If you are constantly tempted to gamble, you may be developing a gambling problem. Problem gambling is when an individual’s urge to engage in gambling is out of control and starts to negatively impact their life. There are a number of free, confidential Gambling counsellors available to help you overcome this problem. Gambling counsellors are available around the clock to help you through this difficult time. If you think you are suffering from this addiction, seek professional help as soon as possible.
Signs of problem gambling
There are numerous signs of problem gambling. Many people who suffer from compulsive gambling have severe emotional problems. For these individuals, gambling becomes their only source of fuel, food, and oxygen. In such a situation, the person becomes completely unable to function and has no life outside of gambling. Signs of problem gambling include:
One of the most common signs of problem gambling is the need to commit criminal offences to fund their addiction. The person may even engage in robbery to obtain money to fuel their addiction. Another warning sign is increased phone time. Even when the person has no gambling-related need, they may be preoccupied with their obsession with winning or losing. Even their lives may become compromised as a result of gambling. Here are some of the most telling signs of problem gambling.
Treatment options for problem gamblers
Traditionally, treatment for problem gamblers focuses on abstinence. However, men tend to receive less counseling than women. Peer-based and self-help treatment options may be helpful, but have not been proven to be effective in addressing problem gambling. However, in many cases, referral to a peer support group may be helpful. In this case, the goal of the treatment should be to create an environment that is conducive to a problem gambler’s recovery.
Behavioral and cognitive therapy are two options for treating compulsive gambling. Both methods focus on identifying unhealthy beliefs and replacing them with more productive ones. Family therapy is another option. Certain drugs can also be effective for treating compulsive gamblers. Narcotic antagonists and antidepressants are also effective treatments. However, problem gamblers may resist treatment. Therefore, a doctor may need to rule out other illnesses before prescribing medications.
Prevalence of problem gambling in U.S.
A recent study of the prevalence of problem gambling in the United States found that it is far more common among minorities than among whites. In fact, problem gambling was significantly more common among blacks than among whites and Asians. But the study showed that this disparity did not hold up over time. In fact, it declined over the next quarter century, even as the prevalence of problem gambling continued to rise among all demographic groups.
Despite these results, it is important to understand that this type of study is limited by several limitations. First of all, the authors found that males were twice as likely to experience problem gambling as females. Then, they noted that although the prevalence of problem gambling among men was higher than among women, it was significantly lower among women. This is an important distinction to make if the prevalence of problem gambling among men is indeed disproportionate to that of females.
