“Addiction is the only prison where the locks are on the inside.” – Anonymous. As a de-addiction specialist, I’ve observed a significant rise in inquiries from individuals seeking help for various addictions. A particularly concerning trend is the growing prevalence of gambling addiction, with clients reporting staggering losses ranging from lakhs to crores of rupees. In addition, many individuals are coming forward with compulsive behaviours related to stock market investments, particularly in futures and options trading, despite suffering substantial losses and draining their savings. This alarming pattern underscores the urgent need for greater awareness, education, and timely intervention in addressing these destructive behaviours. The Journey from Habit to Addiction “What starts as a habit can quietly turn into an addiction, taking control before we even notice. It’s the small, daily choices that determine which path we walk.” – James Clear. Getting a glimpse of this journey and understanding the fine line is crucial. Habits are the building blocks of our daily lives, shaping our routines and actions. They can be powerful tools for personal growth when directed toward positive outcomes. However, when left unchecked or misdirected, habits can spiral into addiction—an all-consuming, harmful pattern of behaviour. Habits start as small, repetitive actions. When you do something consistently, your brain creates neural pathways that make the behaviour automatic over time. This efficiency is beneficial—it helps us complete tasks without too much mental energy, like brushing our teeth or exercising regularly. The process is simple: a cue triggers the behaviour, which leads to a reward, reinforcing the loop. The same mechanism that helps form healthy habits can also lead to addiction when the behaviour begins to offer temporary pleasure or relief but at a long-term cost. Addiction starts when the brain craves that reward intensely, and the person feels compelled to repeat the action despite adverse consequences. The once-controlled behaviour—whether it’s substance use, gambling, or even excessive social media use—becomes a compulsive need. As addiction progresses, the brain’s reward system changes, making it harder to find pleasure in other areas of life. The individual starts prioritising the addictive behaviour over everything else, leading to physical, emotional, and social harm. Habits are important because they structure our lives, allow us to accomplish goals, and build resilience over time. Positive habits like regular exercise, meditation, or learning can contribute to personal and professional growth. In fact, forming good habits can prevent negative behaviours from taking hold. Understanding Substance and Behavioural Addiction As addiction specialists, we evaluate behaviour that has been repetitive and becomes a habit or extended to the realms of abuse or addiction. Delineating this becomes a core of intervention and treatment. Addiction is a complex condition characterised by compulsive and harmful behaviours that persist despite adverse consequences. It can be broadly categorised into two main types: substance addiction and behavioural addiction. Substance abuse is characterised by the excessive and harmful consumption of psychoactive substances, regardless of whether they are prescribed or illicit. This can lead to negative consequences in various areas of life, including work, relationships, and health. Substance addiction or Dependence syndrome is a more severe condition characterised by a cluster of behavioural, cognitive, and physiological symptoms. The “Four C’s” — Compulsive use, Craving, Control difficulties, and Continuation despite harm—are essential indicators of dependence. While the criteria primarily focus on substance abuse and dependence, they can also be applied to behavioural addictions. Behavioural addictions, such as gambling, internet addiction, compulsive shopping, or stocks & trading, can also exhibit similar patterns of excessive and harmful engagement. Individuals may experience cravings, loss of control, and negative consequences despite repeated attempts to quit. Key similarities between substance abuse and behavioural addictions: 1. Compulsive behaviour: Both involve a solid compulsion to engage in the addictive behaviour despite adverse consequences. 2. Loss of control: Individuals struggle to control the frequency and intensity of their addictive behaviour. 3. Negative consequences: Both can lead to significant harm in various areas of life, such as relationships, work, and health. 4. Tolerance and withdrawal: While not always present in behavioural addictions, individuals may experience increased tolerance (need for more of the addictive behaviour) and withdrawal symptoms (adverse effects when the behaviour is reduced or stopped). Behavioural addictions can be just as damaging as substance addictions. Two significant and growing areas of concern within behavioural addiction today are gambling and the increasingly prevalent futures and options trading addiction. The Rise of Gambling Addiction Gambling addiction, or gambling disorder, has long been recognised as a significant mental health issue. It involves compulsive participation in games of chance, where the individual cannot control their urge to gamble, even when it leads to personal, financial, or social harm. With the rise of online platforms, gambling is more accessible than ever, leading to a surge in gambling-related problems. Recent studies have shown a dramatic increase in online gambling due to technological advancements and the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a rise in virtual casinos, sports betting, and other forms of online wagering. A 2023 report by the UK Gambling Commission indicated that online gambling participation had grown by nearly 10% over the last five years, with problem gambling affecting 2.2% of participants. Additionally, the availability of mobile gambling apps has further deepened the ease with which individuals can engage in harmful behaviour. Gambling is often legally restricted in India, yet online betting, particularly on sports like cricket, has seen explosive growth. A survey by Statista found that the Indian online gambling market is expected to reach $1.9 billion by 2025. With this rise comes a parallel increase in gambling addiction, often manifesting in financial ruin, strained relationships, and even depression or suicide. Futures and Options Trading Addiction: A Growing Phenomenon “The more you chase the market, the more it eludes you. Trading addiction thrives on this chase, leading to emotional and financial ruin.” – Anonymous. Alongside traditional gambling, another form of behavioural addiction is futures and options trading. This involves compulsive trading in high-risk financial markets, often driven by the same psychological mechanisms as gambling. The short-term nature of these trades, the potential for significant rewards, and the market’s volatility can easily create a cycle of dependency and risk-taking behaviour. Trading platforms have gamified investing, making it attractive to younger generations who seek instant gratification. The rise of app-based trading platforms like Robinhood has democratised trading and made it easier for individuals to develop unhealthy relationships with financial speculation. In 2021, over 10 million new accounts were created on retail trading platforms in the U.S. alone, many by young or inexperienced traders. In 2023, research from the American Psychiatric Association suggested that futures and options trading addiction is rising rapidly, particularly among young men aged 18-35, with many showing symptoms similar to problem gambling, such as chasing losses, neglecting personal responsibilities, and experiencing mood swings tied to financial market outcomes. Behavioural Addiction: A Common Root Cause “Trading isn’t a game, but addiction turns it into one, where the house always wins, and the trader always loses.” – Alexander Elder. Both gambling and futures trading addiction stem from a common root cause: the brain’s reward system. Dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure, is released during these activities, creating a powerful and addictive loop. The thrill of “winning” in a game of chance or trading often pushes individuals to take riskier actions to replicate that high. Over time, these behaviours may become compulsive, leading to significant mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and financial stress. The Societal Impact “The thrill of speculation in futures and options can blind you to the reality that every bet could cost you more than you can afford—financially and emotionally.” – Paul Tudor Jones The impact of these addictions extends far beyond the individual. Families are often the first to suffer as loved ones become emotionally and financially distant. Workplaces are also affected, as individuals lose productivity or experience severe financial distress, which can lead to job loss. Globally, governments and regulatory bodies have started addressing these issues. The UK has instituted strict advertising regulations on gambling and trading platforms, while India is considering legislation to curb online betting. In 2022, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed additional measures to protect retail traders from predatory practices that exploit addictive behaviours. However, the balance between consumer protection and personal responsibility remains complex. Prevention and Treatment “The most important thing is to be aware of your suffering. Once you are aware of your suffering, you can take steps to heal it.” Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist Monk. Seeking early help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Professional help will entail helping you become aware of the journey to addiction and finding a way to take a U-turn before it is too late. Treatment for behavioural addiction involves a combination of therapy and, in some cases, medication. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has proven effective for both gambling and trading addiction, helping individuals recognise the triggers and irrational beliefs that fuel their compulsive behaviours. Support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous provide a community for those seeking recovery. Recently, awareness campaigns have been launched to educate people on the risks of behavioural addictions. In 2023, the World Health Organization emphasised the need for public health interventions to address these growing issues. Many countries have introduced helplines and mental health services, specifically targeting gambling and trading addiction. Final points Behavioural addictions such as gambling and futures trading are growing public health concerns that demand greater attention. As these activities become more accessible, particularly in the digital age, more people are at risk of developing life-altering compulsions. With awareness, intervention, and supportive resources, it is possible to mitigate these risks and help individuals regain control over their lives. Call to action: If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling or trading addiction, seek professional help or reach out to local support groups. Early intervention can make a significant difference in overcoming addiction. Recommended Read: 1. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business is a book by Charles Duhigg, a New York Times reporter, published by Random House in February 2012. This excellent book explores the science behind habit creation and reformation. 2. Atomic Habits is a practical and valuable book by James Clear that distils the most fundamental information about habit formation so you can accomplish more by focusing on less. 3. Avoid getting into this game! But if you are already doing it, do it with a cool, calm head. Read – Trading for a Living by Alexander Elder. This book gained widespread recognition and became a classic in the trading community. In it, Elder emphasises the importance of psychological discipline in trading, outlining how traders can manage their emotions and improve their decision-making processes. He also introduced vital concepts such as the triple-screen trading system. Read Dr Roshan Jain’s blogs and articles on emotional wellness, Listen to his Listen to Mind Matters podcast View and subscribe to his YouTube channel Mindism © Dr Roshan Jain 9 Oct 2024