Though many may enjoy gambling as a recreational pastime, addiction to it is all too easily an issue that leads to financial, family and emotional strain.
As soon as warning signs emerge, it is vitally important to seek treatment immediately from an individualized therapist specializing in process addictions.
Addiction is a brain disorder
Gambling disorder is a serious mental health condition with potentially disastrous psychological, physical and social repercussions. Classified as an impulse control disorder, gambling disorder may be treated through therapy and medications such as dopamine agonists like pramipexole that increase norepinephrine levels in the brain and thus decrease symptoms associated with compulsive gambling.
Pathological gamblers may try to hide their habit from family and friends, or resort to theft or fraud to support it. Their need to gamble may even lead them into seeking high-stakes games that cause more damage; therapy and medications may not always work effectively with this condition; some have found success by changing their thoughts and beliefs with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Even after losing significant sums of money through gambling, it is possible to overcome an addiction. Admitting that one has a problem requires courage and strength; thankfully there are numerous resources available for people struggling with gambling addiction.
It is a form of gambling
Gambling addiction can be treated through therapy and medication. Medication may help alleviate anxiety and depression that often trigger problem gambling. Furthermore, these medicines may treat any underlying mental health conditions that contribute to gambling addiction such as bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD or ADHD that might contribute.
Gambling can be an extremely risky addiction that can cost a great deal of money and cause irreparable harm. Pathological gamblers will steal or lie to fund their habit; even risking their homes, jobs and relationships to gamble – believing they can recoup lost funds through winning more money in future games.
Gambling disorders are more widespread than previously imagined and increasingly visible today, affecting all ages, genders and socioeconomic groups. Recent neuroscience research demonstrates that those affected have many similarities with people struggling with substance abuse issues.
It is a social activity
Gambling involves risking something of value with the hope of making more. Unfortunately, gambling can lead to serious repercussions; family issues, work stress and physical ailments such as ulcers or stomach disorders may occur as a result. Furthermore, emotional distress and guilt feelings may arise; for anyone struggling with gambling it is advised that therapy or rehabilitation be sought to overcome addiction.
Pathological gamblers typically waste a large sum of their savings and resort to criminal activities to support their habit, including theft and fraud. Their addiction may cause them to ignore warning signs from loved ones trying to help and even push away those trying to offer assistance.
As well as leaning on family and friend support, joining a gambling recovery program based on Alcoholics Anonymous principles may also prove helpful. These programs allow individuals to find sponsors – those who have gone through recovery themselves who can offer guidance.
It is a problem
People suffering from gambling addiction experience issues in their finances, relationships and social lives. Their behavior often includes secrecy, lying and resorting to theft or fraud in order to maintain an addictive gambling lifestyle. Their reward system becomes more sensitive to losses than gains of equal value – both caused by genetic predispositions and impulsivity.
Gambling addiction is a serious problem and its consequences can be far-reaching, including bankruptcy, homelessness and broken family relationships. Furthermore, it may cause psychological distress such as depression and anxiety – several forms of psychological therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy may help treat gambling addiction effectively.
One key step toward breaking gambling addiction is strengthening your support network. Reach out to friends and family, as well as joining peer support groups like Gamblers Anonymous (based on Alcoholics Anonymous principles). Joining Gamblers Anonymous may provide invaluable guidance and assistance as well as providing access to former gamblers with experience overcoming addiction who may act as sponsors who can provide invaluable guidance and assistance – but make sure they remain gambling free themselves first!
