There are a number of ways to detect problem gambling. Listed below are some of the symptoms and treatment options. You can get help from a professional or a friend or family member. While there are medications available for the disorder, there are also no FDA-approved treatments. Support from family and friends is key to recovery, but it is ultimately up to the individual to make the decision to change their behavior. However, there are ways to minimize the impact of gambling on your life.
Problem gambling
Several studies have suggested that the cognitive-behavioural approaches to problem gambling can be helpful for people suffering from this disorder. The updated DSM-IV problem-gambling criteria have resulted in fewer misclassifications and increased confidence in prevalence estimates. A similar set of items, the Problem Gambling Severity Index, focuses on the harms associated with problem gambling. Antisocial impulsivity is characterized by a high tendency to engage in antisocial behaviors and is closely linked to problem gambling.
Problem gambling is a dangerous and baffling condition that is often overlooked. It can ruin a person’s life, resulting in financial devastation and possibly even a life of crime. Often, compulsive gamblers are completely unaware of their problem and are in denial about it. The first step in addressing problem gambling is to admit that it is a problem. People with problem gambling often do not show outward symptoms of the disorder, but they do need professional help in order to recover.
Signs
The most common and disturbing of all the signs of gambling addiction is the tendency to commit crimes in order to fund their addiction. These crimes range from stealing money to committing murder to satisfy the need to gamble. Whether you suspect your partner of being addicted to gambling, or simply don’t know, these behaviors are all a warning sign of a gambling addiction. Thankfully, you can seek help through Ara. The organization provides free support to all those affected by gambling.
Depression is a common comorbidity of gambling addiction. This debilitating disorder can cause numerous physical and emotional problems. Some of the most common symptoms are lethargy, unhappiness, and changes in appetite. Unlike addiction to drugs and alcohol, depression isn’t easily controlled. A dual diagnosis treatment can address both issues at the same time. The symptoms of gambling addiction may be similar in some cases, but it’s important to seek professional help if you suspect that a loved one is suffering from gambling addiction.
Symptoms
In addition to the physical withdrawal symptoms, other associated behaviors can also be indicative of gambling problems. Among these are lying to friends and family about their gambling habits, and being unable to stop themselves from gambling. Symptoms of pathological gambling may start early in adolescence or later in adulthood. Moreover, people with pathological gambling may be more likely to be alcohol or drug addicts. The underlying reasons for these behaviors are unknown.
Other emotional symptoms of gambling problems include depression, loneliness, and life events. Some people may even resort to self-harming behaviors. Besides that, sleep deprivation can cause acne, pale skin, weight gain, and dark circles under the eyes. Even if the individual is not aware of these symptoms, he or she may have an addiction to gambling. And, for those who are not aware of these symptoms, a gambling addiction can be a symptom of a psychological disorder.
Treatment
The causes of gambling addiction are many, and a person may be addicted to a particular type of game because it offers a rush. Other people gamble to cope with stress, emotional turmoil, boredom, or financial problems. Other people gamble because they’re suffering from mental illness, have a history of substance abuse, or are genetically predisposed to reward-seeking behaviors. However, whatever the cause, treatment for gambling addiction is possible.
Identifying triggering situations is essential for people who have an addiction to gambling. Identifying triggers may help people avoid or approach them differently. The person should also seek support from friends and family members, who can help them cope with the urges. They can also join a self-help group such as Gamblers Anonymous. They can help each other get rid of their gambling problem and become happy and healthy again. However, these groups can be a challenge.
