If you’re a problem gambler, the first step to recovery is strengthening your social support network. If you’re not socially active, make new friends outside of gambling. Enroll in education classes and volunteer for charitable causes. Peer support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous can help you overcome your addiction. These groups follow the 12-step approach of Alcoholics Anonymous, which requires you to be matched with a sponsor, a fellow gambler who can offer guidance and support.
Problem gambling is an impulse-control disorder
There is a lot of debate about whether problem gambling is an impulse-control disorder or a comorbid mental disorder. While defining the disorder is relatively straightforward, determining the causal role of comorbidities is more challenging. The dynamic model considers various statistical assumptions, including the nature of the disorder as a progressive disease. For example, some studies assume that money is the cause of the disorder while others believe that gambling is a symptom. But the dynamic model addresses the progressive nature of the disorder and makes more assumptions about the comorbidity of problem gambling.
It is a widespread behavior
This article describes the prevalence and impact of gambling. It shows that 68 percent of U.S. adults have gambled legally in the last year. The prevalence of gambling is even higher among youth, with 50 to 90 percent of 12 to 17-year-olds reporting illegal gambling. Of these, three million adults are considered pathological or problem gamblers. But even if a person does not meet these criteria, they are still at risk of developing problem gambling.
It can affect anyone
Problem gambling is a common affliction that can affect anyone at any age. While there are many forms of legal gambling, they can lead to financial and social problems. People suffering from gambling addiction often bet with money that they cannot afford to lose, max out their credit cards, and compromise their own personal values. They may even deny they have a problem and continue to gamble despite their deteriorating financial situation. In fact, problem gambling is an epidemic that affects people of all races, income levels, and social status.
It can lead to thoughts of suicide
It’s no surprise that problem gamblers are more likely to have thoughts of suicide than other people. The leading gambling charity, GambleAware, commissioned a study that found that problem gamblers had a six to 15-fold increased risk of suicidal thoughts compared to the general population. The increased risk persisted after adjusting for other variables. Substance abuse, depression, and financial problems are all known to increase the risk for suicidal thoughts.