Gambling Addiction
Gambling is a serious addiction that can affect the individual emotionally, physically, and socially. People who suffer from a gambling addiction will usually have to gamble more to experience the same “high” that they feel when they win money. This can lead to an endless cycle in which they gamble more to regain the money they’ve lost. They will then lose their control over their urge to gamble and will feel more desperate to win the money they lost.
Pathological gambling
While most people engage in recreational gambling without suffering negative consequences, there is a significant minority of people who develop pathological gambling. The DSM-IV defines pathological gambling as a pattern of compulsive gambling that interferes with a person’s life, family life, and vocational pursuits. Pathological gamblers report increasing periods of tension and anxiety before they begin to play, a condition known as anticipatory anxiety. While gambling can reduce generalized anxiety, it is also a way to temporarily avoid life’s stresses.
Treatment for pathological gambling often involves addressing the patient’s financial situation. A major focus of treatment involves financial assessment, including access to cash and credit cards, debt resolution strategies, and financial planning. A gambler’s financial crisis is usually what triggers them to seek help. A person who is deeply in debt may attempt to gamble in order to win money, which can trigger a relapse. However, the person may also seek treatment because of the cognitive distortion that drives their compulsive behavior.
Responsible gambling
Responsible gambling is a set of social responsibility initiatives implemented by the gambling industry. The initiatives involve governments, gaming control boards, operators, and vendors. These initiatives aim to educate the public about the potential harms associated with gambling. They also encourage responsible gaming and encourage players to be more careful with their money. Responsible gambling is a global issue. Many nations and jurisdictions have adopted laws or rules that regulate gambling. This is good news for responsible gamblers, who can benefit from these laws.
The goal of responsible gambling is to prevent vulnerable players from becoming addicted to gambling. While many states and jurisdictions have adopted laws to protect players from addiction, some are still far from best practices. In these cases, the gaming industry must ensure that it has effective policies and strategies to prevent a person from becoming addicted to gambling. A key aspect of responsible gaming is employee training. Employees must be aware of how to spot potential problems, how to deal with customers who need help, and how to communicate policies.
Problematic gambling
Problematic gambling affects people of all ages and is a major health concern. The economic and social impact of problem gambling varies, but is typically at least US$39 million per year. In Victoria, Australia, the productivity loss from gambling was estimated at $323 million. In 2014-15, the total cost to the employer was $34.6 million, and the crime costs were $22.5 million. Problem gambling can have devastating effects on the individual, family, and community.
The impact of gambling is also felt in the family, with petty theft, illicit lending, and child abuse associated with problem gambling. Pathological gambling has also been associated with homicide, particularly in the family. One study found that 63% of problem gamblers experienced or perpetrated physical violence to a partner. Another study looked at the effects of gambling on the relationships of problem gamblers. The results of the study showed that the problem gamblers in a family with children were more likely to commit these crimes than those who did not gamble.
Treatment options
If you or a loved one has a gambling problem, you can seek treatment options. Various types of therapy, including psychotherapy and medications, can help you overcome your addiction. The most common type of therapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps people challenge their negative gambling thoughts and behaviors. Other treatment options include support groups, such as NA or AA, which follow a 12-step process. Getting help from a health care provider is the best way to ensure your recovery.
In addition to professional treatment, many people find that self-help interventions are helpful. Many treatments, including self-help groups and meetings of Gamblers Anonymous, offer easy access to a support system, which may be helpful for recovering gamblers. Other self-help approaches include bibliotherapy and computer-based interventions. Self-help interventions can be as simple as reading an information workbook or making a telephone call to a support group.