If you’ve ever been involved in a little bit of gambling, you know how easy it can be to get hooked. But what are the signs that you may have a problem? There are a lot of different signs of gambling addiction, but the first is simple: it’s no longer a fun pastime, but an obsession. Once an occasional game turns into an addictive habit, you’re in real trouble. Read on to learn more about the symptoms of gambling addiction.
Problem gambling
The term “problem gambling” refers to a serious addiction that can lead to financial ruin, legal issues, and even the loss of a career. Problem gamblers may commit illegal acts in order to fund their gambling or to pay off their debts. Problem gambling has the highest suicide rate of all behavioral addictions. Fortunately, there is help. Problem gambling can lead to financial ruin, poor eating habits, and even failure to meet responsibilities and fulfill promises.
Although there is no one solution, treatment for problem gambling typically involves counseling, step-based programs, self-help or peer-support groups, or medication. Currently, no specific medication has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of pathological gambling. Listed below are some of the treatments for problem gambling. These treatments can help to treat the underlying problem, but many are not suitable for all cases.
Signs of a problem
There are many signs of a gambling problem. A person who has an excessive gambling problem is not just depressed; they also suffer from a range of physical problems. This can range from lethargy to a change in appetite and even to suicidal thoughts. Gambling addiction can also result in increased debt and even bankruptcy. Young people in particular are susceptible to gambling addiction. Here are some symptoms to look for to ensure you don’t become a victim.
When gambling becomes an obsession, a person begins to spend most of his or her time – leaving little time for family or friends. The person is also more likely to bet larger amounts of money to get the same thrill. As a result of the growing debt, a person with a gambling addiction may spend money secretly or even borrow money. The person may not even be able to stop gambling. Eventually, they may even damage their relationships.
Treatment options
Gambling is a serious addiction that affects many individuals. Gambling treatment may include behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or motivational interviewing, depending on the specifics of the case. These types of therapy focus on re-establishing healthy beliefs and replacing unhealthy ones. Some patients are even helped by family therapy. The goal of treatment is to help individuals regain control of their lives and their finances. However, many people with gambling addictions resist therapy.
One study randomized pathological gamblers to cognitive therapy, based on Sylvain et al31. Both approaches targeted cognitive aspects of relapse prevention and correction. Participants were randomized to a treatment condition or a wait-list control. Although the study involved 49 patients, only 35 responded to cognitive therapy. The researchers found no significant difference between the treatments. Further research is needed to determine which one works best for the individual.