Experts point out that the age of onset of gambling addiction is as low as 15, and that addiction, which was once seen mostly in men, is now also seen in women. According to experts, depression is one of the biggest causes of gambling addiction, which is always associated with a psychiatric illness.
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Psychiatry Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gül Eryılmaz pointed out that the age of onset of gambling addiction has dropped to below the age of 20.
Accompanied by other diseases
Stating that gambling addiction is necessarily accompanied by a psychiatric illness, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gül Eryılmaz said the following: "Especially in adolescence, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder has a very close relationship with gambling addiction. In other words, other psychiatric diseases are also very common in gambling addiction. Alcohol and substance addiction are very common. In summary, a secondary disease is also very common, so the treatment of gambling addiction is a group of diseases that should be handled holistically. Obsessive compulsive disorder, which we call obsessive compulsive disorder, is very common. Therefore, the treatment of these disorders contributes to the treatment of addiction. Unless these disorders are treated, the treatment will remain incomplete."
The age of onset of gambling addiction is under 20s
Emphasizing that gambling addiction is an increasing disease in our country, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gül Eryılmaz said, "One of the most important factors in this disorder; the age of onset is usually below the age of 20. Adolescence is an important period in terms of the onset and development of gambling addiction. Adolescents should be more careful in this sense and both their families and themselves should be informed. The age of onset falls between 15 and 19 years of age. This is the age of onset for most gambling addictions. It is usually more common in men, but in recent years it has been increasing in women as well. Many reasons can be related to the changing world order or the ease of accessibility."
Addiction is not a problem of willpower, it is a disease
Stating that addiction is a brain disease, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gül Eryılmaz said the following
"Addiction is a disease of the brain. Although our patients and families who come to us define it as a problem of willpower, 'This patient has no willpower, he cannot control himself' or they define themselves as 'I am cured now, I am aware, my own will is strong', this is not a problem of willpower, it is accepted as a disease. It has both psychological and biological causes. It can be caused by certain chemicals in the brain or some psychological problems. It can even be a side effect of certain medications. In other words, during the treatment process of a disease, a person may develop such a disease in a way that he/she has never had before. Therefore, the causes of addiction can be related to many reasons. Why is it especially emphasized like this? Because if these factors are uncovered and treated, only then can we say that it is possible to cure this disease. It is a group of diseases that can be treated, but if the causes are well investigated, perhaps if many factors are together, separate treatments for all factors can be done both in terms of personal therapy, family therapies and that disorder in the brain."
It is now also seen in women
Stating that gambling addiction is usually seen in men, but it has recently emerged in women, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gül Eryılmaz said, "This situation makes us think that gambling addiction has progressed quite a lot in the general population."
The most important psychological reason: Depression
Stating that there are many reasons for gambling addiction, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gül Eryılmaz said, "One of the most important psychological reasons is depression. In other words, unhappiness, malaise, idleness, problems with self-expression can lead to gambling addiction. In particular, genetic factors, inability to regulate serotonin levels, disorder of chemical receptors such as some dopamine receptors can also be shown as an important biological reason for this disorder. As another reason, some drugs used in the treatment of important neurological diseases such as Parkinson's can also cause gambling addiction. Many factors such as these can be said to be the cause," he said.
Gambling addiction consists of 4 stages
Stating that gambling addiction usually progresses with four stages, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gül Eryılmaz said the following:
"The first phase is the winning phase. In this winning phase, there is usually a winning story. It is said by the patients as 'Yes, my teacher, I won very well once and I still play thinking that I can win it'. The phase after the winning phase is the losing phase. And then the exhaustion phase that develops. Because while there are serious material and moral losses, families also experience material and moral exhaustion at the same time. Lying, depression, self-harm are very common in this phase. After the exhaustion phase, there is a phase of giving up. 'Giving up' is the phase in which the patient says 'I will not play', but there are irregular intervals of re-games and losses again. Unfortunately, it is at this stage that the treatment stage is reached the most."
The role of the family is important in treatment
Stating that the family is as important as psychological and biological factors in the treatment of gambling addiction, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gül Eryılmaz said, "Unless the attitudes of families change, the treatment of gambling addiction will always be incomplete. As long as the parents or anyone from the family does what is necessary, then the treatment has completed the third pillar. Psychological factors are addressed one by one, and when they are not addressed, it is always incomplete. It is not a type of behavioral addiction that can only be treated with medication."