Coping with a loved one with a gambling problem can be difficult, but reaching out for support is a great first step. Moreover, reaching out to other family members may give the loved one the comfort of knowing they are not alone in their struggle. Setting firm boundaries in managing money is a great way to help your loved one be accountable for their spending and prevent a relapse. Your family’s financial stability should always come first, so don’t let your loved one take advantage of your financial stability and safety.
Problem gambling
There is no single cure for problem gambling. Treatment consists of counseling, step-based programs, self-help groups, peer-support, and sometimes medication. Until recently, there was no drug approved by the FDA for treating pathological gambling. However, some types of treatment do work better than others. Here are some of them. Problem gambling may be caused by a variety of factors, including the individual’s mental health, family, and financial situations.
Earlier, problem gambling was referred to as pathological gambling or compulsive gambling. In the United States, it is estimated that between 6 to 8 million people suffer from the condition. The symptoms of this disorder are not easily recognizable; many individuals hide their gambling activities. The problem gambler may also be secretive about their spending habits and spend most of their free time planning the next gambling opportunity. Ultimately, this can cause serious problems for a person’s family and career.
Types of problem gambling
Several different types of problem gambling exist. Some of them are social gambling and others are based on financial consequences. The rise of online poker has contributed to a greater understanding of these types of gambling. However, the growth of these online games has also given rise to a new type of problem gambler. These people may use excessive amounts of their time to engage in online gambling. To prevent these behaviors, these individuals should seek treatment.
The DSM-V classification of psychiatric disorders recognises problem gambling as a separate condition. The DSM-V is the leading authority on psychiatric diagnoses in the US and most other countries. International Statistical Classification of Diseases also recognizes problem gambling as a distinct mental disorder, and it is commonly used by UK psychiatrists. While there is no universal definition of problem gambling, the signs and symptoms can be fairly revealing.
Risks of problem gambling
The aim of this systematic review is to assess the relationship between different risk factors and problem gambling. These factors may be categorized as those associated with initiation, escalation, urge, or intensity of gambling. In addition, the study should include evidence that establishes causality between the risk factor and problem gambling. We have developed inclusion criteria using the PICO framework (population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes).
The Michigan Department of Community Health warns against problem gambling during the holiday season, a time when increased financial pressures lead many to gamble to settle debts. According to a recent study from Western Michigan University, 300,000 people aged 18 and older in Michigan report a problem with gambling, and 146,854 are currently experiencing a gambling problem. Of these people, approximately 66,000 are considered probable pathological gamblers. Two out of three problem gamblers live in Detroit or the surrounding area.
Treatment options
The first step to conquering a gambling addiction is seeking treatment. Addictions to gambling are called pathological gambling and are categorized by the American Psychiatric Association as a behavioral disorder with an uncontrollable desire to gamble. Treatment for gambling addiction often involves admission to an inpatient rehab program where a person can receive round-the-clock care and peer support. The treatment for gambling addiction may involve various options, including therapy, counseling, and group therapy.
A residential addiction treatment program is typically recommended for individuals with a comorbid substance addiction. This program allows for time to work through the problem, learn new coping methods, and gain professional guidance. It also teaches individuals how to stop gambling and the associated triggers, while receiving professional guidance and support from experts. Gambling addiction treatment is not dissimilar from the treatment of other addictions, but it is important to note that recognizing that you have an addiction to gambling is a major step in the right direction.