Gambling addiction: the psychological health of gamblers at risk

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Extract from the article: The proliferation of sports betting, lottery games and online gaming platforms in Togo is causing growing concern among health professionals and social workers. Although these games are often presented as entertainment or an opportunity to make quick

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The proliferation of sports betting, lottery games and online gaming platforms in Togo is causing growing concern among health professionals and social workers. Although these games are often presented as entertainment or an opportunity to make quick money, excessive gambling exposes many players to serious psychological disorders, which are still largely underestimated.

Dr Zinsou Selom Degboe, a clinical psychologist/psychotherapist in the psychiatry and medical psychology department (SPPM) and addiction specialist at the Lomé University Hospital Campus, has observed that the number of people gambling in Togo is increasing, leading to more addictive behaviour. ‘We have identified a significant number of pathological gamblers who need comprehensive care to recover from this addiction, this illness,’ he insists.

According to Dr Zinsou Selom Degboe, gambling is defined as: ‘recreational activities in which a person makes a financial bet in the hope of winning, the outcome of which depends mainly on chance and not on the player's skill or control’. It is a rapidly expanding practice in a world where young people in particular want to become rich without paid work. ‘Gambling is becoming commonplace, almost automatic. People bet without thinking, sometimes with their wages, rent money or food money,’ explains Dr Degboe.

Why do people engage in gambling?

In his thesis entitled ‘Perception of addictive gambling: characteristics of players of the Togolese National Lottery (LONATO) in Lomé, Togo’, Dr Zinsou Selom Degboe explains that ‘unemployment, age, gender, level of education and marital status are factors that explain this mental disorder’.

In another study conducted by psychiatrist Daméga Wenkourama and colleagues, concomitant disorders such as "antisocial personality disorders characterised by impulsivity, bipolar disorders, especially type 1, attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD), and addiction to psychoactive substances (alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, heroin, cannabis, energy drinks),‘ says Dr Degboe. This is because, he says, ’people with a substance use disorder need money to pay for their daily dose. There are other causes, including precariousness, low purchasing power of workers or retirees, stressful situations in couple or family life ."

What are the symptoms?

Gambling addiction is a ‘mental illness’ or not a behavioural addiction. ‘It manifests itself as a loss of control: the gambler continues to gamble despite losses, debts and family conflicts. They may feel anxious, irritable or sad when they are not gambling, and often seek to recoup their losses after a setback, which makes the situation worse,’ says the clinical psychologist/psychotherapist.

When a person gambles a lot, too often and for too long, they need to ask themselves questions about their behaviour. ‘Unfortunately, it is not possible to tell at a glance whether a person is a pathological gambler, as gambling disorder is limited to psychological dependence. It does not cause somatic symptoms in the addicted person,’ says Dr Degboe.

However, he recommends that it is up to clinicians who are specialists in the field to confirm or rule out the presence of this disorder in a gambler over a 12-month period of practice.

What are the potential consequences?

The negative consequences of JHA addiction can be financial, professional, social and health-related. ‘We see impoverishment due to significant financial losses with serious implications, professional difficulties, increased absenteeism and relationship problems that can lead to job loss, health problems with a high incidence of depression and anxiety,’ says the addiction specialist at the Lomé University Hospital Campus.

The psychotherapist also mentions the risks of polyaddiction, or the simultaneous presence of addictions to psychoactive substances (drugs) and behavioural addictions in the same person, problems with alcohol and other types of drug use, risky behaviours, and family problems (separations, divorces).

How can you overcome addiction?

The first step towards recovery is ‘recognising the addiction. Admitting that gambling has become a problem allows you to seek help and begin lasting change. Next, it is recommended that you reduce your access to gambling by deleting apps, avoiding betting shops and temporarily handing over control of your finances to a trusted friend or family member,’ insists Dr Degboe.

Psychological support is also essential. ‘Therapy helps to understand the triggers of gambling, such as stress, boredom and financial difficulties, and to develop alternative strategies. We also encourage replacing gambling with structured activities such as sport, vocational training, community or religious activities,’ says the specialist.

Dr Degboe calls for greater mobilisation on the part of the authorities, the media and civil society. ‘The prevention of gambling addiction must be integrated into public health campaigns, in the same way as alcohol or tobacco. Early information can prevent a lot of tragedy,’ he argues.

Despite the difficulties, the specialist points out that remission is possible, as this is a chronic disease with no cure. That is why everything must be done to prevent it. "With appropriate guidance, family support and personal commitment, it is possible to overcome addiction. The important thing is to understand that asking for help is an act of courage, a step towards escaping this trap," he concludes.

William O