Although most people enjoy casino gambling, sports betting, lotteries and bingo game for fun and excitement it provides, others may experience gambling as an addictive habit and distraction. Statistics show that while 85 percent of the adult population in the U.S. enjoys a certain type of gambling every year, between 2 and 3 percent will develop a gambling problem and 1 percent of them are diagnosed as pathological gamblers.
Where to draw the line between harmless game for gambling problems? How can you tell if you or your friend compulsive gambler? You can find answers to these questions and other questions about problem gambling and addiction to gambling.
What is the meaning of gambling problem?
Problem gambling or pathological gambling is defined as an uncontrollable urge to play despite the destructive effect of gambling on the lives of players and despite the feelings of guilt and remorse. gambling problems tend to have a negative effect on the players of the financial statement, relationships and everyday life. Severe cases of gambling addiction can be defined as pathological gambling.
Am I a compulsive gambler?
1) Do you gamble until your last penny is over?
2) Do you gamble to recoup their previous losses or debts?
3) Have you ever had to borrow money to continue playing?
4) Is your gambling ever made you lie to your friends or family?
5) Do you ever go to work or other obligation to play?
6) Do you tend to play to forget their personal problems or to celebrate happy occasions?
7) Is the game has a negative effect on your daily life or relationships?
If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions, then you have a problem.
Can Anyone Become a compulsive gambler?
In theory, yes. Any player can develop gambling problems regardless of the type of game is concerned, the amount of time and money that was spent on gambling. Research shows that slot machines can be found in bars and convenience stores are the most addictive form of gambling activity, while lotteries and bingo games are at the other end of the scale. Gambling addiction is an emotional problem, its symptoms, causes and treatments are similar to any other form of addiction.
How I can treat gambling addiction?
1) Group Therapy:
Gamblers Anonymous offers a 12-step self-help similar to that provided to alcohol addicts in Alcoholics Anonymous. Group therapy also offers tips gambling addicts and support of professional counselors and others addicted to gambling at different stages of their recovery process. Anonymous player facilities are available at over 1,200 locations throughout the state.
2) Individual Therapy
Cognitive or behavioral therapy can help those addicted to gambling to determine their conscious thinking and quality standards, which led them to play compulsively, and replace them with manageable and healthier ways of thinking.
3) Psychiatric Medications:
Has recently been shown that antidepressant drugs of the SSRI family of inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake can be affective in the treatment of those addicted to gambling.
October 10, 2009, 05:20:05 AM