Gambling Addiction – What Are the Signs, Causes, and Motivations of Problem Gambling?
Increasingly, primary care settings are evaluating patients for addictive disorders, such as gambling. Gambling is a widely legalized activity, and is a relatively non-drug related behavior. Nevertheless, it is a potential source of addiction, and assessing its potential is important for many reasons. Below, we describe the signs of problem gambling, discuss treatment options, and examine the causes and motivations of these behaviors. Read on to learn more.
Problem gambling
What is problem gambling? Problem gambling is an excessive and chronic behavior involving gambling. It can lead to financial ruin, legal problems, loss of a career, and even suicide. There are a number of risk factors associated with problem gambling, including social isolation, physical, emotional, and cognitive problems. The American Psychiatric Association has developed criteria for defining problem gambling. These criteria range from “No Problem” to “Clinical Criteria,” and may include one or more of the following:
Signs of problem gambling
Gambling addiction affects many people around the world. According to the North American Foundation for Gambling Addiction Help, about two percent of US adults are affected by problem gambling. Similarly, twenty-five percent of Canadians report negative consequences related to problem gambling. While alcohol addiction may have obvious signs, problem gambling is harder to detect. Instead, you will have to look for other indicators that you are dealing with a gambling problem. Here are a few signs that you should watch out for.
Treatment options
Compulsive gambling, also known as pathological gambling, is an impulse control disorder. It can be similar to alcohol and drug addictions, but the primary difference is that it involves a person’s persistent and problematic gambling habits. Pathological gamblers may seek out gambling to relieve unpleasant emotions, socialise, or relax. There are several treatment options for gambling addiction, including addiction recovery centers and inpatient rehab programs. Treatment centers for gambling addiction often offer a combination of therapy and peer support.
Adolescents’ motives for gambling
The consequences of adolescent gambling are significant, and can lead to problems of a social, psychological, or financial nature. Research has documented several risk factors associated with gambling, including the place of residence and family structure. Although Foster et al. did not establish any significant association between family structure and gambling behavior, they did find that some family characteristics were associated with increased risk. Specifically, women’s employment status and the presence of a parent reported greater family satisfaction and less gambling among adolescents.
Legal and illegal forms of gambling
The United States is home to many different kinds of gaming. Although interstate gambling is prohibited, most states have regulations regarding gambling within their borders. For example, the federal Wire Act of 1961 banned interstate sports betting but did not apply to other forms of gambling. While many states now regulate sports betting, others have opted to ban all gambling altogether. Some states have regulated online gambling, resulting in many offshore operators shutting down their US operations.
Addiction to gambling
The hallmark symptom of addiction to gambling is an inability to quit. If you find yourself struggling with the urge to gamble but can’t find the strength to stop, it might be time to seek help. Addiction to gambling is a disease that affects both mental and physical health. The symptoms of depression include lethargy, fatigue, appetite changes, and unhappiness. Although these symptoms can be treated individually, gambling addiction is a chronic illness, and treatment for one isn’t always possible without the help of a professional.