How to Get Help For Gambling Disorders
Gambling involves placing something of value, usually money, on an uncertain event with a chance of winning a prize. The activity can take many forms, including casino games, sports betting and scratchcards. It can be very addictive and can lead to severe mental health problems. Those suffering from gambling disorder are at high risk for depression and anxiety. They may also have trouble with family and work.
Those with an addiction to gambling can be helped with psychotherapy, which uses techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy to change unhealthy emotions and thoughts. Treatment often involves support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, and individual therapy with a mental health professional.
Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for people with a gambling addiction, but it’s important to find a therapist who has experience treating this condition. In addition to individual and group therapy, there are also family and marriage counseling programs that can help. A therapist can teach you how to handle stress in a healthy way and provide guidance on developing a new lifestyle that is free of gambling.
The first step in getting help for a gambling problem is admitting that you have one. This can be difficult, especially if you’ve lost a lot of money or have strained your relationships as a result of your gambling habit. But don’t try to go it alone – there are plenty of other people who have successfully overcome this addiction and rebuilt their lives.
In the past, gambling was largely confined to casinos in cities such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City. However, as technology has advanced, it has become easier to place a bet. People can now gamble online, at their local bars and restaurants, or even while watching a football game. The number of people who engage in gambling is increasing worldwide, with the majority of bets placed on events such as football matches and horse races.
Most people can enjoy gambling without becoming addicted, but for some it becomes a serious problem. In the US, four out of five adults have placed a bet at some point in their life. However, a small subset of those who start gambling develop a gambling disorder, which is now included in the DSM-5 under behavioral addictions.
The DSM-5 describes the symptoms of a gambling disorder as a persistent, recurrent urge to gamble that is accompanied by negative consequences. It affects a person’s finances, career and social and family relationships. Symptoms of gambling disorder can include:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved any medications for the treatment of gambling disorder, but several types of psychotherapy can help. These treatments can include psychodynamic therapy, which focuses on unconscious processes that influence behavior; and cognitive behavioural therapy, which addresses the beliefs that encourage an individual to gamble. Those with an addiction to gambling may benefit from addressing other mental health issues as well, such as depression and anxiety. The underlying causes of pathological gambling are complex and vary between individuals, but factors can include:
