Gambling has been a part of human society for centuries. It is in our nature to seek out risks and a chance to win big. Most forms of gambling involve a financial element, and are rooted in society. However, some people may have problems with gambling and want to get help. Here are some symptoms to look for. If you suspect that you have a gambling problem, get help immediately. Read on to learn how to recognize and treat gambling addiction.
Problem gambling
A Gambling Problem is characterized by a pattern of persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behaviors that significantly impair or distress a person. To meet the criteria for a Gambling Problem, a person must have four or more of the symptoms for a minimum of 12 months. Among the many resources for people with this problem, the Gambling Help Centre provides a 24-hour-a-day, moderated online peer support forum.
In the United States, three quarters of a million young adults engage in problem gambling. Research conducted by the Texas Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling shows that these young people are at increased risk of developing a gambling problem than adults. They also report greater remorse after gambling. The prevalence of problem gambling in young people varies widely across different countries. However, some studies have shown that gambling is particularly common among women.
Addiction to gambling
If you can’t stop gambling, you might have an addiction to gambling. When you try to stop, you may experience feelings of sadness, irritability, and mood swings. Chances are, you’ve tried to cut back on gambling several times, and failed. You might be tempted to gamble more, or to commit crimes to fund your gambling habit. But these attempts are futile and usually lead to relapse.
Gambling is common among Americans – according to a Gallup poll, about 64% of a representative sample of the population has gambled at least once in the past year. You can find gambling venues anywhere – from state lotteries to school raffles. However, because it is so ubiquitous, it’s difficult to recognize problem gambling, let alone achieving sobriety. To get help, seek help from a qualified professional.
Signs of a gambling problem
The signs of a gambling problem are not always obvious. Some people with gambling problems may lie to hide the problem or become aggressive when questioned. If the problem is discovered, the person will feel embarrassed or guilty. He may even go to extreme lengths to hide his problem. The signs of a gambling problem include the following. The individual may be unable to control his spending or he may become erratic. He may be spending more time than usual away from home and away from work.
Gambling can become a dangerous habit. It can lead to huge debts quickly. Fortunately, there are ways to stop this habit before it takes over your life. You can take the time to spend quality time with friends and family and try to find help. You can also discuss your gambling habits with your doctor. This will allow you to make sure your gambling behavior is within control. There are several risk factors that increase your chances of developing a gambling problem.
Treatment options
Many people who are struggling with gambling disorders can benefit from counseling. These treatments are widely available and can help a person overcome the barriers to seeking professional help. In addition to counseling, there are self-help interventions that can be useful to someone struggling with gambling. Among these self-help interventions are meetings of Gamblers Anonymous and bibliotherapy. Self-directed computer interventions can also help people deal with their gambling problems without having to spend money on professional services.
The American Psychiatric Association considers gambling addiction to be a mental disorder and categorizes it as a “pathological” condition. This means that a person is suffering from an uncontrollable desire to gamble and is unable to stop. In this case, a person suffering from a gambling addiction should seek treatment in a residential rehab center. The treatment centers provide round-the-clock care and peer support for the patient.