If you’ve been suffering from a gambling addiction, you’re not alone. More than half of all people have been affected by pathological gambling at some point in their lives. If you’re concerned about your behavior, read on to learn more about the warning signs and treatments for this dangerous condition. There are many ways to get relief from boredom. Exercising, spending time with nongambling friends, or practicing relaxation techniques may all help you beat boredom.
Pathological gambling
The DSM-IV defines pathological gambling as an impulse-control disorder and suggests that anyone meeting five or more of the criteria should be considered a pathological gambler. Despite the challenges involved, a scientific model of pathological gambling can advance our understanding of the disorder. Currently, there is a lack of well-formulated instruments that can accurately measure pathological gambling prevalence. Researchers must consider the context in which the diagnostic instrument is used and the underlying motivations and conditions that cause pathological gambling.
The most immediate consequence of pathological gambling is accumulating debt. One single gambling session can destroy a gambler’s entire financial portfolio. Some have lost their life savings in just a few hours. The consequences are especially relevant for senior gamblers. In addition to accumulating debt, pathological gamblers have higher rates of bankruptcy than the general population. One fifth of them use loan sharks to fund their gambling. Many of these risks are life-threatening.
Symptoms
People who are prone to gambling problems often suffer from many emotional and physical symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. In addition, excessive gambling may lead to self-harming behaviors, such as committing suicide. The physical effects of excessive gambling can also be significant, including pale skin, heart palpitations, and trouble breathing. These symptoms often intensify as a person attempts to withdraw from gambling. Fortunately, there are many ways to address gambling symptoms.
Many people with this disorder withdraw from family and friends, either out of shame or to avoid arousing concern from others. The person may even lie about their gambling behavior in order to hide their problems, putting them in an even more vulnerable position than before. Some people may lose their job or relationship because of their gambling habits. Symptoms of gambling disorder can start in adolescence and continue into adulthood. If you suspect that you may have a gambling problem, be sure to consult with a mental health professional as soon as possible.
Treatment
While gambling addiction affects every person in different ways, there are certain techniques that can help an individual overcome this problem. These include therapy, support groups, medication, and behavioral modifications. A loved one or family member of an addicted person should support their efforts to overcome this problem. These methods will vary in their effectiveness, but all have the goal of helping the addict become a healthy person. This article will discuss some of these techniques. It is important to remember that there is no single solution to gambling addiction, so be sure to talk to your doctor about your options.
A significant first step in the treatment process is admitting that you have a problem and committing to making changes. Gambling addiction is a very stressful problem that can affect relationships. You must acknowledge that you have become emotionally and financially ruined. If you have cheated on your spouse or lost all of your savings, you need to accept your mistake and seek help. Also, you must accept the anger you feel. During your treatment, you will learn how to manage your money in a healthier way.