Problem gambling has many warning signs. While occasional gambling may be an amusement, a person’s gambling habits can develop into a serious problem. Listed below are the warning signs of gambling addiction. If you feel that your gambling has become a problem, it’s time to seek help. There are several treatment options available for gambling addiction, and the benefits of gambling therapy can outweigh the negative effects. Listed below are some options to help you stop gambling.
Treatment for compulsive gambling
Although treatment for compulsive gambling is not a medical procedure, it can be a helpful step to overcoming a gambling habit. Usually, treatment involves therapy sessions with a trained professional. However, some treatment facilities are inpatient, providing a more intensive environment where a person can be cured from compulsive gambling. In some cases, insurance coverage is possible. Consult your insurance company to find out.
Gambling addiction is most common in young to middle-aged adults. The disorder is most likely to develop during adolescence, but some older adults have begun to gamble in their retirement years. Treatment for compulsive gambling involves identifying the underlying causes of the problem. Treatment for compulsive gambling may involve undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy, which challenges incorrect beliefs and replaces them with more accurate ones. A psychiatrist may prescribe antidepressants or narcotic antagonists, which are medications that reduce cravings.
Symptoms of problem gambling
Problem gambling is a common but often undiagnosed condition that has detrimental effects on an individual and those around them. It can have devastating financial and emotional effects, and the affliction is usually silent – a person with this disorder may not seek treatment until it has ruined his or her life. A person who is suffering from problem gambling may lose interest in other activities, lose control over their mood, or become argumentative about the activity.
In Washington State, the prevalence of problem gambling is estimated at 80,000-160,000 residents, and it affects 2 percent to 4 percent of adults. The prevalence is even higher among young people and adolescents. The disorder can cause harm to seven to 11 people. According to the Washington State Department of Health, a person with this problem is more likely to die than an individual without the condition. In addition, the suicide rate of problem gamblers is higher than that of other addicts.
Ways to stop gambling
One of the best ways to stop gambling is by removing all temptation from your life. Avoiding the company of people who regularly gamble will reduce your temptation. You can also keep your money out of reach by keeping it with a close family member or friend. Not having access to money will limit your impulsivity and make recovery easier. Avoid having access to ATMs or credit cards. Carry only a small amount of cash with you when gambling.
To stop gambling, try to identify what triggers your urges to gamble. Do you get urges when you are stressed, bored, or need an escape? Make a list of triggers, and write down how you cope with them. When you stop gambling, you will experience withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, heart palpitations, and a loss of control. Rather than continuing to play, try to think of healthy alternatives that will allow you to live a happy, healthy life without gambling.