Gambling addiction is a major problem that affects a good number of people across the world. It can have devastating consequences on the personal, social and financial lives of the individuals concerned. Although many external factors contribute, this process is largely down to the players' personalities. This article reveals some character traits and behaviors that can increase the risk of developing this addiction.
The seeking sensation and its influence on gambling addiction
Sensation seeking, or search for sensations, is a personality trait characterized by the perpetual quest for new experiences and strong emotions. In the context of gaming, this often translates into a tendency to take excessive risks, whether in a online casino without deposit or in a physical establishment. Attracted by the excitement of the moment, the adrenaline rush and the anticipation of possible winnings, gamblers are more inclined to bet large sums or participate in traditional games of chance.
This ongoing thrill-seeking can, however, give rise to impulsive gambling behavior. Indeed, occasional victories or moments of success further reinforce the desire to continue playing in the hope of rediscovering the excitement sought. Unfortunately, this can quickly become a spiral of addiction, as players take greater and greater risks to experience thrilling moments again.
How can negative emotions influence gambling addiction?
Sometimes, gaming addiction is also associated with mental health problems. For many people, entertainment is a good distraction or temporary relief that they turn to when they feel overwhelmed by negative emotions: stress, loneliness, anxiety, depression, etc. Moreover, many games promise a spike of excitement and dopamine in the brain, which can temporarily mask unpleasant feelings.
However, this emotional escape can become problematic. Individuals can actually find themselves caught in a cycle where gambling becomes their primary strategy for coping with their depression, stress, etc. But over time, this habit can develop into an addiction. In fact, losses and negative consequences resulting from entertainment further fuel unfavorable feelings, which creates a vicious cycle.
What about schizoid interpersonal avoidance tendencies?
Schizoid-avoidant interpersonal tendencies are a personality disorder that significantly limits the ability to relate to others. In other words, they manifest themselves in a constant detachment and a general disinterest in social relationships and exchanges between individuals. They can increase vulnerability to gambling addiction in several ways.
First of all, individuals with these characteristics tend to avoid human interaction and prefer solitude. However, they are looking to fill the void in other activities like online gaming. The latter therefore constitute for them an escape which allows them to escape from reality and to face their social discomfort. What's more, they can provide a virtual world where players can feel comfortable in their own skin and less exposed to interpersonal relationships.
Additionally, people who suffer from schizoid personality disorder often have low self-esteem. This leads them to seek validation through gambling. In fact, occasional wins in different games can boost their self-esteem a little, even for a short time, which encourages them to continue playing despite losses. Then comes the addiction.