Factors of risk

 

As you probably know, some people are more inclined towards developing a gambling addiction than others. I think it’s safe to say that most of those who try gambling or poker out, never become addicts, but still, even if a very small percentage of players falls victim to this impulse-control disorder, it’s too much for comfort.

 

Through observation and experience, therapists have put together a list of risk-factors, based on some shared characteristics that most addicts possess.

If you’d like to find out how likely it is that you become a compulsive gambler some time in your life, look for these factors:

Personality. Those who get easily bored, are generally restless and are very competitive, are prone to getting involved in problem gambling

Outside influence. A person who has a family history of rampant compulsive behavior (whether it is gambling related or not) is far more likely to become a problem gambler himself at some point than someone who’s never had any connection with the phenomenon. The circle of friends one has, also has a word to say in this respect.

Genre. Statistics show that because they cherish play and playful activities more than women, men are much more likely to develop a gambling addiction in their lifetime than women.

Age. Typically, the younger one is when exposed to gambling, the more likely it is for him/her to encounter a gambling addiction in life. Men tend to develop such problems at an earlier age than women.

The proximity of a gambling facility. Those who live closer to casinos are far more likely to become problem gamblers than those who don’t.

Other impulse-control disorders or addictions. Addictions like drug consumption increase the likeliness of the person concerned becoming a problem gambler. As they say, trouble never comes alone.

Certain medications. It is suspected that medicines containing dopamine agonists increase the odds that the person taking them will develop some sort of addictive behavior.