What's to know about gambling addiction
For many people, gambling is harmless fun, but it can become a problem. This type of compulsive behavior is often called “problem gambling.” A gambling addiction is a progressive addiction that can have many negative psychological, physical, and social repercussions. It is classed as an impulse-control disorder.
Problem gambling is harmful to psychological and physical health. People who live with this addiction may experience depression, migraine, distress, intestinal disorders, and other anxiety-related problems. As with other addictions, the consequences of gambling can lead to feelings of despondency and helplessness. In some cases, this can lead to attempts at suicide.
Because of its harmful consequences, gambling addiction has become a significant public health concern in many countries.
Symptoms
Gambling addiction comes in many forms, the primary symptom being a craving for gaming.
Some of the signs and symptoms of problem gambling include:
1. Gambling is not a financial problem, but an emotional problem that has financial consequences.
2. It also impacts the way in which the person with the disorder relates to his or her family and friends. For instance, they may miss important events in the family, or they might miss work.
3. Anyone who is concerned about their gambling might ask “Can I stop if I want to?” If the answer is “no,” it is important to seek help.
Diagnosis
For a diagnosis of gambling addiction, a person must show or experience at least four of the following during the past 12 months:
1. Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel excitement
2. Restlessness or irritability when trying to stop gambling
3. Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop, control, or reduce gambling
4. Thinking often about gambling and making plans to gamble
5. Gambling when feeling distressed
6. Returning to gamble again after losing money
7. Lying to conceal gambling activities
8. Experiencing relationship or work problems due to gambling
9. Depending on others for money to spend on gambling
Triggers
Gambling can lead to a range of problems, but the addiction can happen to anyone. No one can predict who will develop an addiction to gambling. The activity can be described on a spectrum, ranging from abstinence through recreational gambling to problem gambling. Gambling behavior becomes a problem when it cannot be controlled and when it interferes with finances, relationships, and the workplace. The individual may not realize they have a problem for some time. Many people who develop a gambling addiction are considered responsible and dependable people, but some factors can lead to a change in behavior.
These could include:
1. retirement
2. traumatic circumstances
3. job-related stress
4. emotional upheaval, such as depression or anxiety
5. loneliness
6. the presence of other addictions
7. environmental factors, such as friends or available opportunities
Treatment
In general, treatment is split into three types:
Therapy: This could be behavior therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Behavior therapy helps an individual reduce the urge to gamble by systematically exposing them to the behaviour. CBT helps change the way in which the individual feels and thinks about gambling.
Medications: Mood stabilizers and antidepressants can help reduce symptoms and illnesses that sometimes appear with gambling addictions. Some antidepressants may reduce the gambling urge, too. Narcotic antagonists — drugs used to treat drug addictions — may help some compulsive gamblers.
Self-help groups: Some find it helpful to speak with others in a similar situation.
Getting help
If a person suspects they might have a gambling problem, there are a variety of self-tests available on the internet. Those tests will not give a diagnosis and do not replace a face-to-face evaluation with a trained clinical professional, but they can help people decide whether to seek formal evaluation of their gambling behavior.A clinical professional will provide a detailed assessment and develop an adequate treatment plan, based on the individual’s needs.
Treatment and assistance may need to address various aspects of the person’s life, family, education, financial issues, any legal problems, and professional situation. Anyone who suspects that they have a gambling addiction should seek help. A health provider will be able to refer the person to an appropriate treatment provider.
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