If you think that you are suffering from compulsive gambling, you should know that you are not alone. Fortunately, there are a lot of options available for you to treat this problem. Read on to discover what you can do to get help. We’ve all had those times where we wanted to get a little extra cash, but we couldn’t help ourselves, so we sought out a solution. Here are some tips for recognizing compulsive gambling.
Understanding compulsive gambling
The pamphlet, Understanding Compulsive Gambling, outlines the emotional progression and consequences of compulsive gambling. The pamphlet describes how compulsive gambling can affect the person’s finances, relationships, and life. It is a useful resource for anyone with an interest in gambling and its effects on society. Understanding Compulsive Gambling explains the emotional and behavioral factors that lead to addiction.
Researchers have linked compulsive gambling to a neurological disorder called Parkinson’s disease, which results in muscle stiffness. This disorder affects dopamine-producing neurons in the midbrain. Approximately two to seven percent of people with Parkinson’s are compulsive gamblers. Drug treatments that address drug addiction often prove to be more effective than antidepressants for gambling. Opioid antagonists, which block the release of dopamine, have also been successful for gambling.
Signs of a problem
When a person’s behavior changes dramatically, you might suspect that they are having a problem. While the signs of a gambling addiction are not always obvious, they can be very telling. Some signs of a gambling problem are lying, being late for work, or staying up too late. Someone with a gambling problem may be hiding their behavior or even stealing money. They may also be withdrawing from family and friends. They may also express guilt over their behaviors.
If you think you might have a gambling problem, it is time to seek professional help. There are numerous ways to detect and treat the problem. Gambling can leave a person feeling hopeless, with emotional and financial consequences. It is important to recognize that gambling can affect any area of your life. If you are worried about a gambling addiction, you may want to seek therapy. There are many forms of therapy for gambling addiction, including cognitive behavioural therapy and behavior therapy. This type of treatment focuses on learning how to curb the urges and altering the way a person thinks.
Treatment options
Treatment options for gambling addiction vary by individual. Individuals with serious gambling problems may benefit from inpatient rehab programs. These programs are geared towards treating severe gambling addiction and offer 24-hour care and peer support. The most effective form of therapy for gambling addiction is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Self-help interventions are also available and may facilitate recovery by reducing the barriers to professional treatment. Gamers Anonymous meetings are one of the most widely-available options. Recently developed interventions include bibliotherapy and self-directed computer use. Self-help interventions have also shown positive results in some studies. Those who have completed bibliotherapy or self-directed computer programs have reported improved recovery rates compared to those who did not participate in these programs.
Getting help
Psychiatrists say that the effects of gambling on the brain are similar to those of other forms of substance abuse, like alcohol and opiates. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association announced that problem gambling falls under the same category as other mental health disorders like alcoholism, depression, and bipolar disorder. But because of the speed with which gambling addictions progress, it is not yet possible to make broad statements about the impact of legalized sports betting. For now, experts are warning that it’s too soon to draw any conclusions about whether legalizing sports betting will increase the rate of gambling addiction.
If you’re struggling with a gambling problem, you may want to consider enrolling in a self-exclusion program. Or, you may want to learn more about gambling addiction treatment and what it entails. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board offers educational materials on gambling addiction, as well as a comprehensive list of resources on the topic. There are many online resources, so finding the best one for you might be as simple as finding a support group.