A serious gambling problem can be just as debilitating as an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Problem gambling is also referred to as compulsive gambling or pathological gambling. A gambling addict may lose everything he owns, gambling away his house or his car when he runs out of money. Gambling addiction can destroy relationships with friends and family members when the addict begins lying about money and gambling losses. Serious gambling addicts may even turn to theft to fund their habit. Fortunately, there are treatments for pathological gamblers that can help them get the addiction under control.
About Gambling
While many people think of casinos in relation to gambling, there are actually many other places for gambling lovers to get their fix. Sports betting, online poker sites and even the lottery can be sources of problem gambling. For many, gambling can be harmless fun. Individuals may only gamble on occasion for a night out with friends, or may only spend a planned and affordable amount on gambling and then have no problem walking away. However, for some people, gambling can become a life-shattering problem.
Signs of a Gambling Problem
There are many signs that can indicate a gambling problem. Early signs may include the inability to cut back on gambling despite attempts, lying to friends and family about how much time or money is spent on gambling and taking out loans to pay for gambling. As a pathological gambling problem worsens, people may begin to gamble larger amounts to feel the same high or in an attempt to win back losses. Gambling addicts may lose jobs or relationships due to gambling, and even commit crimes to get money for gambling, notes MedlinePlus. According to Gamblers Anonymous, gambling addicts may also harbor grandiose fantasies about what they will do with the big money they believe to be right around the corner.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Gambling Addiction
According to MedlinePlus, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, has been found to help pathological gamblers control the compulsion to gamble. CBT is a highly effective therapeutic technique used to help individuals with compulsive, depressive and anxiety disorders. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, CBT works by teaching patients how to recognize and address the negative thoughts and assumptions that trigger behavioral problems, such as compulsive gambling.
Gambling Support Groups
Another treatment option for a gambling addict is joining a support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous. GA support groups are based on the 12-step model used by groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. The GA program is based on the belief that compulsive gambling is a long-term illness that needs to be addressed by total abstinence from gambling. People with pathological gambling problems can turn to members of a support group for help coping with the urge to gamble.
Medication
Some studies suggest certain psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants, may help relieve the symptoms of compulsive gambling, notes MedlinePlus. In addition, according to a February 2006 newsletter published by the American Psychiatric Association, a class of psychiatric medications known as opioid antagonists may have a beneficial effect. According to the newsletter, 59 percent of the participants in the study had significant relief from the symptoms of their gambling compulsion.
