Gambling addiction is a real thing that can be extremely hard to deal with. There are several ways to get help, including professional help from a therapist. The BetterHelp website offers online therapy, including a quiz that matches users with a qualified therapist. BetterHelp is reader-supported and may receive a small commission from clicks made through this link. While it may be difficult to acknowledge your problem, many others have managed to beat the addiction.
Pathological gambling
Pathological gambling is a mental disorder that begins in adolescence in males and later in females. It runs a chronic course marked by repeated relapses and abstinence. Gambling tends to be more common in males, but women typically begin the problem later and develop it faster than men do. Generally, a meta-analysis of 119 prevalence studies found a lifetime prevalence of 1.6% and a past-year prevalence of 1.14%. Symptoms of pathological gambling are often accompanied by features of other disorders, including alcoholism and drug addiction.
Psychological interventions for pathological gambling have shown promise, but they must be replicated in larger samples. Lack of long-term follow-up and high drop-out rates are two limitations of psychological interventions. Further, multimodal treatments are often used in clinical settings, such as self-help groups. Among pathological gamblers, 70% had some history of psychiatric disorder, such as depression. These methods have been found to be effective in addressing the symptoms of pathological gambling.
Non-regulated forms of gambling
Problem gambling can affect a person’s life in many ways and is a serious problem. In addition to its negative impact on a person’s social life, it can affect a person’s work and personal relationships. It can even affect the child’s development. The consequences can range from strained relationships to failure to meet commitments. Although gambling is a fun pastime when done in a recreational capacity, it can also lead to addiction. If you are concerned that your child is becoming addicted to gambling, you can seek help from a psychologist, GP, or problem gambling service in your area. Gambling Help Online is another option for help. The website provides email and web chat support to help parents identify their child’s gambling problem.
In the United States alone, $10 trillion is wagered on lottery games each year. The amount wagered would probably be higher if illegal gambling is also included. Throughout Europe and the U.S., lotteries are the most common forms of gambling. Most European countries have organized football pools. Other countries, including Africa and Asia, offer state-licensed sports wagering. Despite the risks associated with gambling, it is a popular form of entertainment and a growing business worldwide.
Signs of a problem
There are many signs that you may be dealing with a gambling addiction. These signs may mimic other mental illnesses like drug addiction, such as alcohol or substance abuse. Other symptoms include lying, staying up too late, and stealing money. If these symptoms seem familiar, you may need to seek professional help. Similarly, lack of sleep may cause you to gain or lose weight, and you may develop acne or dark circles under your eyes.
Financial problems can also be a symptom of a gambling addiction. It can affect a person’s financial well-being and relationships with family and friends. Often, a problem gambler will borrow money to pay for major living expenses and use excuses to not pay back. The person may also notice that there is little food in the house and only a handful of foods they can prepare quickly and easily.
Treatment options
There are many different treatment options available for those suffering from compulsive gambling. Some of these include cognitive behavioral therapy, gambling counseling, and family therapy. In addition, medications like antidepressants and mood stabilizers can help combat compulsive gambling. Ultimately, treatment should be tailored to the individual’s unique needs and situation. To help reduce the risk of relapse, a combination of these treatments can be very effective.
Although professional gambling rehab can be effective for many people, self-help interventions can be beneficial in the short term, because they can reduce barriers to professional help. These include meetings offered by Gamblers Anonymous and self-directed computer interventions. There are many other options, including bibliotherapy, group therapy, and even 12-step programs. However, the most common treatment for gambling addiction is therapy, and each type is customized to the individual. It is important to seek out a counselor who understands the nature of gambling addiction and offers advice.