Gambling addiction is not just an individual mental health issue but also a significant social disease with the power to destroy families and disrupt communities. The problem lies not only in the addictive nature of gambling itself but also in the fact that gambling addiction often serves as a gateway to other forms of criminal activity. Because addiction impairs decision-making, individuals become unable to stop gambling by willpower alone, making recovery difficult without proper intervention. Below, we explore the challenges, statistics, and treatment criteria for gambling addiction.


1. Gambling Addiction: A Disease Harder to Treat Than Drug Addiction

  1. High Addictive Potential:
    • Gambling addiction is recognized as one of the most difficult addictions to overcome. Experts equate the intensity of gambling addiction with that of drug addiction, as both affect the brain’s reward system similarly.
  2. Self-Destructive Tendencies:
    • Similar to alcoholism, individuals addicted to gambling often have subconscious self-destructive behaviors. This inner drive can lead them to reject treatment and embrace complete personal failure.
  3. A Neurological Disorder:
    • Gambling addiction is more than just a behavioral problem—it involves changes in brain chemistry, making it difficult to treat without specialized mental health interventions.

2. Statistics on Gambling Addiction

  • High Prevalence:
    According to studies, approximately 2% to 6% of the population suffers from gambling addiction. In South Korea, the prevalence rate stands at around 4%, with a surprising pattern—highly educated individuals and those with higher incomes are more likely to become addicted.바카라사이트
  • Crime and Gambling Addiction:
    Gambling addiction often leads to criminal behavior. In 1998 alone, 34,000 gambling-related offenders were officially reported in South Korea. When considering unreported cases, the number could be ten times higher, illustrating the widespread societal impact of gambling addiction.
  • Impact on Personal Lives:
    Nearly 20% of individuals with gambling addiction attempt suicide, and almost all experience family breakdowns or the inability to maintain healthy relationships. Gambling is also linked to non-violent crimes, with 35% of theft cases and 40% of embezzlement incidents rooted in gambling behavior.

3. Self-Assessment Tool: Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI)

This self-assessment tool evaluates gambling behavior over the past year. Participants score themselves on each question based on frequency, using the following scale:

  • 0 points: Never
  • 1 point: Occasionally
  • 2 points: Sometimes
  • 3 points: Almost always

Questions for Self-Assessment:

  1. Have you ever bet amounts large enough to seriously impact your finances?
  2. Do you feel the need to place higher bets to maintain the same level of excitement?
  3. Have you gambled the next day to try to recover losses from a previous session?
  4. Have you borrowed money or sold belongings to fund your gambling?
  5. Do you believe your gambling behavior is becoming problematic?
  6. Have you experienced health issues such as stress or anxiety due to gambling?
  7. Have people around you expressed concern about your gambling habits?
  8. Has gambling caused financial difficulties for you or your family?
  9. Do you feel guilty about your gambling actions or outcomes?

Interpretation of Scores:

  • 0 points: No issues
  • 1-2 points: Mild issues
  • 3-7 points: Moderate issues
  • 8 points or higher: High risk of gambling addiction; professional help recommended

4. Diagnostic Criteria for Gambling Addiction (DSM-IV)

The DSM-IV, published by the American Psychiatric Association, outlines 10 diagnostic criteria for gambling addiction. Meeting five or more of the following criteria indicates the presence of gambling addiction:카지노사이트

  1. Preoccupation with Gambling:
    Constantly thinking about past gambling experiences, planning future bets, or strategizing ways to obtain gambling funds.
  2. Increasing Stakes:
    Needing to wager larger amounts to feel the same level of excitement.
  3. Failed Attempts to Quit:
    Repeated efforts to stop or control gambling that end in failure.
  4. Restlessness When Not Gambling:
    Feeling irritable or anxious when trying to cut down on gambling.
  5. Using Gambling as Emotional Escape:
    Gambling to avoid unpleasant emotions such as guilt, anxiety, or depression.
  6. Chasing Losses:
    Returning to gambling the day after losing money to recover losses.
  7. Concealing Gambling Behavior:
    Lying to family, friends, or therapists to hide the extent of gambling activities.
  8. Engaging in Illegal Acts for Funds:
    Resorting to theft, fraud, or embezzlement to finance gambling.
  9. Damaging Personal or Professional Life:
    Gambling jeopardizes relationships, employment, or educational opportunities.
  10. Relying on Others for Financial Rescue:
    Depending on family or friends to relieve severe financial distress caused by gambling.카지노 사이트

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