GAMBLING DEPENDENCE AND ADDICTION: HOW TO GET HELP IN FRANCE

Understanding Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is recognized as a serious public health issue in Canada. This form of dependence is considered a real addiction without substances, often referred to as "ludopathy", is characterized by an irresistible urge to gamble despite the negative consequences for the individual and their surroundings. Gambling can include casino games, sports betting, lotteries, and more recently, online games.

Signs of Gambling Addiction

The signs of a possible addiction include an increasing amount of time and money spent on gambling, repeated lies about the extent of gambling habits, growing debts, and interference with daily obligations, whether personal, family, or professional.

Where and How to Get Help?

1. Support Groups and Therapeutic Programs

In Canada, several organizations provide support and assistance to compulsive gamblers. The National Association of Anonymous Gamblers is one of these organizations that offers group meetings based on the "12-step" model, similar to that of Alcoholics Anonymous.

2. Specialized Consultations

Specialized consultations in addiction can be found in many public hospitals and private clinics. These services are often integrated into Addiction Support and Prevention Centers (CSAPA), where professionals (psychologists, doctors, social workers) can provide assessments and personalized treatments.

3. Hotlines and Online Assistance

The "Gambling Info Service" hotline offers listening, information, and referrals to care facilities by phone or via chat. This free line provides help anonymously and is accessible at 09 74 75 13 13.

4. Self-Exclusion Programs

The Responsible Gaming system in Canada allows players to voluntarily self-exclude from all licensed gaming establishments and online betting sites. This process can be completed online and is a protective measure for those who acknowledge having a problem.

Prevention and Education

In addition to direct help to players, prevention campaigns are regularly conducted to raise public awareness of the dangers of gambling addiction. These campaigns aim to educate young adults, who are often more likely to develop problematic gambling behaviors, about the risks associated with compulsive gambling.

Gambling addiction is a serious condition that requires a multifaceted approach for treatment and recovery. In Canada, thanks to a combination of governmental and non-governmental resources, affected individuals have access to various forms of support. It is crucial to recognize the signs of addiction and seek help as soon as possible to prevent the potentially devastating consequences of this disorder.

Psychological and Physiological Mechanisms of Gambling Addiction

Psychological Components of Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction, like other forms of addiction, is largely driven by the brain's reward system. Individuals with a gambling addiction often experience intense excitement when participating in games. This excitement is due to the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

1. Reinforcement and Conditioning:

Pathological gambling is reinforced by occasional yet unpredictable wins. These intermittent rewards can lead to compulsive gambling behavior due to their power to condition the brain to pursue these gratifying experiences, despite the negative consequences.

2. Escape and Pursuit:

Psychologically, many compulsive gamblers use gambling as a way to escape from problems or negative feelings such as anxiety, depression, or stress. Gambling becomes a form of self-medication, where the gambler seeks to recreate the pleasant sensations to escape their daily reality.

Physiological Components of Gambling Addiction

Physiologically, gambling addiction can alter brain functions in a manner similar to other addictions. Changes in the brain's reward circuit can make gamblers more sensitive to gambling-related signals and less responsive to rewards from other daily life experiences.

1. Tolerance and Withdrawal:

Over time, gamblers may develop a tolerance to the amounts of money they wager, which may lead them to gamble increasingly larger amounts to achieve the same emotional "high". Upon stopping or reducing gambling, players may experience psychological withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, depression, and an uncontrollable urge to gamble.

2. Neurological Changes:

Studies show that gambling addiction can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain, particularly in areas related to impulse control and decision-making. These changes can impair an individual's ability to resist urges to gamble, even in the presence of obvious negative consequences.

Treatment and Recovery

Treating gambling addiction often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and sometimes medication support for concurrent disorders such as depression or anxiety. The goal is to reduce pathological gambling behaviors, address underlying psychological issues, and teach strategies for managing gambling impulses.

Understanding the psychological and physiological mechanisms of gambling addiction is crucial for developing effective interventions and providing the necessary support to affected individuals, thereby facilitating their path to recovery.

The social aspect plays a crucial role when a person tries to overcome a gambling addiction. This social dimension can both present challenges and provide essential support during the recovery process.

Social Impact of Rehabilitation

Social Reintegration

One of the major steps for a person in recovery is social reintegration. After a potentially isolating period of addiction, reconnecting with society can be both intimidating and liberating. Regular social interactions encourage the development of a support network, essential for the sustainability of recovery.

Repairing Broken Relationships

Addictions can damage family, friendship, and professional relationships. Repairing these ties is often a priority for those recovering from a gambling addiction. This may involve honest discussions about past issues, participation in family therapies, and working on communication and trust.

Developing a New Support Network

It is often advised for individuals in recovery to build new relationships with people who support their efforts to stay away from gambling. Participating in support groups or community activities can help create a positive environment and reinforce non-gambling behaviors.

Stigmatization and Social Isolation

The stigma associated with addiction can be a major barrier. Individuals in recovery may feel judged for their past, leading to social isolation. Combating this stigma is essential, and it may require education and advocacy by both those affected and support organizations.

Participation in Non-Gambling Social Activities

Engaging in activities that do not involve gambling but promote relaxation and enjoyment can help replace gambling habits. Whether it's sports, art, volunteering, or other hobbies, these activities can help redefine a person’s identity beyond their addiction.

It is essential to remember the importance of an empathetic and integrated approach to treating this addiction. Compassion is key in allowing individuals to engage in a path of sustainable healing, not only by providing accessible support resources but also by fostering a non-judgmental environment that encourages social reintegration and the repair of broken ties. The collective efforts of health services, support groups, and community initiatives are crucial to changing public perception of this addiction and providing the necessary tools for those suffering from it to regain balance and a meaningful life.