A person addicted to gambling should be aware of the symptoms and the various treatment options available. Here are some common signs and treatments:
Symptoms
People who are prone to excessive gambling have a number of physical and emotional symptoms, including suicidal thoughts and attempts. Gamblers often lie about their activity and depend on others for money. Some of these symptoms begin in adolescence, while others may appear only later on in adulthood. These symptoms may include pale skin, weight gain or loss, and dark circles under the eyes. In addition, compulsive gamblers may withdraw from friends and family and become isolated.
In addition to physical symptoms, the person suffering from compulsive gambling is often suffering from depression, a psychological disorder that can be debilitating. Depressed people have symptoms that include lethargy, change in appetite, and unhappiness. Treatment for depression and gambling problems often includes dual diagnosis, which addresses both issues at the same time. A mental health professional will be able to help you determine the underlying cause of your problem, and provide you with a treatment plan that addresses both of them.
Treatment options
Although there are many types of treatment options for gambling addiction, these services are usually tailored to the needs of the individual and their availability. Some treatment centers offer weekend gambling addiction programs, so that people can continue with their work or business. Outpatient treatment programs may also include individual therapy or group sessions like Gamblers Anonymous. There are some advantages to outpatient treatment, but be sure to choose a program that is the right fit for your needs.
A clinical expert can diagnose a gambling addiction based on a person’s behavior and history. An expert will determine if a person’s gambling problem is a disorder or simply a hobby. Gambling is not always a bad thing, as many people engage in it for entertainment purposes. However, many addicts pretend to gamble because they have a problem. Treatment options for gambling addiction involve addressing the underlying causes of the problem and treating the person accordingly.
Risk factors
The authors of the review examined ten factors as potential risk for gambling and found that only three had high confidence. Other factors lacked evidence or were not well-defined. Nonetheless, the authors concluded that these factors may affect the development of problem gambling. The researchers believe that these factors may be important to identify in intervention programs. Further research is necessary to evaluate these risk factors and find out how they can influence the development of problematic gambling. Moreover, they concluded that the study participants were more likely to engage in problematic gambling if they had a higher level of emotional strength than did their female counterparts.
Although gambling can provide some benefits, most college students suffer negative outcomes due to this addiction. In addition to financial losses, gambling can also disrupt personal relationships, cause psychological distress, and interfere with study or part-time work. Gambling-affected university students tend to have worse academic performance than non-gamblers. Some even withdraw from college due to poor academic performance. Further, problems associated with gambling may be difficult to identify. It is vital to get the right medical attention early if you want to avoid the negative consequences of gambling.