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GAMES PSYCHOLOGY: WHAT SCIENTISTS SAY ABOUT GAMBLING ADDICTION 

WHAT SCIENTISTS SAY ABOUT GAMBLING ADDICTION in 2022 

Today, an increasing number of scientists are interested in gambling addiction to the same extent as alcohol and drug addiction. And this is understandable for the reason that all three types of addiction are similar in nature. The only exception is that alcohol and drug addictions have clear signs of deterioration in physical health, while gambling addiction does not. However, this is also a disease, and more and more people began to talk about it and discuss it at different levels. In this review we will describe this issue from the point of view of psychology.

REASONS FOR GAMING ADDICTION 

As a rule, the gambling addiction has its roots in childhood. When a child without much adult control spends a lot of time at a computer. Unfortunately, some parents are guided by the rule "whatever the child amuses, if only he does not cry." Here the child “indulges in all serious things”, fortunately - there are no prohibitions. A teenager with the help of a video game is trying to get away from reality into a world of illusions. The reason for this is the lack of care, attention and true love of loved ones. The material component in caring for your child is by no means the main thing. Unfortunately, in the pursuit of material prosperity, parents have forgotten how to talk “heart to heart” with a child, how to have fun together on vacation or while traveling. A child grows up and no longer knows the limits in computer games. Fortunately, if, as an adult, he chooses a licensed online institution for entertainment. For example, such as https://superboss.com/en-ca, where from the very beginning there is a “responsible gambling” program that is able to identify the gambling addiction of a visitor and take appropriate measures.

STAGES OF GAMING ADDICTION

In order to timely recognize gambling addiction, it is necessary to observe some changes in a player’s behavior. Stages of the gambling addiction:

• Preparation stage.

Attention should be paid to such psychological personal qualities of a person as increased emotional tension, turning into aggression, low self-esteem, a high level of anxiety, a tendency to unjustified risk.

• Winning stage.

A person clearly believes that gambling is what gives him an opportunity for self-realization. Even a small win is an act of demonstrating your superiority over others. Criticism from relatives and friends is perceived “with hostility”. 

• Losing stage.

You should not count on the fact that after the next loss, an addicted player will stop playing. He will not turn to a game only until the moment when the money appears again. A player becomes aggressive also because he is in an extremely difficult financial situation.

• Stage of desperation.

At this stage, there is a sharp decrease in interest in work, family, friends. His psychological state is such that he is not able to perform household duties, pursue a professional career. Gambling completely replaced everything important in life. Quite often, such players begin to resort to use of alcoholic beverages or drugs. In order to find money, they can mortgage an apartment, get loans. 

• Stage of hopelessness.

At this stage, it is quite obvious to a player that he or she is in a state of dependence on a game, but continues to play. In this case, it is no longer important for a player whether he wins or loses. He is content with just playing the game. Here it is, the same psychological addiction, the treatment of which is a long and complicated process.

In this case, the regularity of preventive measures for gambling addiction is of great importance. Prevention is easier than cure.