Treatment For Pathological Gambling

Pathological gambling is a type of impulse control disorder that often leads to feelings of despondency and helplessness. Treatment for pathological gambling is similar to that of drug addiction. By learning to recognize and control the urge to gamble, people can find relief from the negative feelings associated with the disorder. This article discusses the various forms of treatment for pathological gambling. Continue reading to learn about how to recover from your gambling addiction and enjoy life again! After all, a little risk is worth a little gain!

Pathological gambling is an impulse-control disorder

While pathological gambling may be classified as an impulse-control disorder, it is not always a sign of a problem. In fact, it is not always impulsive in other areas of a person’s life. Sometimes, impulsive behavior is actually defensive. It serves a purpose and may be an escape for the person suffering from it. Nevertheless, when pathological gambling occurs in a person’s life, it can be indicative of a more serious disorder.

It is similar to drug addiction

While gambling and substance abuse share many similarities, there are also key differences. Drugs and alcohol are both addictive behaviors and are considered a disease. In both cases, the person cannot stop using a substance despite harm. Similarly, people who are addicted to gambling are seeking a sense of escape. The primary difference between drug and gambling addiction is the nature of the addiction. With both, the individual is seeking a high that can’t be satisfied without a high.

It can be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a proven treatment for gambling addiction. The therapy teaches new thinking and behavior patterns to cope with gambling urges and cravings. A client keeps a journal of their progress and is encouraged to make changes when they see a pattern of relapse. CBT is effective in treating pathological gambling as well as reducing its negative effects. A clinical simulation video shows how CBT can be used to treat problem gambling.

It can lead to feelings of despondency and helplessness

If you have an addiction to gambling, you are not alone. 5.7 million Americans need gambling addiction treatment. The problem can cause financial ruin and marital discord. It can even result in suicide attempts. Feelings of despondency and helplessness are common side effects of problem gambling. And it can have a negative impact on your physical health, too. If you think gambling is harmless fun, you are wrong. There are serious consequences of gambling addiction.

It can destroy lives

A recent report by the House of Lords Gambling Industry Committee estimates that one in three adults in the United Kingdom are problem gamblers. Of these, 55,000 are children. The British Medical Journal published an open letter to the government calling on the government to implement a statutory levy on betting companies to help combat the problem. The Journal also surveyed gambling-related problems among friends and relatives and found that people who engage in problem gambling are likely to suffer from alcohol, drug, and mental health problems.