If you are unable to control your urge to gamble, you may be suffering from a gambling problem. This type of gambling is not just a social problem – it can affect your life. Fortunately, there are helplines and counsellors available to help. Gambling counselling is confidential, free, and available at all times. Read on for tips on how to find help. There are also many free resources available online. You can also speak to a mental health professional, who can help you determine the severity of your gambling problem and suggest effective ways to deal with it.
Problem gambling
In the book Problem Gambling, author Susan Brown asks her readers questions about their relationship to gambling and the effects it has on their lives. She asks them about their debt and limits, and she encourages them to take a 20-question survey from Gamblers Anonymous, which includes the statement, “Most problem gamblers answer yes to at least seven of these questions.” She also asks her readers if they’re considering formal treatment, or seeing a counselor for their gambling problem.
Generally speaking, problem gambling involves spending money and time on a dangerous addiction. While gambling is an enjoyable pastime when done in the spirit of fun and enjoyment, it can become a destructive habit if it begins to take over one’s life. Problem gambling is a condition that often goes undetected because there are no obvious signs or symptoms. In addition to financial damage, it can also affect relationships and lead to legal problems.
Risk factors
Despite its popularity, there is still a large body of evidence to support the concept that there are certain factors that increase the likelihood of problem gambling. Several of the factors have been linked to the development of gambling addiction, including obesity, smoking, and body mass index. While this may sound like a good reason not to gamble, gambling does not make you a better person. Listed below are some of the risk factors of gambling that are associated with harmful gambling.
Personal, social, and environmental risk factors were the main focus of a recent study. Results revealed that men were more likely to develop problem gambling than women. A family member’s influence on gambling has been linked to a significant increase in risk for addiction. Furthermore, a family history of gambling is associated with a higher risk for problem gambling than does the presence of a parent or a close relative. Although gambling is not a socially acceptable activity, it can become a part of the family life if it is not regulated.
Signs
If you’ve become obsessed with gambling, the first step to overcome this problem is to recognize the symptoms. Gambling addiction is an intense urge to win money, even if it means putting your life on hold. The hallmark symptom is the inability to stop. You might find yourself chasing your favorite jackpots and feeling anxious when you think about giving up. However, if you’ve noticed any of these symptoms in yourself, then it’s time to seek help.
Financial problems are a common sign of a gambling addiction. Compulsive gamblers often rely on others for money, and this makes them more prone to financial trouble. Then, the signs of an addiction are more severe: stealing to finance gambling. These are just a few of the most obvious signs of a gambling addiction. If you suspect your loved one of gambling addiction, consider speaking to your trusted family members and friends.
Treatment
A recent study by Nancy Petry and colleagues looked at the effectiveness of various treatment interventions for substance use disorder patients who were also struggling with gambling addiction. The researchers evaluated three different types of brief interventions and compared them using two important criteria: severity of gambling problem, and treatment options available. The groups were balanced by gambling problem severity, methadone maintenance treatment, and the study therapist. MET/CBT had better long-term outcomes than Brief Advice.
While gambling in moderation is socially acceptable, addiction to it can severely impact your finances and relationships. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, more than 2 percent of Americans have some form of gambling problem. The individual suffering from gambling addiction may feel an irresistible urge to visit casinos or play online poker. Ultimately, the person is unable to control his or her behavior and continues to lose even when facing the negative consequences of their actions.