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GAMBLING ADDICTION

According to the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11) published by the World Health Organization, gambling disorder is classified among behavioral addictions and is characterized by impaired control over gambling in terms of onset, frequency, intensity, duration, termination, and context. It also involves increasing priority given to gambling over other life interests and daily activities, as well as the continuation or escalation of gambling despite the occurrence of negative consequences.

What Are the Characteristics of Gambling Disorder?

Gambling behavior patterns may be continuous or episodic but are typically recurrent. To diagnose gambling disorder, the three characteristics mentioned above must be evident over a period of at least 12 months. However, if all these characteristics are present and symptoms are severe, the diagnosis may be made even if the duration is shorter. In recent years, with the increasing use of the internet, gambling disorder has also emerged in connection with online gambling behaviors.

Although gambling disorder was long considered an impulse control disorder in psychiatry, it has been reclassified under non-substance-related addictive disorders. This addiction is often accompanied by behaviors such as betting increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement, inability to control or stop gambling, constant preoccupation with gambling, giving gambling higher priority over other life interests and daily activities, continuing to gamble despite negative consequences, or an increasing motivation to gamble.

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According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), gambling disorder is defined as:
A persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by four (or more) of the following criteria in a 12-month period:

What are the effects of gambling addiction?

Gambling addiction has a comprehensive impact, not only harming the individual but also affecting their family and society negatively. The effects include:

For the Individual:

  • Psychological issues.
  • Increased susceptibility to other addictions.
  • Becoming selfish and opportunistic in the pursuit of winning.
  • Neglecting responsibilities due to gambling obsession.
  • Involvement in a complex web of relationships that can lead to physical harm.
  • Financial losses.

For the Family:

  • Loss of trust within the family.
  • Financial losses.
  • Emotional losses.
  • Negative impact on family relationships due to relationships formed to finance gambling.

For Society:

  • Legitimizing ill-gotten gains, making easy money an ideal for new generations.
  • Illegal structures gaining power and wealth through these means.
  • Erosion of foundational societal concepts like hard work, justice and legality.
  • Damage to societal morals.
  • Manifestation of self-interest and the desire to win in social relationships.
  • Erosion of peace and trust in society.

What to do?

 To address gambling addiction, individuals should:

  • Stay away from places where gambling occurs, including online gambling sites.
  • Distance themselves from triggers that prompt thoughts of gambling (such as horse racing programs, casino advertisements, lottery tickets, etc.).
  • Avoid individuals associated with gambling.
  • Refrain from engaging in discussions about gambling.
  • Carry only the amount of money needed for daily necessities and avoid using credit cards and ATMs beyond necessity.
  • Change lifestyle, replacing negative habits with positive behaviors.
  • Seek support, reaching out to a trusted friend or family member for assistance.

Engage in other activities to redirect focus, such as housework, exercise, reading or spending time with family.

How can we help?

To prevent gambling and potential relapses, consider:

  • Setting financial limits and taking on financial responsibility within the family to prevent both gambling and relapses.
  • Preparing in advance for requests for money using begging, threats or accusations from the individual with gambling addiction and developing strategies to handle them.
  • Encouraging both yourself and the individual with gambling addiction to seek therapy for more effective coping with the problem.

What are the risk factors?

· Gamblers often hope to recover their losses in a single attempt. When this does not happen, they may try to cover up their behavior and losses with lies.

· To obtain money for gambling, they may engage in illegal activities such as fraud, theft, embezzlement, or deception.

· Gambling can jeopardize or lead to the loss of important relationships, jobs, or educational opportunities.

· Individuals who realize they cannot compensate for their losses may experience severe distress, depression, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

 

What is the appropriate treatment approach for pathological gambling?

Given the profound impact of this destructive habit on communities and families, treating pathological gambling as a public health issue is crucial. Successful treatment is possible by implementing a treatment model often used for substance addiction. Individuals with gambling addiction should be directed to the addiction treatment departments of hospitals.

To achieve success in a treatment program tailored to the individual, it is essential for the individual to first acknowledge that gambling addiction is a pathological disorder.

More Latest News

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Following the successful completion of the Addiction Prevention Training Program (TBM) held on 4–5 October 2025, a follow-up online supervision session titled “IFGC TBM 2025 Follow-up Process and Supervision Session” was organized on 18 February 2026. The session was jointly conducted by the International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC) and the Turkish Green Crescent Society through its Training Management Department, with the aim of monitoring implementation processes and strengthening the capacities of certified practitioners across countries. The one-and-a-half-hour program was led by Afra Sevde Çelebi. Trainers who have been actively delivering addiction prevention education in their respective countries shared their field experiences, discussed challenges encountered during implementation, and reflected on the outcomes of their activities. Participants emphasized the transformative, developmental, interactive, and community-centered impact of the TBM trainings. In several countries, the sessions generated renewed training requests, led to the establishment of parent support networks, and encouraged the formation of youth volunteer teams. A total of 16 participants from 12 countries attended the supervision session, representing Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Somalia), North Africa (Tunisia), Europe (Greece, Kosovo), South America (Colombia), and Southeast Asia (Indonesia). This wide geographical representation once again demonstrated the multi-continental reach of the Green Crescent’s prevention model and its adaptability to diverse cultural and regional contexts. IFGC and the Turkish Green Crescent Society remain committed to sustaining capacity-building efforts, enhancing the quality of addiction prevention practices, and fostering continuous knowledge exchange among international practitioners.  

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The Board of Directors Meeting of the International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC), whose permanent secretariat is carried out by the Turkish Green Crescent Society, was held on 29–30 January 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye. During the meeting, the Federation’s ongoing activities were reviewed, and key issues related to organizational structure, governance processes, and strategic priorities were discussed. The meeting was attended by IFGC Board Members and IFGC Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu. Participants included Kazım Ateş, President of Green Crescent Australia (Australia); Petar Gramatikof, Board Member of Yeshilay Bulgaria Association (Bulgaria); Shagabitdin Kerimov, President of Dagestan Green Crescent (Dagestan); Era Catur Prasetya, President of Yayasan Green Crescent Indonesia (Indonesia); Nihad Dervisevic, Secretary General of Zeleni Krst – Zeleni Polumsejec (Serbia); and Magid Mayanja Kagimu, President of the Uganda Green Crescent Society (Uganda). Following the Board Meeting, participants attended the Strong Family Workshop organized by the Turkish Green Crescent Society. Conducted through interactive dialogue, the workshop addressed effective parent–child communication methods and protective approaches against addictions. As part of the program, on Friday, 30 January 2026, the IFGC Board Members carried out a field visit to the Bursa Green Crescent Rehabilitation Center. During the visit, participants received comprehensive information on the Center’s services and had the opportunity to observe Türkiye’s rehabilitation and treatment practices on site.  The field visit included a detailed presentation by Tuba Bilmişoğlu, Director of the Bursa Green Crescent Rehabilitation Center. Board Members examined rehabilitation and treatment approaches firsthand and exchanged views with expert professionals on addiction prevention, recovery processes, and psychosocial support practices. The visit contributed to the international sharing of the Green Crescent’s experience in the field of rehabilitation. The IFGC Board of Directors Meeting aims to strengthen the Federation’s strategic direction, enhance governance capacity, promote international cooperation, and further reinforce its global role in addiction prevention, treatment, and public health advocacy.   

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