For many people, gambling is a form of self-soothe or a social outlet. It can also be a way to relieve boredom. Exercise, spending time with non-gambling friends, or practicing relaxation techniques can all help reduce boredom and help you avoid over-spending. But if your problem is much deeper than this, seeking professional help may be necessary. In the end, the best cure for gambling addiction is to stop playing all together.
Pathological gambling
It is unclear what causes pathological gambling. Nevertheless, it is thought to be a psychological problem, and it is common in people with alcoholic tendencies and depression. This explains why people who engage in pathological gambling often use gambling as a means of escaping from their problems. But, this doesn’t explain why pathological gamblers also engage in other forms of irrational behavior, such as addiction. To understand this condition in more depth, future studies will need to examine the link between pathological gambling and homelessness.
The DSM-III-R has made significant changes to the definition of pathological gambling. In contrast to earlier definitions, pathological gambling now resembles substance use disorders. The diagnosis of pathological gambling is made through the presence of four or more of the nine symptoms listed in the DSM-IV-TR. The symptoms of pathological gambling include preoccupation with gambling, increased gambling behavior, and withdrawal symptoms when people cannot continue their behavior. Other signs include disrupted social and occupational pursuits and increased losses.
Compulsive gambling
While compulsive gambling is more common in men, women are increasingly developing this condition. In fact, women are now responsible for 25% of pathological gamblers. Men typically develop compulsive gambling in their adolescent years while women develop the disorder later in life. Additionally, men tend to develop their compulsive gambling disorders earlier and worsen more quickly than women. Women are also more likely to develop the condition after years of abstinence, while men are more susceptible to forming an addiction to interpersonal forms of gaming.
During the desperation phase, compulsive gamblers will engage in illegal activities such as stealing to finance their addiction to gambling. In addition, their spouses may threaten them with divorce and/or revocation of visitation rights. As a result, compulsive gamblers may turn to illegal sources of money. This can include stealing from friends, family, and co-workers. Some compulsive gamblers even embezzle money from family members and friends to finance their habit. Similarly, other addictions may also intensify during this phase.
Addiction to gambling
If you’re concerned that your loved one is addicted to gambling, it’s time to talk to a professional about treatment options. Addicts are often very defensive, and it’s important not to shame them. In fact, shaming them is unlikely to get the truth out of them. Instead, you should discuss the addiction with your loved one. You may be surprised to learn that most addicts have a gambling problem that requires professional help in order to remain sober.
Getting treatment for an addiction to gambling can be a life-altering experience. A professional gambling treatment approach involves using a variety of techniques to address the root cause of your problem and develop a plan to overcome it. This multidisciplinary approach will allow you to learn how to control your impulses and change your behavior. You’ll also learn techniques for self-esteem-building and relapse prevention. The best part? Often, treatment for addiction to gambling is available in English.
Treatment options
Fortunately, treatment options for gambling addiction are available. The most effective treatment is often tailored to the needs of the patient. If the individual is too busy to attend a full-time program, a weekend program may be an option. This allows the individual to work and attend family and social events during the week. Treatment may also be offered in the form of group sessions, such as Gamblers Anonymous, or individual therapy. If an individual has a dual diagnosis, they may require a consultation with a psychiatrist, but these are chargeable appointments.
Although treatment for gambling addiction is more difficult to obtain than for other addictions, there are a few treatment options available. Inpatient programs often utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational therapy, and medication. Many programs also include group and individual meetings with Gamblers Anonymous, as well as life skills coaching. A private residential rehab will often include individual and group therapy as part of its treatment. It may also include evaluation and treatment for other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and stress.