Problem gambling has negative psychological, physical and social consequences. It is a disorder classified as impulse-control disorder and is harmful to both physical and psychological health. The negative effects of problem gambling range from migraine to intestinal disorders. Problem gamblers can also experience feelings of despondency, helplessness and even attempts to commit suicide. A problem gambler will also try to cover up their problems by denying they have a problem by spending a lot of money on gambling.
Problem gambling
Gambling can be a fun activity, but when a person starts to gamble on a regular basis, they may be at risk of developing problem gambling. Often referred to as a “hidden addiction,” problem gambling rarely displays any physical symptoms. The common trait among all people with problem gambling is impulsivity. Some medications can reduce impulsivity, such as antidepressants. But what are the best treatments for problem gambling?
Symptoms of problem gambling include gambling that causes serious difficulties in one’s life. These include a preoccupation with gambling, spending more time than necessary, chasing losses, and ignoring the serious consequences of gambling. Gambling addiction is often associated with mood disorders, such as unmanaged ADHD and substance abuse issues. Other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can also make someone more vulnerable to problem gambling. Luckily, there are treatments and support systems available for individuals who are struggling with gambling addiction.
Addiction to gambling
Approximately 90% of people suffering from addiction to gambling relapse during their first attempt at treatment. Most addiction experts consider relapse to be a natural part of the process, since it helps a person understand what works for them in recovery and gets closer to permanent gambling sobriety. However, if you are unable to recognize that you are suffering from an addiction to gambling, you should seek professional help as soon as possible.
People with an addiction to gambling have a deep-seated desire to gamble with large amounts of money and feel anxious when they aren’t in the mood to gamble. They might hide the extent of their problem from other people, and sometimes even resort to illegal methods to win money. While many people are motivated by the thrill of gambling, others use gambling as a coping mechanism to deal with challenging emotions. Even if the person has no intention of harming other people, they still risk losing their health.
Signs of problem gambling
Unlike other addictions, problem gambling is difficult to recognize. While alcohol addiction has clear signs, problem gamblers may not exhibit any visible symptoms. The best way to recognize problem gambling is to simply stop the person from gambling. If the individual cannot stop gambling, they are likely a problem gambler. The ability to lie to oneself when attempting to quit gambling is another common symptom of gambling addiction. The following are five common signs of problem gambling.
In addition to the financial costs associated with problem gambling, people who are afflicted with this problem may also experience relationship problems. This is because they are unable to control their urges and use gambling to escape from their problems and relieve their anxiety. While problem gamblers may not be able to admit to their gambling problem, others may be hiding the problem in plain sight. Signs of problem gambling may include any of the following:
Treatment options
If you’re suffering from compulsive gambling, you may want to seek help from a mental health professional or primary care physician. Although some people resist the idea of therapy, addressing the issue can help you regain control of your behavior and heal your relationships and finances. Treatment options for gambling problems can range from cognitive behavioral therapy to family therapy. Some of these options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on replacing unhealthy beliefs with more healthy ones.
Inpatient gambling addiction rehabilitation may involve individual or group psychotherapy. The objective of psychotherapy is to treat the root causes of the gambling addiction and overcome the underlying emotional and physical symptoms of the disorder. Individual or group psychotherapy can produce similar results to cognitive-behavioral therapy, including identifying misperceptions and reversing them. Inpatient gambling rehabilitation programs may include group meetings, individual counseling, and life skills coaching. Other inpatient rehab programs offer therapy for gambling and other problems in a private and therapeutic environment.