The symptoms of gambling addiction include increased desire to gamble, a decreased ability to control urges, and a persistent desire to win money. These behaviors often lead to a vicious cycle. The increased cravings for gambling increase the risk of developing an addiction. It is also possible to experience physical, emotional, social, and professional effects of gambling addiction. There is help available to combat gambling addiction. Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of gambling addiction.
Addiction to gambling
There are several steps that an individual suffering from an addiction to gambling can take in order to overcome this problem. These steps can include engaging in a support group or a treatment program. These measures aren’t easy and are more effective if a person receives professional help. The patient may also benefit from learning healthy ways to manage their emotions and boredom. Other useful tools include engaging in interesting hobbies, meditation, or yoga. However, even if the patient has friends or family who support him or her, they may not know how to overcome the addiction.
Many people suffering from this problem develop an addiction to gambling as a form of self-soothing, especially when uncomfortable emotions occur. People who suffer from gambling disorders may also develop this behavior due to social pressure and watching others engage in it. In addition, the emergence of an addiction to gambling is more common among people of lower socioeconomic status and ethnic backgrounds. Ultimately, the disease is a result of complex interactions between multiple factors.
Symptoms
Problem gambling is a mental health disorder in which someone is preoccupied with the act of gambling and has a tendency to bet excessive amounts of money. These people often gamble in times of distress or to get revenge on others. These individuals may lie or hide their gambling, rely on others for financial support, or lie about their gambling habits. The signs and symptoms of problem gambling can begin as early as adolescence or develop over the course of a lifetime.
Another symptom of gambling addiction is the inability to stop. A gambler can experience a sense of hopelessness and inability to control their urges to gamble. Often, this feeling can lead to self-harming behaviors. If these symptoms are present, it’s time to seek help. Here are some signs that your loved one may be a victim of problem gambling. Listed below are some of the most common signs of gambling addiction:
Treatment
Many people find relief in counseling and a 12-step program for gambling addiction. Gamblers Anonymous is one such group and many states have their own gambling help lines. There are many ways to deal with gambling addiction, from seeking out counseling to using a medication for craving control. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, consider seeking help through these state-sponsored resources. Treatment for gambling addiction can take place in a variety of settings, including a residential treatment facility or an outpatient program.
Among the many types of treatment available for gambling addiction, intensive outpatient programs offer nine or more hours of structured therapy each week. These programs serve as a step-down from residential addiction treatment facilities, allowing patients to work out a routine that works best for them. Additionally, these programs can help prevent a patient from going back to a residential treatment center and needing a higher level of care. In addition to therapy and counseling, research suggests that psychotherapy may be a better way to treat a gambling addiction than medications. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and systematic exposure therapy (STE) are two methods that help individuals learn to control their urges to gamble.