Gambling is an addiction like any other addiction and there are many ways that people get “hooked”. The very nature of random reward (never knowing when you are going to have a win) keeps people gambling and wondering if the next bet will be the big one.
We have found that when a person is in a state of arousal (gambling) they are focused on winning, not the consequences of losing. Thoughts around consequences only occur when the money is gone and there is no hope left. We know there are changes in brain chemistry during gambling and this can make it difficult, if not impossible for some people to stop and think about the impacts of what they are doing.
If you think you may have a gambling problem it’s best to speak to an expert who can provide you with advice and support. Contact our service for more information.