
Skip work, study, meetings
Forget about household chores, family
Everything revolves around "another back"
4. Financial difficulties
Take credits to play
Getting into debt or spending deferred money
Lying about your expenses
5. Irritability and anxiety
Without playing, you feel discomfort, anxiety, apathy
Easily annoyed if there is no access to the game
Mood swings linked to game results
6. Social isolation
Reduce contacts with friends
Hide what you play
Prefer the game to any other type of leisure
7. Denial and self-deception
Convince yourself that everything is under control
Trying to prove it's just "fun"
Do not recognize the problem, even with obvious consequences
Dependency stages
1. Winning phase
- Increased interest, excitement, each session gives an emotional "thrill"
2. Losing phase
- Increased betting, attempts to recoup, growing tension
3. Despair phase
- Debts, isolation, loss of control, possible depression and aggression
4. Dependency phase
- No game - physical and emotional "breaking," loss of interest in everything except slots/bets
What if you recognize yourself?
Step 1. Acknowledge the problem.
This is the most difficult, but necessary. Without recognition, no treatment will begin.
Step 2. Restrict access to games.
Set interlocks:
- Self-exclusion on casino websites
- Parental Controls/Browser Extensions
- Programs like BetBlocker, Gamban
Step 3. Let me talk.
Talk to loved ones. Or with a consultant. It is difficult to get out on your own, and social support is extremely important.
Step 4. Seek help.
There are anonymous programs, psychologists, helplines. This is not a weakness, but a real step towards recovery.
Where to go for help?
[Gamblers Anonymous (GA)] (https: //www.gamblersanonymous.org/) - international community
National hotlines (each country has its own)
Psychotherapists who specialize in addiction
Online Consultation and Support Forums
Conclusion
Gaming addiction is not about willpower, but about brain biochemistry and psychological triggers. The earlier you recognize the problem, the higher the chance to cope without serious consequences.
Remember: Games are fun, not a way to get away from life. If they stopped pleasing, but began to devour time, money and strength - this is a call that cannot be ignored.
See also: "How to win back a bonus without harming the budget," "Tactics of minimal risk," "How to distinguish a fake casino."
