Symptoms of Gambling Addiction
Gambling is a dangerous, addictive habit that can affect your physical, psychological, and social well-being. Gambling is a form of impulse control disorder, and it is particularly dangerous when done out of control. Gambling addiction is often considered a hidden addiction, since the problem seldom manifests physical symptoms or outward signs. The following are some symptoms of gambling addiction. To recognize if your gambling behavior is a sign of problem gambling, consult your healthcare provider for further information.
Self-soothing – Gambling is a way for an individual to deal with unpleasant emotions. It is an escape from worry, boredom, and trouble. It can also affect sleep, because the thought of gambling interferes with sleep. Arguments, disappointments, and frustrations can trigger gambling, and the gambling behavior can even affect relationships. Sometimes, a person’s loved ones will hide their food money from the gambler so that he or she doesn’t know about the problem.
Support group – A support group can help a person overcome the problems caused by the gambling habit. These groups use peer support to encourage one another to stop gambling. Besides self-help groups, many states have gambling helplines. The National Helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Taking steps to support a loved one suffering from gambling addiction is very important. If you are experiencing a gambling problem, it is always a good idea to attend a self-help group such as Gam-Anon to receive support and encouragement.
If you’re tempted to gamble, take the first step by recognizing the dangers. First, you need to determine whether gambling is right for you. It is important to realize that gambling is not realistic. The chances of winning are slim to none. So, get rid of your credit card or make automatic payments from your bank. Secondly, close online betting accounts and only keep limited cash with you. It is better to stay in the safe side and avoid any potential financial crisis.
Ultimately, the symptoms of gambling addiction are a complex one. Some people are prone to gambling disorder because it runs in the family. Other risk factors are trauma, social inequality, or a combination of the two. Gambling symptoms may begin as early as adolescence, while other symptoms may develop later in life. Research has shown that men start gambling sooner than women. Several types of therapy are available to treat people suffering from gambling addiction. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and family and group therapies.
A person suffering from gambling addiction may experience a number of symptoms of a mood disorder. These symptoms may trigger an urge to gamble, and compulsive gambling can make these problems worse. These symptoms may continue even when the person stops gambling. Once a person has developed an addiction to gambling, treatment may be necessary to stop the behavior and live a healthy, productive life. Gambling addiction therapy helps to reduce the urge to gamble by modifying the person’s thoughts.