Online Gambling is a global multi-billion dollar industry that has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. With a reliable Internet connection and a laptop or smartphone, anyone can sign up for an account with any number of online gambling platforms. Often these sites are not regulated and may have unfair odds or rigged games. In addition, the lack of face-to-face accountability makes it easy for individuals to hide their gambling activities from friends and family. Consequently, excessive online gambling can lead to numerous signs and symptoms of addiction.
Whether it’s playing a game of casino table games, lottery, sports betting or poker, online gambling offers an exciting and engaging experience. But for millions of people, online gambling can quickly turn into an expensive, time-consuming and addictive habit. In some cases, this habit can even lead to serious financial problems and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Like other types of addiction, online gambling can also disrupt personal and professional relationships, as well as cause feelings of withdrawal when a person attempts to stop or cut back on their online gambling activity. Biologically, gambling triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, which causes the brain to feel pleasure and reward, making it hard to stop. This type of reward system can be manipulated by gaming companies that use music, lights and other stimuli to convince the player that they are winning.
In many cases, the best way to break an online gambling habit is to enter an inpatient rehabilitation program. These programs range from 30 days to a year and provide patients with structure and guidance in order to help them overcome their addiction.