What Causes Problem Gambling

Gambling refers to an activity in which a person risks something valuable to them in order to win something in return. Common forms of gambling include betting in casinos or on sporting events. Gambling disorder describes a loss of control of gambling behavior that causes significant problems with finances, work, or personal relationships.

  • A gambling addiction or problem is often linked with many other behaviours or mood disorders. It has been discovered that many problem gamblers may also deal with unmanaged ADHD, substance abuse issues, stress, anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
  • For many people, gambling is harmless fun, but it can become a problem. This type of compulsive behavior is often called “problem gambling.” A gambling addiction is a progressive addiction that can.

The FDA warned Tuesday that the antipsychotic drug aripiprazole, which is found in medications like Abilify and Aristada, has been linked to uncontrollable urges to eat, gamble, shop and have sex.

The FDA said that the compulsive behaviors stopped when users went off the medications, which suggests a close correlation. While these drugs already warn that gambling may be a side effect, the agency announced it had just become aware that compulsive sex, binge eating and shopping might also be associated with the drug.

Aripiprazole, which decreases hallucinations and stabilizes mood, is used to treat psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as Tourrette’s syndrome and some symptoms of autism.

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