Signs and symptoms of problem gambling include compulsive spending, a need to win and lose money, and difficulty regulating one’s gambling activities. Here are the most common symptoms of gambling addiction and the best ways to overcome it. If you are concerned that your gambling habit may be causing you to lose control of your life, contact your doctor. There is help for gambling addiction, though, so don’t wait for it to get out of control.
Problem gambling
The term problem gambling refers to the urge to bet a certain amount of money on a game of chance, where the winner or loser gains more or less than the amount lost. It has been a source of concern for many people for centuries, but was only recognized as a true disorder in the 1980s by the American Psychiatric Association. These days, the criteria for identifying problem gambling have changed, and are based on surveys of 222 compulsive gamblers and 104 social gamblers who are also substance abusers.
If you or your loved one suffers from a gambling addiction, there are a variety of ways to help them recover. For example, you can seek professional help by joining a non-gambling support group. Alternatively, you can reach out to family and friends for support. In addition to seeking professional help, you can also turn to organizations such as GamCare, which offer self-help resources and support for family members. However, the treatment of problem gambling is not as easy as it may seem.
Signs
When someone becomes addicted to gambling, they must recognize that they have a problem and stop looking for the next big win. Symptoms of problem gambling vary with the context and population. In order to recognize if your loved one has a gambling problem, keep a close eye on these behaviors. Gambling is a ‘rigged’ game, and the odds are always stacked against you. It is important to realize this fact and seek help early to avoid the damaging consequences.
Compulsive gambling can lead to excessive mood swings and a double life. Many times, gamblers are unable to control their impulses and may be hiding their activities from their family and friends. Excessive mood swings may be mistaken for normal upset, but they are signs of gambling addiction. Some of these symptoms are listed below. A gambler may feel hopeless, suicidal, and unable to function normally.
Symptoms
Many people have experienced some of the physical and emotional effects of gambling addiction. These symptoms range from anxiety to depression and may also include difficulty sleeping. While these symptoms are emotionally painful, they can also have physical effects, such as muscle aches and pains. These symptoms often intensify as a person begins to withdraw from their addiction. A trusted friend or family member can provide support and advice during these times. Listed below are the main symptoms of gambling addiction.
When someone starts to feel as if they are facing financial ruin, they may experience the symptoms of gambling addiction. They may gamble to try and win money back, but instead of succeeding in their goals, they continue to lose and cannot stop. This cycle must be broken through rehabilitation. The next time you hear someone talking about the negative effects of gambling addiction, you can make sure they are not alone. You can get help for this problem if you recognize the symptoms.
Treatment
Despite being legal and easy to access, gambling is a highly addictive behavior. In fact, the chances of becoming addicted to gambling increase 23-fold if you also suffer from alcohol use disorders. In fact, 80 percent of American adults are habitual gamblers. There are also seven million young people with gambling problems in the United States, and at least half of them are committing crimes to fund their addiction. If not treated, the problem will only get worse.
Getting the right treatment for gambling addiction is essential to overcoming this dangerous habit. A primary care physician can work with you and your family to make sure your gambling problem isn’t an underlying issue. During an initial visit, your doctor may ask you about your gambling habits and if it is a family problem. While doctors are not permitted to disclose medical information to other people without your permission, some medications can contribute to compulsive behavior, so you should be honest with your doctor about your gambling habit. If you are concerned about your gambling problem, a mental health professional may recommend a treatment program.