Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is a mental health problem characterized by impulse-control problems. The gambling addict’s brain appears to respond to the act of gambling in the same way the alcoholic brain responds to a drink. The type or frequency of gambling may vary, but a gambling addict will typically be unable to control his behavior and will continue gambling despite negative social, financial, or legal consequences. A gambling addiction is typically not as easy to hide as other addictions. A gambling addict must have frequent access to casinos or online gambling pools. It’s also important to remember that a compulsive gambler may not gamble frequently, but when he does gamble, he is unable to stop. Several or all of the following behaviors may be present:
- Persistent obsession or preoccupation with any type of gambling
- Avoiding work, social obligations, or other commitments in order to gamble
- Neglecting bills or other expenses in order to use the money for gambling
- Disintegration of relationships or friendships due to gambling
- Loss of house, job, car, or other personal possessions due to financial losses in gambling
- Stealing money in order to gamble
- Selling possessions in order to gamble
- Failed attempts to control or eliminate behavior
With the right treatment methods, gambling addiction can be managed. He simply needs to learn how to develop a healthy and balanced relationship with money and develop a program of recovery that assists with impulse control or total abstinence from gambling. In general, gambling addiction is treated with similar methods used for treating other addictions. An inpatient program at an addiction treatment center can be a good start for a gambling addict. This type of program may be necessary for someone who is not able to avoid casinos or other gambling venues without help. An outpatient treatment program is a more common option for gambling addicts. In this setting, patients attend classes at a facility but continue to live at home and attend daily activities like work. Programs like Gamblers Anonymous (GA) may be helpful for addicts who can’t afford other treatments. These 12-step programs follow the same model as Alcoholics Anonymous and can help the addict build a support network of other recovered gambling addicts. A gambling addict may also benefit from individual therapy. Gambling addiction can often stem from deeper emotional or avoidance issues that need to be dealt with in order to change self-destructive patterns. In some cases, medication is necessary to help the addict overcome gambling urges. A gambling addiction might develop as a result of another mental health condition, like bipolar disorder. In these cases, the addict must manage the underlying condition in order to help with impulse control.
Sources and Links
![]()
Loading...
For more detailed information, click here