From the author: A short article about the phenomenon of gambling addiction. Gambling addiction (gaming addiction) At the moment, the gambling industry is so developed in the world that it is absorbing more and more people. Gambling can definitely be addictive. Gambling addiction has become widespread in Russia due to the availability of establishments in which any average person is offered a large selection of gambling games. In addition to gambling, computer games, which are available in large quantities to people of all ages, including children, can also lead to gambling addiction (gaming addiction). There are no age restrictions for the development of gambling addiction (gaming addiction), since any person can be susceptible to gaming addiction, depending on the prerequisites for the occurrence of gaming addiction. What could be the reasons? For each person this is a purely individual question, however, several main reasons for the emergence of gambling addiction have been identified: 1. Feeling lonely. The feeling of loneliness makes a person play the game for the first time, and the impressions and sensations gained during the game make him return to it again.2. Feeling of dissatisfaction. This feeling makes a person express himself in the game. Being insufficiently realized in real life, dissatisfied with himself, a person tries to express himself in a game where it is much easier to become a winner than in real life. And the more successful his results in the game, the more he wants to return to it again and again.3. Feeling of easy money. This applies primarily to gambling games, such as slot machines, casino games and others. Having won once, and feeling the rush of adrenaline from having such easily obtained money, a person tries to repeat his success in the game, which often fails. 4. Easy pliability to various kinds of dependencies. Gambling addiction (gaming addiction) is a risk for people with any other addictions, for example, drugs, alcohol. Mental disorders of varying degrees and characteristics. People who were once treated for mental disorders are also susceptible to a disease such as gambling addiction (gaming addiction). It should be remembered that gambling addiction is a rather serious problem. And if you discover signs of gambling addiction in your relative, acquaintance or loved one, you should immediately take action. Otherwise, gambling addiction can lead to irreparable consequences. Solving the problem of gambling addiction involves identifying the causes of addiction and their timely elimination. In reality, gambling addiction is a solvable problem. To solve it, rehabilitation of a person experiencing gambling addiction is required. The signs accompanying gambling addiction are very similar to the signs of drug addiction and alcoholism: Increased excitability Excessive nervousness Irritability Unreasonable anger Apathy towards people and things around you Inability to self-control (including the inability to stop playing, both after winning and after continuous losses) Reduced interest in life outside the game An ever-increasing amount of time spent playing the game So called “withdrawal,” when there is no opportunity to play An irresistible desire to return to the game again and again A rapid decrease in the ability to resist the temptation to start playing again Absorption, preoccupation with the game (remembers past games, plans future bets, thinks about how to find money for the next game); feels agitated and raises bets; Has difficulty trying to interrupt the game or tries to control its progress; Feels anxious or irritated when having to limit bets or stop the game; Plays to escape from his problems or to cheer up (to get away from feelings of guilt, anxiety, depression) ;Attempts to win back the day after a loss; Deceives family members or therapist in order to hide the true extent of his involvement in the game; Commits illegal actions such as.