Are you a problem gambler? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn about the health risks of gambling, signs of a gambling addiction, and treatment options. You might be surprised by the list of resources available online. You can even find a therapist on BetterHelp, a website that pairs users with professional therapists. Please note that this article is sponsored by BetterHelp and I make a small commission from any sales made through the link.
Problem gamblers
Although many pathological gamblers may have met diagnostic criteria at one time or another, they might not show outward symptoms of gambling problems at the time they were diagnosed. It is also important to recognize that a gambler may be classified into several types of gambling, including social and professional. The following is a brief description of the three types of gamblers. Each type has distinct characteristics and is described below. To understand what these gamblers do and how to detect them, read the following article.
One sign of a problem gambler is their frequent withdrawal of personal funds to fund their gambling addiction. They may tap into their savings or their family’s or friends’ finances. Some even go as far as turning to illegal sources to make their withdrawals. Problem gambling often leads to criminal activity, and the likelihood of arrest increases as the problem increases. A problem gambler’s financial and social status will suffer as a result. However, there are treatments available for problem gambling.
Signs of a gambling addiction
If you or a loved one notice that your loved one has been playing online gambling for too long, there are warning signs that you may have a gambling problem. People who have a gambling addiction often withdraw from family and friends, either physically or socially. These people may be secretive, or they may feel remorse for what they have lost. If you have noticed any of these signs, it is time to seek help.
A person suffering from gambling addiction may find the activity a way to escape from reality and deal with negative emotions. In addition, they may also become a “chaser” of losses, chasing after the money they have spent. They may even lie to their friends and family members to avoid the withdrawal symptoms. When the gambling activity stops, withdrawal can be painful. The withdrawal symptoms may not be physical, but they may be equally debilitating.
Treatment options
If you are addicted to gambling, you should consider treatment. The DSM-5 recognizes gambling as a behavioral addiction. Typically, addiction is defined as a physical or psychological dependence on a particular substance. A person becomes dependent on a substance when they need progressively higher quantities to achieve the desired effects. In addition, a person develops a definite physiological syndrome after cessation of use. Increasingly, the concept of dependence is being applied to other behaviors, including eating, shopping, and exercising.
Addiction recovery programs are different for each person. Individuals with gambling addiction may benefit more from inpatient rehab. These programs are aimed at more serious addictions. The best treatment for a gambling addiction is often a combination of various therapies. A person with gambling addiction should be evaluated by a mental health professional to determine which treatment options are best for them. Generally, inpatient rehab is the best choice for individuals with an intense gambling addiction.
Health risks
More studies are identifying the health risks of gambling. These include harms to the individual gambler, his or her family and friends, and society as a whole. These studies are part of a broader review of gambling-related harms. A scoping search of the literature identified several systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and other review-level evidence that relates to health risks of gambling. The authors of the review suggest a number of additional measures that should be taken to address these problems and improve health outcomes for gamblers.
Although there is an ongoing debate about the best way to treat gambling problems, there are several steps GPs can take to prevent harm. GPs can become more educated about potential health risks by asking patients about their gambling habits and the effects of gambling on their lifestyle. Gamblers are at increased risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. GPs can also help address problems related to gambling, such as the effects on gambling on financial security.