Gambling addiction among adolescents and youth has become one of the most pressing issues in modern society. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on fostering healthy lifestyles and engaging interests among young people, as well as providing psychological support. Today, Abai University hosted a preventive session with a psychologist on the topic "Psychological Determinants of Gambling Addiction Among Youth and Prevention Strategies."

During the event, experts analyzed the psychological, social, and behavioral factors contributing to ludomania among students, discussing the mechanisms of addiction development and its negative impact on an individual’s psycho-emotional well-being and social relationships. Inkar Kairatkyзы, a psychologist at the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Mental Health and Master of Social Sciences, established an open dialogue with the students and shared her practical experience.

The speaker explained in detail the psychological nature of gambling addiction, the nuances of its gradual formation, and the development mechanisms of addictive behavior. According to the specialist, there are three primary signs of gambling addiction. Initially, interest in gambling leads to impaired self-control. Subsequently, essential social aspects of a person’s life—such as studies, work, and personal relationships—are pushed aside as gambling becomes the top priority. Consequently, this leads to full-scale addiction, where the individual continues playing despite arising difficulties.

The psychologist highlighted the psychological determinants—the complex set of psychological factors and root causes that drive addiction. For instance, while emotional states and personality traits prompt a person to gamble, cognitive biases in the brain reinforce the belief that they will eventually "win." The pursuit of easy gains further aggravates this process, causing the individual to get trapped in a downward spiral. The combination of these factors takes over one's mindset, giving rise to addiction.

The preventive session helped students understand that ludomania is not merely a bad habit, but a deep-seated dependency affecting a person's psychological and social life. This educational initiative will undoubtedly encourage young people to make conscious choices and take personal responsibility for their well-being.

Media Center «Abai University»