Treatment For Gambling Addiction
Problem gambling is a mental disorder that affects a person’s social and personal life. Treatment options for this condition vary depending on the type and severity of the problem. This article will give you a basic understanding of problem gambling, its symptoms, and treatment options. It is important to seek help as soon as possible if you suspect that you are suffering from this problem. Listed below are some helpful tips. Listed below are some treatment options for people with gambling addiction.
Problem gambling is a mental disorder
A person with a history of compulsive gambling may have a condition called bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is an extreme mood disorder that causes severe fluctuations in mood. Gambling is a common symptom of bipolar disorder. Among other symptoms, it is associated with hypomania, a milder form of mania. Your doctor should be able to rule out other conditions and identify any personality traits that increase your risk for problem gambling. Fortunately, there is treatment for people with a gambling disorder. Depending on the type of disorder, your provider may prescribe medication or educate you about the benefits and dangers of this mental illness.
People who are suffering from problem gambling often present to their general practitioner with physical health problems as well as mental problems. Symptoms can range from a decreased ability to sleep to feelings of depression and fear for the future. If you are struggling with gambling addiction, don’t blame yourself – change begins with small steps. Begin by defining boundaries. Seek professional help by visiting a therapist, joining a support group, or visiting your doctor.
It affects personal and social well-being
While economic and social costs of gambling are widely documented, little is known about how gambling affects individual and societal well-being. Various studies have focused on the costs of gambling and the benefits it provides to society. Some studies have used a consumer surplus (the difference between what consumers would pay for a product or service and what they actually spend) to measure benefits. In Australia, the industry generates an estimated consumer surplus of $8 to 11 billion annually. Despite this large amount of revenue, such a measure does not adequately capture the societal and personal benefits of gambling.
A common measurement of happiness is subjective wellbeing. In many studies, gambling addictions are associated with lower overall happiness. While the DSM-IV is not designed to measure the amount of happiness a person experiences, the research demonstrates a negative correlation between gambling and depression. Specifically, when a person engages in problem gambling, their subjective well-being falls by one point. This is because gambling behaviors disrupt their lives and increase the amount of negative emotion they experience.
It can happen to anyone
While it may seem like a harmless pastime, problem gambling is an unhealthy obsession. While it might start out as a fun way to pass the time, it can lead to huge debts, stealing money, or worse. If you suspect you or someone close to you is suffering from a gambling addiction, there are several steps you can take to stop the damage. Problem gambling often goes hand in hand with other behavioral or emotional problems.
People who have a gambling problem have a 15-fold increased risk of suicide compared to those without an addiction. Suicide rates rose 19-fold in men and 15-fold for those aged 20-49. Symptoms of a gambling addiction include increased impulsivity and feelings of remorse. Those with a gambling addiction often place it higher on their priority list than their other commitments. Moreover, these people are more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop gambling.
Treatment options
Treatment options for gambling addiction include counseling, psychotherapy, and 12-step programs. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to help addicts identify and challenge harmful gambling thoughts and behaviors. Drugs such as narcotic antagonists and antidepressants may also be effective. Inpatient rehab facilities provide round-the-clock care and peer support. Patients can learn about different treatment options and find a treatment plan that works for them. If no other treatment option works, therapy may be a good choice.
Many treatments for compulsive gambling also address substance use problems. Substance use disorders are often co-occurring with gambling addiction, and addressing them separately can lead to relapse or early treatment discontinuation. Gambling addiction is a serious mental illness and responds well to treatment. Its physical, emotional, and financial consequences make treatment essential. But a treatment plan for gambling addiction should be individualized. While the options for gambling addiction vary, they all have some important components.