Gambling Addiction
Gambling involves placing something of value, such as money, on an event that has a chance of ending in a loss or a gain. Many people gamble for entertainment and for a rush, but some have a gambling problem.
Researchers, psychiatrists, other treatment care clinicians, and public policy makers often have different paradigms or world views from which they view gambling activity and gambling problems.
Definition
Gambling involves risking something of value, such as money, on an event that is uncertain and whose outcome depends partly on chance. It is a common pastime that can lead to problems for some people. It can strain relationships, interfere with work or school, and cause financial ruin. It can also be harmful to your health and can lead to self-destructive behaviours.
Historically, a diagnosis of pathological gambling (PG) has been reserved for individuals who met specific diagnostic criteria in the fourth edition of the psychiatric manual, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. However, the current understanding of gambling problems has undergone a shift and the term disordered gambling is used to describe a range of behaviors that are at risk for deteriorating into more serious problems. This is similar to the change in understanding of alcohol use disorders (AUD). Research shows that genetic factors play a role in how you process reward information and control impulses.
Symptoms
Gambling addiction often affects several areas of an individual’s life. It can cause relationship and work problems and can even lead to job loss. It can also cause financial troubles including debt, money management issues and bankruptcy. It can also lead to feelings of shame and guilt for the person who is gambling. They may hide their behaviour from family and friends or lie about how much they are spending.
They might spend large amounts of time thinking about their gambling and how to win more money. They might also start to lose sleep. They may be stealing from friends or family to fund their gambling. They might try to make up for their losses by betting more and more.
Psychotherapy is the main treatment for gambling disorder. It involves talking to a mental health professional about your thoughts and emotions. It could include behavior therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). You can also receive medications such as Naltrexone. The CNWL National Problem Gambling Clinic can prescribe this medication to you if you have been assessed by a psychiatrist.
Treatment
While acknowledging a problem with gambling can be difficult, it is the first step toward finding treatment. A health care professional can recommend a variety of treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or medication. Some treatments also include a family component, and there are support groups for families such as Gam-Anon. The first thing you should do if you suspect a loved one has a gambling addiction is to talk with him or her in a private, distraction-free environment. It can be helpful to have a counselor present during this conversation.
A few controlled investigations have been performed using various techniques to treat gambling problems, but results have not been consistent. Similarities with the treatment of substance abuse disorders are a common thread that runs through these investigations, but it is unclear whether there are specific interventions that reliably improve outcomes. Until this question is resolved, more research in the field of pathological gambling is needed.
Prevention
Gambling is a form of entertainment that can have negative impacts on personal and interpersonal levels as well as society/community. These can be in the form of personal financial losses and a reduction in quality of life.
Prevention strategies can be at the environmental, behavioral and relationship levels. For example, one of the most effective ways to prevent gambling is to avoid triggers. This can include taking a different route to work, avoiding places that make you want to gamble and keeping credit cards and nonessential cash out of sight. It also helps to challenge negative thought patterns, such as the illusion of control and irrational beliefs that can encourage compulsive gambling.
Behaviorally, prevention efforts can include educational programs and community involvement. Creating safe and gambling-free environments is also important. For young people, this includes limiting access to alcohol and drugs that can lower inhibitions and increase risk-taking behaviors. Additionally, it is important to teach youth about responsible gambling and provide support services.