Gambling Disorders and Problem Gambling
By Dr.Fourkan Ali
When gambling transitions from being a
recreational activity to an addiction, gamblers can experience serious
consequences as a direct result of their behaviour. It may still be possible to
maintain a job and manage finances without displaying any symptoms of a
gambling disorder, but over time the problem can develop into a situation that
causes serious financial difficulties and strained relationships with family
and friends. While gambling can become an addiction for some people and
carry many negative consequences, treatments are available to help people
control their habit and find healthy alternatives.
What Causes Gambling Addiction?
Gambling addiction is known a “process addiction,” because unlike alcoholism or drug addiction, a person is not taking a substance to
change how they feel. A gambling addict may begin to gamble, or do so
increasingly more often during a difficult time in their lives, and can
subconsciously do so as a way to divert attention away
from unpleasant emotions or feelings. This may initially work to mask
these feelings, but over time will most likely cause even more problems, and
when used as a coping mechanism, it can be difficult to reduce the destructive
behaviour without finding tools to overcome these emotions.
Recognising a Gambling Problem or Gambling Disorder
If gambling is causing you or someone you know
to feel distressed, or is having an impact on day-to-day life, you should
seek seek professional help. It is imperative to keep negative
feelings in check and to eliminate the desire to continue with the destructive
behaviour. If you suspect that you have a gambling disorder or gambling
problem, ask yourself the following questions:
·
Do you feel like your
family and friends don’t understand you?
·
Do you lie about how
often you gamble?
·
Are you secretive
about your gambling?
·
Is it difficult to
stop when you’re up?
·
Do you gamble even
when you don’t have the money, or know you put yourself at financial risk?
·
Have you ever stolen
to support your gambling?
·
Are family and friends
worried about your gambling?
·
Do you find that you
need to gamble more often to feel the same high that you once felt?
·
Have you tried to cut
down but found it to be very hard or impossible?
·
Do the majority of
your thoughts revolve around gambling?
·
Have you had problems
at work or school because of gambling?
·
Would you rather
gamble than take part in activities that you once found enjoyable?
·
Has your gambling put
you in severe financial distress?
If you’ve answered yes to two or more of these
questions you most likely have problems with gambling.
Gambling Addiction Rehab
While it may be difficult to accept that your
gambling has become out of control, there are many options and professionals waiting
to help you. The first step is recognising that you have a problem and being
ready to get help. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and 12 step
treatment methods as used by Gamblers Anonymous can be effective in dealing
with gambling disorders but in some cases it may be necessary to attend an
inpatient treatment facility to overcome the addiction.
The Overwhelming Factor in Gambling Addiction is That of Denial
A common feature of gambling disorders is
being in a state of denial. It can be very difficult for gamblers to recognise
that they have a problem in the fist place, especially when they see other
people gamble occasionally without undesirable consequences. An unwillingness
to accept that there is a problem can be very frustrating for those around them
who do recognise that the problem exists, and can delay the process of
addressing the gambling disorder. If you are experiencing on-going
problems due to gambling that causes stress or other difficulties in your life,
you may have a gambling disorder. In order to be diagnosed with a gambling
disorder, a person must show at least four of the following symptoms:
·
Gambling with increased amounts
of money
·
Feeling restless or irritable
when trying to stop
·
Unsuccessful efforts to cut
down
·
Being preoccupied with thoughts
of gambling
·
Gambling when feeling stressed
or upset
·
Lying to hide the extent of
gambling
·
Loss of relationships or jobs
·
Trying to win back losses
·
Depending on others for
financial support
·
Spending significant time
gambling
People with Gambling Problems Often Have Other Addiction Issues
There is a strong link between gambling and alcohol abuse, as well as depression. People with gambling problems may be
trying to cope with an already existing depression, or may become depressed due
to the negative consequences of their gambling. In fact, suicide rates among
gambling addicts are significantly higher than average. Gambling can also be a
symptom of a manic episode of bipolar disorder, where a person feels a surge of
energy and may engage in impulsive and risky behaviours.
When to Ask for Help with a Gambling Addiction
·
You want to stop
gambling but are unable to do so
·
You know somebody with
a gambling problem
·
You want advice and information
on available treatment options
·
You know you want
treatment but would like to discuss details
·
You think but are
unsure if you or someone else is a gambling addict
·
You have specific
needs that require an individualised treatment plan
Sources: website
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