What is a Gambling Addiction
What is a gambling addiction.
Gambling addiction, also known as gambling disorder, is a type of impulse control disorder characterised by a persistent and recurrent pattern of gambling behaviour that leads to significant distress or impairment. People with gambling addiction may continue to gamble despite negative consequences, such as financial problems, relationship difficulties, or legal issues.
Some common signs and symptoms of gambling addiction include:
- Preoccupation with gambling, such as constantly thinking about or planning future gambling activities
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired level of excitement
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or cut back on gambling
- Lying to family members or loved ones about the extent of gambling involvement
- Using gambling as a way to escape problems or negative emotions
- Neglecting responsibilities or relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing or stealing money to gamble
Serious consequences
Gambling addiction can have serious consequences for a person’s mental and physical health, as well as their financial stability and relationships. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders, as well as financial problems and legal issues.
Treatment for gambling addiction may include therapy, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a common form of therapy that teaches individuals to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to gambling addiction. Support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences and receive encouragement from others who are going through similar challenges. Medications, such as antidepressants or mood stabilisers, may also be prescribed to manage symptoms of gambling addiction.
Seek help
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider or mental health professional. With the right treatment and support, individuals with gambling addiction can learn to manage their symptoms and lead a fulfilling life.
Problem Gambling is an urge to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. The term is preferred to compulsive gambling among many professionals, as few people described by the term experience true compulsions in the clinical sense of the word. Problem gambling often is defined by whether harm is experienced by the gambler or others, rather than by the gambler’s behaviour. Severe problem gambling may be diagnosed as clinical pathological gambling if the gambler meets certain criteria, or alternatively as a behavioural addiction.
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