GAMBLING ADDICTION
Gambling addiction is remotely referred to compulsive gambling where gamblers cannot control the urge to gamble. It’s therefore termed as impulse control disorder where the gambler is unable to prevent themselves or any other person even though they may be hurt by playing the game. These people will continue to gamble even when they know very well the consequences no matter what. The worst thing is they will gamble even when they know the odds are against them, they just can’t stay out of the game and off the bet.
Gambling addiction develops problem gambling where it becomes a real issue and disrupts your life. In other words, problem gambling is where you are preoccupied by the game, you are spending more time and money on the game, continuing to gamble despite serious consequences and chasing obvious losses. This brings us to a set of two different types of compulsive or addictive gamblers. They are:
The Escape Gamblers
These are associated with emotional pain, sense of loneliness or even worries. Normally they gamble to feel numb. They prefer games which are isolated in nature such as online poker, slot machines and the bingo. They dislike games which are complex in nature so that they don’t burden the mind.
Action Gamblers
These types are addicted to the game. They dare take risks and they’ve made gambling their drug. They don’t gamble alone but instead play their game with others because the aim to beat the whole house. Unlike escape gamblers, they like a game of skill like sport betting, playing cards and also craps.
Signs and Symptoms of Addictive Gambling
There are no clearly known or obvious physical signs or symptoms of addictive gambling. Drugs and alcohol have noticeable signs and symptoms hence they try to either minimize or even deny the existence of the problem. They may show some withdrawals from their beloved ones to conceal the practice or even sneak around or even lie about themselves. Some of the red flags raised are;
- Unable to explain the loans or even cash advances
- No openness or secrecy over finances
- Too much of unpaid bills and those overdue
- There are cries of no money even if income remains the same
- Savings and assets starts to dwindle
- Borrowing money from friends and family
- Too much calls or letters coming in from bill collectors
- Explaining the cash whereabouts when unpaid bill come due becomes a problem.
Treatment for Problem Gambling
To treat this problem, the affected fellow accepts the existence of the problem as this is the hardest thing to do. Never make excuses for this prevent total recovery from the problem.
- start by seeking for professional help from a specialist to help out of it
- let your family and loved ones know about the existence of the problem
- 1- Cognitive behavior therapy; this is centered at changing unhealthy gambling behaviors. Teaches on how to fight gambling urges, erasing uncomfortable emotions, solving financial hardships etc.
- 2- Gambler anonymous; it involves 12 steps and is the most effective treatment of compulsive gambling. It provides supportive, non-judgment atmosphere etc what you share what you are going through.
- 3- Medication; there is no known cure but stick to the steps and win the race.