Gambling can be a way to self-soothe unpleasant emotions or socialize with friends. There are other ways to cope with boredom and anxiety without resorting to gambling. Spending time exercising, making friends with people who don’t gamble, and practicing relaxation techniques are among some suggestions. However, it may be too late to stop gambling completely. If you’re already in a downward spiral and are afraid you might lose your job, seeking treatment for gambling addiction is the first step toward recovery.
Compulsive gambling
Compulsive gambling is a very common disorder with a number of treatments available. Treatment focuses on changing unhealthy habits and thoughts that lead to gambling. In some cases, gambling disorder can occur in combination with bipolar disorder. Family therapy may also be helpful. Psychological treatments may involve medication, such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers. Compulsive gambling treatment can also include behavioral therapy. If the problem is not treated with these methods, it can be difficult to overcome the disease.
In some cases, a compulsive gambler may resort to crime to fund their addiction. They may steal from their spouses, friends, or engage in other criminal activities. It is also possible that pathological gamblers may reject help and push their families away. In the worst case scenario, a gambling addict may end up in jail or face other serious consequences. It is imperative that you find help for a loved one.
Signs of a problem
While some people may experience an occasional bout of gambling as an amusement, signs of a problem with gambling often do not manifest themselves in such an obvious way. However, some signs can be recognizable, including the incessant harassment of bill collectors, the loss of time at work or the need to steal money from others. Lastly, a person may express guilt after spending money on gambling. If these symptoms are present, it is time to seek professional help.
Compulsive gambling, also known as pathological gambling, is a condition that can cause serious harm to the individual. Studies have shown that over 8 million people in the United States have some form of gambling addiction. This addiction is often related to substance abuse, and those who are impaired by drugs or alcohol are more likely to engage in harmful gambling behaviors. It’s important to recognize the warning signs of a gambling problem so that you can get help as soon as possible.
Treatment options
If you have a gambling addiction, you may benefit from a variety of treatments. Behavioral and cognitive therapy can help identify compulsive thoughts and replace them with more positive ones. Family therapy can also help to address the root causes of the problem. Apps that encourage healthy habits and limit time spent on smartphones are also a good idea. Some of these apps, like Addict AVERT, are specifically designed to curb cravings.
Individual therapy may also be beneficial, as it can help the addict identify patterns of behavior that trigger their behavior. CBT is the most common form of therapy for gambling addiction, and the process involves challenging negative thoughts and behaviors. Support groups for problem gamblers are a great option as well. Like AA and NA, these groups focus on helping members identify and manage their compulsive behaviors. Some may even encourage people to seek treatment if they have a family history of the disorder.
Cost
While the effects of gambling are economic and social, there are many costs associated with problem gambling. These effects are most often unrecognized and invisible at the individual and interpersonal levels, but become apparent when viewed on a societal and governmental level. Financial costs and benefits relate to the economic activity of gambling and include infrastructure costs and changes in values. Social costs include effects on individuals’ physical and psychological health. These costs and benefits are largely invisible, but they have important effects.
In 2007, Americans lost $92 billion on gambling. This is nine times as much as they lost in 1982. It is estimated that 73 million people patronized 1,200 gambling establishments in the U.S., and the number is rising. This addiction is so widespread that a third of adult Americans have a problem gambling. Among these people, 27.7% have a gambling disorder or have had a substance abuse problem. And these people are not the only ones at risk of becoming addicted to gambling.