Gambling has long been a popular past-time in the United States, but has been suppressed by law for nearly as long. The early 20th century saw the uniform outlawing of gambling, a situation that contributed to the rise of the mafia and criminal organizations. Towards the end of the century, attitudes toward gambling began to soften and laws against gambling were gradually relaxed. However, the question remains: is gambling harmful? If so, what should be done to curb the problem?
Problem gambling
Gambling is often defined as a game of chance or skill that involves placing an item of value at risk in an attempt to win an amount greater than the value of the item. Problem gambling affects any age group, but is especially prevalent in minority groups, such as the Latino and Asian communities. People with this disorder often experience numerous problems and need professional help to overcome their gambling addictions. In many cases, problem gambling is the result of repeated attempts to reduce or eliminate the problem.
Individuals with high levels of impulsivity, a comorbidity with problem gambling, have higher odds of developing the disorder. However, this trait is also associated with increased risk-taking behavior and increased depression. Individuals with antisocial impulsivity are also more likely to engage in antisocial activities, such as gambling, because of this high risk factor. The following list of characteristics are shared by those with antisocial impulsivity and may be related to problem gambling.
Treatment options
There are many treatment options for people with gambling addictions. Individuals who cannot stop gambling are often recommended to go to residential rehabs, which offer time and professional support. These programs address the impact of gambling, triggers of addictive behaviors, and teach coping skills. Individuals may need multiple types of treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy. The following are some common treatment options for gambling addiction. All of them have the potential to improve the lives of people in need.
Individual CBT, workbook, and GA referral-only treatments are often used for pathological gambling. These treatments often have lower dropout rates, mainly because they are less costly and require less time and attention. A number of individuals who have gambling problems are conflicted about their desire to change and may not even know where to start. The lack of understanding about the various treatment options and the need for follow-up help may explain the lack of treatment engagement.
Signs to look for
If you are worried about your loved one’s addiction to gambling, there are several signs you should watch out for. Problem gambling is often accompanied by mental health problems. If not treated, this can lead to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or other mental health problems. Men are more likely to develop compulsive gambling than women. And men tend to start gambling much earlier in life than women. So, if you see one of these signs, you should seek professional help immediately.
Gambling addiction is a hidden illness, so you may be unaware of it. In fact, you may not even realize you are dealing with a problem unless you notice these changes. These signs include irritability, feeling on edge, mental health changes, and sleep disorders. Some people may even lie about their gambling to cover up their behavior. These signs are indicative of a gambling addiction. But how do you tell whether your loved one is struggling with a gambling addiction?