While gambling can be an exciting novelty or social experience, it should only be viewed as an occasional form of entertainment. If the person’s gambling tendencies are out of proportion to their lifestyle, it can be detrimental. Gambling becomes increasingly important without a person’s knowledge, and it can result in stress. Understanding why people gamble can help them modify their behaviour. Many organisations offer counselling and support for those with a gambling problem, as well as their families.
Signs of compulsive gambling
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s time to seek help for gambling addiction. These signs are similar to those of alcohol and drug addiction. They all stem from emotional withdrawal, triggered by the obsession with gambling. Gamblers believe that gambling makes them happy, so they constantly chase their losses. In fact, compulsive gambling can lead to serious financial and emotional problems. Here are some signs to look for:
Mood and social isolation: The problem gambler spends increasingly large amounts of money on gambling to satisfy the excitement of winning. Attempts to reduce the amount of money spent gambling often result in restlessness. The gambling habit is often preoccupied with emotions, such as anger or sadness. In the worst case scenario, the gambler will return to try to get even after losing money. He or she may even lie to cover up his or her problems with gambling. This could lead to the demise of an important relationship or educational opportunity.
Treatment options
There are several treatment options for gambling addiction, including medication, self-help groups, and inpatient facilities. Treatments may also address co-occurring conditions. These treatments may be combined, depending on the patient’s unique needs. To learn more about your treatment options, talk to your healthcare provider. This article describes some of the most common methods. This article is intended for people who have an alcohol or gambling problem. It should not be used in place of professional help for addiction.
Various pharmaceuticals are available to treat this disorder. Although the FDA has not approved any specific drug to treat gambling disorder, some have shown promise. For instance, opioid antagonists, lithium, and nalmefene have all been found to reduce problem gambling severity in randomized clinical trials. However, most studies are small and conducted on relatively few participants. As a result, you should seek help from a mental health professional or a sponsor before relapsing. It’s also important to keep focused on a no-gambling goal.
Health consequences of gambling
Research has found that problem gambling is associated with a greater risk of death and suicide than the general population. Suicide attempts and completed suicides are both associated with increased costs in the gambling industry. These costs are not only monetary; they also affect the lives of significant others, including intimate partners. In Sweden, one study found that a problem gambler was more likely to commit suicide than the general population. Despite the many negative health consequences associated with problem gambling, research shows that gambling can also create an economic surplus.
While it is still unclear exactly how gambling can lead to a person’s health problems, a recent study has indicated that the odds of problem gambling are seven times higher for those with the lowest wellbeing scores. Other studies have found a link between gambling and a number of somatic symptoms, including high blood pressure and depression. Gamblers with a lower GHQ-12 score were also more likely to suffer from mental ill health and high blood pressure.