Problem gambling can lead to a number of problems for both the gambler and their family. It can be a source of stress, but if you can understand the pathology of gambling and recognize the symptoms, you may be able to find treatment. Understanding why you gamble can also help you to change your behaviour. Many organisations offer counselling and other resources to help people with gambling problems.
Problem gambling
Problem gambling is an addiction that leads to emotional, legal, and family issues. It can range from mild to severe and gets worse over time. Previously known as pathological or compulsive gambling, this condition is now considered a mental health problem. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has identified it as an Impulse Control Disorder.
People with problem gambling are more likely to have depression and anxiety, as well as higher risk behaviors. They tend to form groups and spend more time at high risk activities.
Pathology of problem gambling
Pathological gambling is a chronic, progressive disorder that typically begins in early adolescence and is accompanied by relapses. Although most people develop gambling problems when they are young, it is also common in older adults. The societal impact of pathological gambling is becoming more apparent, with its effects on employment, relationships, and financial solvency. It can also lead to criminal pursuits.
There are several psychological interventions that can address pathological gambling. Cognitive-behavioural interventions are especially promising but need to be replicated with larger samples. However, they lack long-term follow-up and have high dropout rates. Pharmacological treatments are another option for addressing pathological gambling. Most clinical treatments use a stepped-care model, involving a combination of psychosocial and medical interventions.
Signs of problem gambling
Problem gambling can cause a wide variety of emotional symptoms, and it’s important to recognize them. Some signs are obvious, but others are subtle, such as depression, anxiety, and self-harming tendencies. The person who is exhibiting these symptoms may also have pale skin or dark circles under their eyes.
Gambling addiction is a serious problem that can ruin a person’s life and relationships. It can also lead to other negative consequences such as stealing and illegal activity. Some signs of problem gambling include a disproportionate amount of time spent on gambling, with little time for other activities. People may also place larger bets and have rapidly increasing debts. They may also hide their gambling activity from family and friends.
Treatment options
While gambling addiction can be a difficult habit to break, the good news is that there are many treatment options for it. Many of these programs combine holistic therapies with individual therapy to help treat the problem. These programs also incorporate 12-step programs. They are designed to help individuals overcome gambling addiction and associated mood disorders. For people who are suffering from gambling addiction, inpatient rehab is usually the best option.
Some of these treatments involve brief interventions. These interventions can consist of brief conversations, or a few counseling sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy. They can help individuals learn new skills and learn to cope with situations that put them at risk of relapsing into their gambling behaviors. Some studies have even found that brief interventions can lead to a clinically significant change in gambling behavior.
