About poker

Poker is a card game in which players bet on the value of their hand. The winner is the player with the highest-valued hand.

Addiction to poker, a “real” addiction?

Officially an addiction?

First, let’s have a look to the DSM-5,the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Does it includes poker addiction?

No, poker addiction is not currently listed in the DSM-5.

So what means “poker addiction”?

Poker addiction is a form of gambling addiction that is characterized by an obsession with playing poker, betting on poker games, and thinking about poker constantly. Poker addicts may spend large amounts of money on poker games and betting, and they may even borrow money to finance their addiction. Poker addiction can lead to financial ruin, relationship problems, and even criminal activity.

What is considered poker addiction?

• 1. Preoccupation with gambling, such as planning gambling activities, reliving past gambling experiences, or gambling when feeling distressed.
• 2. Tolerance, or the need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired level of excitement.
• 3. Withdrawal, or experiencing irritability, anxiety, or restlessness when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
• 4. Losing interest in other activities and hobbies.
• 5. Continuing to gamble despite experiencing negative consequences, such as financial problems or relationship difficulties.

How much poker is too much?

This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on the individual. Some people might say that any time spent playing poker is too much, while others might be able to play for hours without any negative effects. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide how much time they are willing to spend on poker.

Some gambling addiction facts & statistics

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, the following statistics are related to gambling addiction:

• 1. Approximately 2-3% of the general populationare problem gamblers.
• 2. An estimated 4-6% of college students and 1% of high school studentshave a gambling addiction.
• 3. Men are more likely than womento develop a gambling problem.
• 4. The age groups most likely to develop a gambling addiction are young adults and the elderly.
• 5. People with low income and education levelsare more likely to develop a gambling addiction.
• 6. The highest rates of gambling addictionare found among people who play electronic gaming machines(such as slot machines) and online gambling.

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Is the poker addiction widespread?

There are certainly many people who enjoy playing poker, but not all of them are addicted to it. However, there are some individuals who may struggle with compulsive gambling behavior, including poker addiction. It’s important for individuals to be mindful of their own behaviors and seek help if they feel that their poker playing is becoming problematic or interfering with their daily life.

Why is poker so addictive?

There are many reasons why poker is addictive. The main reason is that it is a very exciting game. It is also a game of chance, which means that there is always a chance that you could win or lose.

Possible causes of poker dependency

There are many causes of poker addiction, but the most common ones are:

-Chasing losses

-Trying to make back money that was lost

-Gambling to escape from problems or boredom

-Thinking that you can’t lose

-Believing that you’re on a winning streak

-Losing track of time and money

Signs & Symptoms of poker addiction

Now let’s see if you have the poker addiction problem.

• 1. You are always talking about poker.
• 2. You think about poker all the time.
• 3. You can’t concentrate on anything else but poker.
• 4. You always need to be playing poker.
• 5. You are always trying to find new ways to play poker.
• 6. You are always looking for new poker games to play.
• 7. You can’t stop playing poker.

What are some benefits of poker

There are many reasons why poker is such a great game. For one, it is a very challenging and strategic game that requires a lot of skill and practice to master.

Additionally, poker is a great way to socialize and meet new people. It is also a very exciting and fun game to play, and can be very lucrative for those who are good at it.But at the opposite, what can be some poker addiction problems addicts suffer from?

general health problems

There is no definitive answer to this question as the effects of poker on one’s health can vary depending on the person. Some potential effects could include increased levels of stress, anxiety, or depression; increased heart rate and blood pressure; and increased risk of developing gambling addiction.

poker and sleep disorder

Playing poker itself does not directly cause sleep disorders or sleep problems. However, excessive playing of poker or any type of gambling activity can lead to addiction, which can cause sleep disturbances and other mental health issues.

Additionally, staying up late to play poker can disrupt a person’s sleep schedule and lead to sleep deprivation, which can result in a variety of physical and mental health problems. It is important to practice responsible gambling and prioritize healthy sleep habits to maintain overall well-being.

poker affecting your brain & mental health: bad for brain and mental health?

Some effects of poker on your brain

Poker can have a number of negative effects on your brain, including:

• 1. It can lead to gambling addiction.
• 2. It can cause you to become obsessed with winning, leading to financial problems.
• 3. It can make you more likely to take risks, leading to potentially dangerous situations.
• 4. It can cause you to become irritable and aggressive, leading to problems in your personal relationships.
• 5. It can lead to sleep problems, as you may stay up late at night playing poker.
• 6. It can cause you to miss work or school, as you may spend too much time playing poker.
• 7. It can lead to health problems, as the stress of poker can lead to ulcers, heart problems, and other health issues.

Some effects of poker on your mental health

Poker can have a number of negative effects on your mental health. It can lead to anxiety and depression, as well as problems with impulse control and decision-making. It can also increase your risk of developing gambling addiction.

Does poker cause stress and anxiety?

Yes, playing poker can cause stress or anxiety. This is because poker is a game of uncertainty, and players can experience a range of emotions during the game, such as excitement, frustration, and disappointment.

Additionally, the pressure to win, the fear of losing money, and the need to make quick decisions can all contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. However, it is important to note that some people may enjoy the challenge and excitement of poker, and may not experience negative emotions while playing.

Can poker addiction lead to sadness and depression?

Yes, poker addiction can lead to sadness and depression. When a person becomes addicted to poker, they may begin to prioritize playing over other activities, relationships, and responsibilities. This can lead to feelings of isolation, guilt, and shame.

Additionally, losing money or experiencing financial problems due to poker addiction can contribute to stress and anxiety, which can lead to feelings of sadness and depression. It’s important for individuals struggling with poker addiction to seek help and support to address their addiction and any related mental health concerns.

Dopamine and poker

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in reward processing and reinforcement learning. In poker, the anticipation of winning a hand or a game can increase dopamine release, providing a pleasurable sensation. This can lead to an increased desire to continue playing, as the brain seeks to replicate the rewarding experience. However, this can also lead to problematic gambling behavior, as individuals may become addicted to the dopamine rush associated with gambling. It is important to practice responsible gambling and to seek help if gambling becomes a problem.

poker effects on Focus, productivity, attention span, academic performance…

Poker can have both positive and negative effects on focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance depending on how it is approached. Here are some of the potential effects:

Positive effects:
– Improved focus and attention: Playing poker requires concentration and focus, which can help improve these skills over time.
– Increased productivity: If played in moderation, poker can be a fun and relaxing activity that can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. This can lead to increased productivity in other areas of life.
– Improved decision-making skills: Poker requires players to make quick decisions based on incomplete information, which can help improve decision-making skills in other areas of life.

Negative effects:
– Reduced focus and productivity: If played excessively or in a way that is overly distracting, poker can lead to reduced focus and productivity in other areas of life.
– Addiction: Like any form of gambling, poker can be addictive and lead to compulsive behavior that can negatively impact academic performance and other areas of life.
– Financial problems: If not played responsibly, poker can lead to financial problems that can cause stress and negatively impact academic performance.

In summary, the effects of poker on focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance depend on how it is approached. If played responsibly and in moderation, it can have some positive effects. However, if played excessively or irresponsibly, it can have negative consequences.

A word about ADHD and poker

People with ADHD may interact differently with poker as compared to those without ADHD. ADHD can affect an individual’s ability to focus and concentrate for extended periods, which may make it difficult to stay engaged in a game like poker that requires a lot of attention and concentration.

Additionally, impulsivity is a common symptom of ADHD, which may lead individuals to make impulsive decisions during the game, such as betting more than they can afford or making risky moves that could result in losing the game. However, it is important to note that not all individuals with ADHD will have the same experience with poker, and some may be able to use their hyperfocus and creativity to their advantage in the game.

affecting your relationships

poker and self-esteem

Poker can have both positive and negative effects on self-esteem depending on the individual’s experiences and mindset. Here are some ways in which poker can affect self-esteem:

• 1. Winning at poker can boost self-esteem: Winning at poker can give a sense of accomplishment and validation, which can boost self-esteem. It can also give a feeling of control and mastery over the game, which can enhance confidence and self-efficacy.
• 2. Losing at poker can damage self-esteem: Losing at poker can lead to feelings of disappointment, frustration, and self-doubt. It can also lead to negative self-talk and self-criticism, which can lower self-esteem.
• 3. Playing poker can improve self-awareness: Playing poker requires self-awareness and self-reflection. It can help individuals understand their strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas for improvement. This introspection can lead to greater self-understanding and self-acceptance, which can improve self-esteem.
• 4. Comparing oneself to other players can damage self-esteem: Comparing oneself to other players can lead to feelings of inferiority or superiority. It can create unrealistic expectations and put undue pressure on oneself to perform, which can lower self-esteem.

Overall, poker can have a complex impact on self-esteem. While winning can boost self-esteem, losing and comparing oneself to others can have the opposite effect. It is important for individuals to maintain a balanced perspective and focus on personal growth and improvement rather than external validation or outcomes.

poker addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?

Yes, poker addiction can lead to isolation and loneliness. When someone becomes addicted to poker, they may spend hours playing the game and neglect other aspects of their life, such as spending time with friends and family. They may also lose interest in other hobbies and activities that they used to enjoy. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation as they become more and more focused on the game.

Additionally, if someone is experiencing financial problems due to their poker addiction, they may become isolated from their social circle as they try to hide their financial troubles or avoid social situations that involve spending money.

Effects of poker on your relationship

Positive effects of poker on your relationship:

• 1. Builds trust: Playing poker together can help build trust between partners. It requires communication, honesty, and the ability to read each other’s emotions, which can strengthen the bond between partners.
• 2. Provides a shared interest: Having a shared interest like poker can provide a way for couples to spend time together and bond over a common activity.
• 3. Teaches problem-solving skills: Poker requires strategy and problem-solving skills, which can be useful in other areas of a relationship.

Negative effects of poker on your relationship:

• 1. Addiction: Poker can become addictive, which can lead to problems in a relationship if one partner becomes obsessed with the game and neglects other responsibilities or the relationship itself.
• 2. Financial strain: If one partner is spending too much money on poker, it can cause financial strain on the relationship and lead to arguments.
• 3. Trust issues: If one partner suspects the other of cheating or dishonesty during a poker game, it can erode trust in the relationship.

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Finally you think you are addicted to poker and you are wondering how to quit it? How to break and overcome your cravings for poker?

Here are the best solutions, steps, supports, resources and help you can get to treat your poker addiction.

Main steps and solutions to break the poker addiction

The main steps to get rid of poker addiction are to seek professional help, set limits on yourself, and stick to those limits.
Actually, that’s what most documentation out there is about… However, quitting a digital addiction can be a bit trickier than that.

So our team, after testing many ways, designed a bulletproof way to overcome them. Here are some clear and practical steps that are very powerful to quit a digital addiction, including poker:

1. Purge temptations: Get rid of poker

First, cleaning your life from temptations is much easier than resisting to them. Disable or delete your poker accounts, change the password and hide it somewhere you can’t access easily, keep your phone / computer far away… Out of sight out of mind.

Here is a video from our course the The Digital Purge. on how to add resistance to your temptations, so you become so lazy to engage with them that you give them up:

More of the Digital Purge