BOGOR - Addiction to gambling is a global phenomenon that not only occurs in Indonesia but also throughout the world. This behavioral addiction is similar to drug addiction, but now also includes activities such as gadget use, gaming, sex, pornography, gambling and shopping.
President Director of the National Center for Mental Health Marzoeki Mahdi Hospital, Nova Riyanti Yusuf, said that gambling addiction is a mental disorder.
"This phenomenon cannot be ignored, because gambling addiction has been recognized and classified as a mental disorder in the DSM-5, as gambling disorder. "This disorder not only has an impact on clinical manifestations but also disrupts social and work functions," he said during a media briefing at the Rama Inpatient Room, Marzoeki Mahdi Hospital, Bogor, Friday (21/6/2024).
Furthermore, Nova added that gambling addiction can have far-reaching impacts, especially because it is related to money. One of the diagnostic criteria is the use of increasing amounts of money for gambling, especially online gambling.
“When someone tries to quit, they often feel uncomfortable, showing signs of addiction. "This disrupts interactions with the family and has a negative impact on the family's economy," he added.
The National Center for Mental Health Marzoeki Mahdi Hospital has taken the initiative to address this problem by opening a Behavioral Addiction Clinic at the Executive Polyclinic. PKJN Marzoeki Mahdi Hospital can treat various addictions such as gambling, gaming, shopping, sex and pornography.
However, regulations do not yet stipulate that BPJS Health can guarantee gambling disorders, so this service is still payable. If patients also use drugs, they can enter the IPWL scheme and undergo rehabilitation at PKJN Marzoeki Mahdi Hospital.
Gambling addiction not only interferes with daily life, but also has clinical manifestations. When someone tries to reduce gambling, they feel anxious and often fail to control or stop the habit. Gambling becomes a kind of escape when they are stressed, providing a kind of sensation of reward or when they win. However, it is also dangerous because it is often accompanied by lies, relationship breakdown, work problems, and financial dependence on others due to debts caused by gambling. (Rnt)