Gambling is a common form of entertainment that involves risking something of value in hopes of greater reward. Gambling is particularly dangerous for special populations, including adolescents, aging adults, veterans, and the Latino and Asian community. These groups are at higher risk for gambling-related problems than the general population. Therefore, it is imperative to learn about the symptoms and treatment options for this type of gambling. Listed below are some of the most common causes and effects of gambling.
Problem gambling
The treatment of problem gambling varies and consists of medication, counseling, and lifestyle changes. Sometimes, it is a symptom of bipolar disorder or another mental health disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing harmful gambling thoughts and behaviors. The goal of therapy is to help patients become more responsible for their spending and to learn how to stop gambling. Some methods may also involve medications that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The criteria for diagnosing problem gambling have changed over the past 27 years. In the DSM-IV, the criteria for the diagnosis are based on a more evaluative process, such as surveying 222 compulsive gamblers and 104 substance-abusing social gamblers. Researchers have also incorporated cluster analyses, which have led to nine indicators of problem gambling. The DSM-IV’s updated criteria reflect these changes.
Signs of problem gambling
While some substance use disorders display more overt signs, the signs of problem gambling are less obvious. For example, an excessive amount of time on the phone may be a sign of problem gambling. In fact, most people who engage in problem gambling never break even. Other signs of problem gambling include mood swings, sleep disturbances, and increased irritability. If you think you have a gambling problem, consider seeing a psychiatrist.
The symptoms of problem gambling are many and include arguments, defensive behavior, unexplained absences, and lying to family and friends about their gambling habits. Some of the more serious symptoms include increasing debts, borrowing money, and suicide. In severe cases, an individual may also lose touch with family and friends. Lastly, problem gambling may result in financial ruin and relationship breakdowns. Sometimes, a person may have difficulty stopping the behavior, but it is still important to seek help before the situation gets out of hand.
Treatment options
There are several treatment options for gambling addiction. One such method is professional help from a gambling addiction counselor. They can teach you how to stop gambling and learn financial management skills. You may also participate in a support group that can provide emotional support and help you resist the urge to gamble. If you are concerned about a loved one, family support is key to the complete recovery of your loved one. You can find more information on treatment options for gambling addiction at Life Works.
Therapy is another treatment option. It involves identifying and working through triggers that trigger your gambling behavior. Psychotherapy may involve individual counselling or group therapy. This type of treatment is similar to cognitive-behavioral therapy in that it focuses on identifying and replacing unhealthy beliefs that may be contributing to your compulsive behavior. During this therapy, your physician will help you identify if other issues are contributing to your gambling problem. If these other issues are a factor, a combination of treatments may be recommended.
Impact of gambling on non-gambling health
Regardless of the type of gambling, there are numerous adverse effects of compulsive gambling. Some people gamble less frequently than others and some can experience both positive and negative social and financial consequences. In terms of harm, it is best to distinguish between those who gamble socially, for recreational purposes, and those who are problem gamblers. Gambling has a range of consequences, but the most significant ones are often seen among problem gamblers, also known as pathological gamblers.
While the impact of gambling on non-gambling health has been recognized as a public health problem, it has not been traditionally considered a topic within the discipline of public medicine. This limited research has made it difficult to determine the full extent of the effects of gambling, particularly those below the common threshold of problem gambling. Most gambling research has adopted a diagnostic approach that disregards the full range of possible consequences for the health of non-gamblers.