Psychologist linked uncontrolled gadgets in childhood and ludomania

Lilia Shuvalova, a psychologist and lecturer at the Department of Sports Management at the Faculty of Sports at Synergy University, said that uncontrolled use of gadgets in childhood is fraught with ludomania in adulthood.

In conversation with the agency RuNews24.Ru On Tuesday, June 9, she explained that ludomania is related to the dopamine system of the brain. According to her, the key role is played not by the winning itself, but by the expectation of a reward, which triggers the release of dopamine.

The expert noted that the growth of gambling addiction is associated not only with socio-economic factors, but also with the widespread use of gadgets. She explained that the brain gets similar pleasure both from gambling and from endless watching of short videos and other digital content.

According to the expert, the risk of developing ludomania in adulthood increases if a child uses gadgets uncontrollably. Over time, the brain requires more and more intense stimulation, and betting or online casinos can be one of the sources of dopamine.

Among the possible signs of addiction, the psychologist named demonstrative behavior, excessive attachment to gadgets, low motivation and lack of hobbies. The expert added that in Russia there are opportunities for the treatment of gambling addiction, but relatives often seek help too late, when the problem has already led to serious financial losses.

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Evgeny Bekhterev, Deputy Director for Research at the Bekhterev National Research Medical Center of Psychiatry and Neurology, Co-chairman of the Clinical Narcology Section of the Russian Society of Psychiatrists Krupitsky said that Russia is preparing unified clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ludomania. The document is planned to be developed by the end of 2026 and approved in 2027.

In April, it was reported that a free rehabilitation system for people with gambling addiction may appear in Russia. It is proposed to organize it by analogy with alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs. It is assumed that it will be possible to receive free help in this case as early as September 1, writes Life.ru .

At the same time, psychiatrist-narcologist Vasily Shurov, in an interview with NSN, said that it was worth attending group therapy for ludomania. According to him, attempts to cope with the problem on their own, relying only on willpower, are often unsuccessful, especially if serious negative consequences have already appeared, notes 360.ru .

Also in April, psychiatrist-narcologist Pavel Ponizovsky said that ludomania is comparable to chemical dependence in terms of development mechanisms, since similar changes occur in the brain. Therapy includes both medication correction of anxiety and depressive states, as well as psychotherapeutic care, RT notes.

In March, psychologist and psychotherapist Dmitry Evstigneev, in an interview with Moskva 24, said that the development of ludomania can be indicated by a constant increase in bets for the sake of previous emotions, irritability and anxiety when unable to play, as well as an obsessive desire to recoup after losing. The expert called the loss of control over expenses and attempts to hide dependence on loved ones another alarming signal.