How to Help a Gambling Addict? Psychologist Names Biggest Mistakes

Technology has significantly expanded the avenues for gambling, exacerbating addiction problems by lowering the barrier between an impulse to play and the act itself, according to Marta Lapukaitė, a medical psychologist at the Republican Center for Addiction Diseases.

"Previously, if the impulse to gamble arose, we could go to a casino, which took some time, essentially creating a barrier between the impulse and the action. With technology, this barrier is greatly reduced. If an impulse arises, for example, due to anger, a dispute at work, or a conflict at home, we can immediately pick up our phone and do it," Lapukaitė explained. This immediate access, she noted, reduces the likelihood of assessing the risks of one's actions, posing significant dangers.

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If an impulse arises, for example, due to anger, a dispute at work, or a conflict at home, we can immediately pick up our phone and do it. This reduces the likelihood of assessing the risks of one's actions. Because of this, I really see quite a lot of dangers when talking about technology.

Lapukaitė emphasized that gambling addiction can affect anyone, without regard to intelligence, age, or gender. However, certain trends are observable. Men, particularly those aged 21-40, are more frequently drawn into gambling. Individuals experiencing higher stress levels, struggling with emotional regulation, or those with a family history of addiction are also more vulnerable. Professionals whose work is directly related to gambling, such as athletes, may also be at higher risk.

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Addiction or problematic behavior does not choose a person based on any criteria, neither intelligence level, nor age, nor gender. There are certain situations in which engaging in that activity carries more risk, but essentially, there is no difference whether a person feels smarter or less so.

Adolescents are particularly susceptible due to incomplete emotional regulation and higher impulsivity during teenage years. If a teenager discovers that gambling temporarily alleviates negative emotions, they may repeatedly engage in the activity. Peer influence also plays a role, with gambling sometimes becoming a social activity to fit in. "Teenagers can indeed be more vulnerable when it comes to getting involved in gambling," she stated. "Again, not because they are worse in any way, but because proper emotional regulation is not fully developed in adolescence, and impulsivity can be higher."

Specialists at the Addiction Diseases Center often see individuals seeking help only when the consequences of their addiction are severe, a point they refer to as "hitting rock bottom." This can take years, and the "bottom" varies for each person. For some, a conflict at home or losing a specific sum of money might be enough, while for others, the consequences must be far more devastating before they seek help.

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Teenagers can indeed be more vulnerable when it comes to getting involved in gambling. Again, not because they are worse in any way, but because proper emotional regulation is not fully developed in adolescence, and impulsivity can be higher.