What is Gambling Disorder?

This video describes Gambling Disorder. Gambling disorder is sometimes referred to as a “process addiction.” Gambling Disorder is characterized by a number of potential symptoms including gambling increasing amounts, irritability when not gambling, unsuccessful efforts to stop gambling, excessive thinking about gambling, gambling when under stress, chasing losses, lying to hide gambling, risking jobs or relationships because of gambling, and needing money from other because of gambling. It is the only disorder in the DSM-5 consistent with the definition of a process addiction. A process addiction (behavioral addiction) is when an individual demonstrates behavior consistent with addiction without a substance being involved. In addition to gambling, common process addictions include shopping, Internet, sex, and eating addictions. For someone with gambling disorder, gambling can have similar effects on the brain as substances such as alcohol, heroin, cocaine, nicotine, and other drugs. There are various treatments for gambling disorder including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).