Gambling appeals to young adults because of the rush involved in the win of a game, the overall appeal of flashy slot machines and casinos being open around the clock. The National Council on Problem Gambling explains that a young adult has a problem with gambling when it disrupts his daily pattern of life. Getting treatment is important in order to avoid complications such as financial distress.
Signs
The Helpguide website explains that an addiction to gambling is an impulse control disorder. One sign of addiction in a young adult is talking about gambling excessively. Isolation, borrowing money, losing money, losing possessions, being secretive, acquiring large amounts of debt, losing a job or apartment, failing in college, stealing and pawning off personal possessions are all potentially signs of gambling addiction.
Types
A young adult with a gambling addiction may repeatedly spend at casinos, card parties or race tracks. Types of gambling among young adults include slot machines, online gambling, poker tables, keno games, scratch-off lottery, lottery tickets, card games, athletic event gambling and horse race wagering. According to Oregon State University, up to 85 percent of college students have been involved in gambling. Internet gambling is a way for many young adults to engage in gaming using a credit card to place a bet online.
Effects
The effects of gambling can be devastating to young adults and their families. Gambling Help states that gambling can cause severe financial strain, excessive credit card debt and physical and emotional strain. Gambling can bring about a variety of emotions ranging from the high of a win to the devastation or depression of losing money. It can cause problems in relationships if a gambler is always asking to borrow money.
Treatment
Getting treatment for a gambling problem starts with first realizing you have a problem. Gambling addiction can be treated with a combination of a group recovery program and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Gamblers Anonymous or GA meetings are held in a group setting and offer support and encouragement to a young adult struggling with gambling. GA will help the young adult understand the consequences of gambling and how to cope with the addiction, using open-mindness, willingness and honesty—the backbone of GA.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps change your thoughts and behaviors about gambling, explains Helpguide. It focuses on dealing with underlying problems that contribute to your gambling. It teaches you to change your thought process to better deal with issues that lead to gambling and impulsive behavior. Eliminating credit cards or having your parents take control over your budget may be necessary to reduce the urge to wager bets.
Long-Term Outcome
Gambling recovery does not end with the completion of a treatment program or the end of therapy sessions. You will have to make long-term commitments in order to succeed. This means asking for support from family and friends by letting them know you are a recovering gambler. Avoid high-risk situations such as going to a casino, attending a card game or visiting online gaming websites.
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