Gambling addiction affects millions of people around the world. The financial and emotional impact is similar whether an individual gambles regularly or sporadically. Problem gambling is defined when a person has difficulty stopping and its effects negatively affect any area of his or her life. Therapy is available to help an individual overcome their gambling problem. Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, teaches the individual to change the way he or she thinks about gambling. Changing your thoughts about gambling can lead to a more positive attitude towards your life.
Problem gambling
If you or a loved one is suffering from the effects of problem gambling, you are not alone. There are many different treatments available for this disorder. Most commonly, these treatments involve counseling, step-based programs, self-help, and peer-support, and in some cases, medications. There is no single treatment for problem gambling that is effective for all individuals, and there is no medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this condition.
Problem gambling is a chronic mental disorder that can result in financial, emotional, and family problems. It can range from mild to severe and can worsen over time. Previously, problem gambling was referred to as pathological gambling or compulsive gambling. In 2014, the American Psychiatric Association recognized problem gambling as an impulse control disorder (ICD).
Signs of a gambling addiction
There are several symptoms to look for in someone with a gambling addiction. Generally, the gambling habit begins as a hobby and ends up taking over one’s life. A pathological gambler will go to great lengths to win and lose money in a game, ignoring family and friends and missing meals and medications. Often, this behavior is accompanied by denial about the damage done by the addiction. These signs are important to keep an eye out for.
One of the hallmark signs of a gambling addiction is an inability to stop gambling. If a person cannot stop themselves from playing, they are likely suffering from an addiction. If this is the case, it is time to seek professional help. If they are unable to stop, they may steal money from friends and family to keep up with their gambling. If you feel that your life has become out of control and you are not able to control your gambling habits, it’s time to seek help.
Treatment options
Listed below are some of the treatment options available for gambling addiction. Individuals suffering from gambling addiction may need to undergo one-on-one or group therapy sessions. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for gambling addiction. Rather, individuals should educate themselves about the available options in order to choose the most effective treatment for their condition. Listed below are some of the most common gambling addiction treatment options. Here are some of the benefits of each type of treatment.
A primary care doctor is often the first line of defense in dealing with a gambling addiction. He or she will ask about your gambling habits and may ask for permission to discuss your family’s gambling history. While doctors cannot disclose personal medical information without your consent, they can perform a physical exam to look for health issues related to compulsive behavior. A gambling addiction can also stem from deeper emotional or avoidance issues. In such cases, a mental health professional may prescribe medication to help the sufferer overcome the urge to gamble.
Impact of excessive gambling on a person’s life
Studies show that problem gamblers have negative impacts on more than just the gambling addict. In fact, research has shown that five to ten people are negatively affected by a single gambler’s problem. This figure is three to four times higher than the general prevalence of problem gambling. In New Zealand, 30% of adults are familiar with someone who has a gambling problem and 8% of those surveyed have experienced some form of harm as a result of excessive gambling. The number of people affected by excessive gambling is even higher, with the children of a gambler experiencing even greater levels of harm than the adults themselves. And the financial impacts of excessive gambling are often the worst for those who are close to a problem gambler, such as their partners.
Depending on the extent of a person’s problem, therapy can be beneficial. Cognitive-behavioral therapy involves changing one’s thinking and behavior to reduce the urge to gamble. Similarly, behavior therapy involves making a person more aware of how their actions affect their life. It is important to recognize that problem gambling can also be a symptom of other disorders, such as bipolar disorder.
