If you’re suffering from excessive gambling, you may want to consider seeking treatment. Many people are unable to control their urge to gamble. The effects of excessive gambling can affect many aspects of a person’s life. Counselling services offer free and confidential help. They are available around the clock. Read on to learn more about treatment options for gambling problems.
Problems caused by excessive gambling
Excessive gambling can have serious effects on an individual’s health. It causes depression and anxiety, and may even lead to self-harm. It can lead to increased conflict with family members and friends. It can also lead to underperformance in the workplace and even loss of a job. Many people who suffer from compulsive gambling have other medical issues, including substance abuse, personality disorders, and depression. Some individuals also develop other disorders that may be related to excessive gambling, including bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Excessive gambling can lead to financial, relationship, and legal issues. People with this disorder often blame themselves and others for their behavior and feel guilty about their behavior. Problem gamblers also tend to engage in illegal activities and may even experience suicidal thoughts. In extreme cases, problem gamblers may even resort to substance abuse, which can damage their health and even their relationships.
Treatment options
Treatment options for gambling addiction vary, but all aim to get the gambling addict back on track. This can involve individual counseling or group meetings with others who have the same problem. Some treatments are more intensive than others. Inpatient rehab programs are typically designed for those with a severe gambling addiction. Other treatment options include family therapy and support groups.
These interventions are a blend of self-help activities and information workbooks, as well as structured support from trained treatment providers. In one study, 68 pathological gamblers were randomly assigned to receive CBT, motivational interviewing, or a combination of these methods, or they received a wait-list control group. Participants who received a combination of motivational interviewing and CBT showed better results than those in the control group.
Gambling addiction can have a profound impact on a person’s relationships, finances, and other aspects of life. In addition to financial consequences, many people suffering from gambling disorders try to hide their troubles. There are many causes of the problem, including a lack of financial resources and the proliferation of gambling outlets. Genetics may also play a role. Those who are genetically predisposed to gambling problems may have less activation of their prefrontal cortex or have an underactive reward system in their brains.
Ways to get help
There are many ways to get help with gambling, including going to a mental health professional or talking to a family member. Your health care provider will ask questions about your gambling habits and may ask you to share some personal details with them. This information is confidential, and your provider will not give it to anyone without your permission. A physical exam will be helpful in determining whether you have any medical conditions or other problems related to compulsive gambling.
A good mental health provider can help you find a treatment program for gambling. A mental health professional can also recommend self-help groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous. There are also outpatient and residential treatment programs for people who want to stop their gambling. The treatments will include counseling and various types of medication for substance use, mental health issues, and other conditions.