Gambling Addiction and Impulse Control Issues

Q: Gambling Addiction and Impulse Control Issues

Hello： Your situation does not seem to reach the level of "gambling addiction." Gambling addiction is characterized by a persistent need to gamble, where individuals continue despite being aware of the negative consequences. <br>They may feel restless, depressed, or irritable whe

Gambling addiction? Impulse control issues?

Hello Doctor,
I am a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder, but today's issue may not be closely related to it.
Here's the situation: Recently, I came across a foreign website related to an online game I usually play.
The website allows users to use credit cards to purchase in-game currency and participate in a gambling-like roulette game, where winning can yield more in-game currency for virtual items.
Initially, I only spent a little over a thousand dollars, which I thought was acceptable to try out.
However, after playing, I lost and felt dissatisfied, so I used my card again and lost everything (I did win some in between, but my greed got the better of me).
This led to a vicious cycle that repeated several times.
The problem is that before each time I used my card, I told myself it would be the last time, but afterward, I couldn't resist picking up my credit card and entering my card number...
Now I regret it, as I have to pay a significant amount on my credit card this month.

Doctor, I would like to ask you if I have a gambling addiction issue, or is it more related to impulse control? After researching a lot about gambling addiction online, I found that I don't fully meet the criteria for addiction because I don't constantly think about playing after I stop.
In fact, I feel more relaxed and less pressured when I'm not playing (though I might feel a slight urge to play when I see others doing so, but I don't have a strong desire to play regularly).
I also don't feel the need to increase my bets to get more excitement; rather, I'm worried about losing everything if I bet too much (though sometimes I think that betting bigger might give me a chance to win more, otherwise I end up losing anyway).

I also have another concern: since it doesn't seem to be gambling addiction, could it be an impulse control issue? Am I at risk of losing control one day and harming someone (which seems more like obsessive thinking, but I genuinely worry about it)? I've been troubled by this for several days, and I would like to know your opinion based on my description.
Do you think my situation is serious? Is there really a gambling addiction? Do I need to see a doctor, or can I improve on my own? Additionally, do I have an impulse control issue? Why can't I control the urge to use my credit card in those moments? Am I at risk of harming society one day? I really don't want to become that way...
On a related note, I have previously played Taiwan's sports lottery and similar gambling games, which were quite similar to this experience, and I even spent more money then.
When I won money, I felt compelled to keep playing, almost like being possessed (perhaps if I had lost money from the start, I wouldn't have had subsequent issues).
However, after losing a significant amount, I decided to stop playing, and I haven't engaged in it for several months now.
I generally don't think about playing anymore (partly because I worry about losing money each time, and I feel it's more important to be grounded).

I would like to ask you, Doctor, if this temporary gambling behavior requires medical intervention, or can I improve and quit on my own? I haven't played for a while, but I recently came across the aforementioned game, which made me question whether I have a gambling addiction or some other mental health issue.
However, I don't plan to engage with it again soon, as I always end up worrying about various things and then stop playing...

I apologize for the many questions, but I would appreciate your insights.
Thank you, and I wish you all the best.

Mr. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/27

Dr. Wang Yaoting reply Psychiatry

Hello: Your situation does not seem to reach the level of "gambling addiction." Gambling addiction is characterized by a persistent need to gamble, where individuals continue despite being aware of the negative consequences.
They may feel restless, depressed, or irritable when trying to stop, frequently think about gambling, and disregard everything else to continue gambling.
Since you can still control yourself and avoid it, it likely isn't that severe.
However, there may be issues with impulse control and a lack of sufficient self-regulation, making it difficult to suppress strong urges to gamble.
If this has already caused you distress, consider discussing it with your physician to explore whether it may be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), whether medication adjustments are necessary, or if psychological therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) should be arranged for assistance.
I hope this answers your question :)

Reply Date: 2021/10/27

More Info

Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling or pathological gambling, is a behavioral addiction characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite the negative consequences it may bring. Your experience with online gambling and the subsequent feelings of regret and loss are not uncommon among individuals who struggle with impulse control issues or gambling addiction.
From your description, it seems you have engaged in gambling behavior that has led to a cycle of chasing losses, which is a common pattern in gambling addiction. The initial thrill of winning can create a desire to continue playing, often leading to increased bets and greater financial losses. The fact that you have experienced a sense of relief after stopping gambling for a while indicates that you may not be fully addicted in the clinical sense, but it does suggest that you have encountered some challenges with impulse control.

Impulse control disorders are characterized by an inability to resist a temptation, urge, or impulse that may harm oneself or others. In your case, the urge to gamble despite knowing the potential for loss reflects a struggle with impulse control. It’s important to differentiate between occasional gambling and gambling addiction. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines criteria for gambling disorder, which includes preoccupation with gambling, needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money, unsuccessful efforts to control or stop gambling, and lying to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling, among others.

Based on your account, it appears you do not meet all the criteria for gambling addiction, particularly since you mentioned that you do not have a strong desire to gamble when you are not actively engaged in it. However, your concern about the potential for future impulsive behavior, such as harming others, suggests that you may benefit from professional guidance. It’s essential to address these feelings of anxiety and fear regarding your impulse control.

Seeking help from a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can provide you with strategies to manage your impulses and address any underlying issues related to anxiety or obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for impulse control disorders and can help you develop coping mechanisms to resist urges and make more rational decisions.

In terms of self-improvement, many individuals successfully manage their gambling behavior through self-exclusion programs, support groups like Gamblers Anonymous, or by setting strict limits on their gambling activities. It’s crucial to identify triggers that lead to impulsive gambling and develop alternative coping strategies, such as engaging in hobbies, exercising, or practicing mindfulness techniques.

In conclusion, while you may not currently exhibit full-blown gambling addiction, your experiences indicate a need for self-reflection and possibly professional support to address impulse control issues. It’s commendable that you are aware of your behaviors and are seeking to understand them better. Taking proactive steps to manage your impulses and seeking help when needed can lead to healthier decision-making and improved mental well-being. If you feel that your gambling behavior is becoming problematic again, do not hesitate to reach out for professional assistance.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Gambling Addiction and Deception in Mental Health

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds very challenging and complex. If you have any specific questions or need assistance, please let me know how I can help.

Dr. Zhong Mingxun reply Psychiatry
Based on your description, your brother's issue seems to be pathological gambling. Addiction to gambling is similar to addiction to drugs; it is his habitual way of relieving stress and seeking pleasure. He is actually quite aware, and those strange behaviors are merely defe...

Understanding Impulse Control Issues in Mental Health: A Family's Journey

Hello Dr. Song, I left a message for you on March 29th this year. My mother, whose last name is Hu, has her next appointment on June 27th. Previously, we discussed her stealing money to gamble and lying. There has been some improvement since she started a small business, but rece...

Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, concerned friend of your mother: Based on your description, it is currently difficult to determine whether this behavior is part of a medical condition or if there are other reasons causing your mother to be unable to let go. You or your father are welcome to accompany you...

Struggling with Persistent Negative Emotions: A Journey Through Mental Health Challenges

I married into a family where both my mother-in-law and husband are heavy gamblers. My husband repeatedly accumulates large gambling debts and often borrows money from loan sharks. I work two jobs and do household work to support the family and pay off debts, while he frequently ...

Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry
Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter. According to what you mentioned, you are indeed experiencing symptoms of depression, which are primarily caused by external stressors. The treatment typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. We deeply sympath...

Understanding the Mental Struggles: What Condition Am I Facing?

Hello Dr. Tang, Thanks to your guidance, I have truly benefited greatly, and I am very grateful to you! Now, I would like to ask you a question. I have given up the indifference and uniqueness of being a "Blackjack" player because I have found what is called (love), n...

Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Xiao Jie: I am glad to hear that you are making progress! You have been feeling confused about your condition. You mentioned that "you still have thoughts of wanting to curse or hit someone." It may be helpful to clarify what these thoughts stem from. Are they due ...