A Comprehensive Guide to Gambling Problems and Addiction
A Comprehensive Guide to Gambling Problems and Addiction
Gambling problems and addiction are more commonplace than people realize. According to MedicineNet, roughly two to three percent of US citizens compulsively gamble. In a society that sensationalizes gambling, it’s often difficult to discern whether or not someone has a gambling addiction. The symptoms can vary depending on a person’s gender, and they may also be different between adolescents and adults.
What Comprises Gambling Problems and Addiction?
A gambling addiction is classified as the inability to control the impulse to gamble. It is a mental health problem that’s slowly becoming more common. A person with a gambling addiction might frequently play the lottery, participate in sports betting, or play slots. Additionally, a gambler might exercise the addiction in some places. For example, some like to try their luck in casinos while others retreat to the anonymity of internet by visiting gambling sites. Gambling addiction has also been known to extend to investing in the stock market. Mostly, gambling becomes a problem when the individual has trouble controlling his/her impulses to gamble.
Common Signs and Symptoms of an Addiction to Gambling
A person is not necessarily addicted to gambling if they have no trouble resisting the activity.
- Using gambling as a way to quell anxiety or sadness.
- Being encompassed by the idea of striking riches. For example, an addict might fondly look back on past winnings or go over ways to obtain money strictly for gambling purposes.
- Requiring higher winning amounts to feel pleasure from gambling.
- Losing money to gambling (and later gambling more to compensate for losses).
- Lying to loved ones or medical professionals about the severity of the problem.
- Partaking in questionable activities to finance the habit. For example, the addict might steal money to fund the addiction.
- Repeated failure to stop gambling.
How is a Gambling Addiction Treated?
The best case scenario for treating a gambling addiction is to seek out an inpatient treatment center. Inpatient treatment is backed by a strong team of medical professionals who know how to approach a gambling addiction and ultimately help the individual move past it.
When patients enter treatment, they will begin by identifying the underlying cause(s) of their addictions. With the medical professionals in inpatient treatment, the patient will work diligently to overcome the gambling problems and addiction and prepare for a life beyond gambling.
While in medical care, patients have the opportunity to receive treatment in a group setting or alone. In some cases, patients receive a mixture of both. It could immensely help a person with a gambling addiction if they receive treatment alongside other recovering gambling addicts.
Gambling Addiction Treatment in the United States
If you are paralyzed by crippling gambling problems and addiction, keep in mind that there are solutions. An addiction to gambling does not have to be the last stop in life. If you are ready for a breathtaking change in life and want to start immediately, don’t hesitate to give us a call today. We are standing by to take your call at A Forever Recovery.
