If you’re struggling with an addiction to gambling, you may want to know the signs and symptoms of problem gambling. These symptoms include a gambling habit that can become so severe that it affects other aspects of your life. Getting help for gambling addiction is essential for the recovery of any individual. Treatment for gambling addiction will involve addressing various aspects of the individual’s life, including family issues, financial problems, legal issues, and a person’s professional situation. If you suspect that you have a problem with gambling, you should see your health care provider for a referral to appropriate treatment providers.

Problem gambling

Problem gambling is a serious condition that has negative consequences for the sufferer. It can lead to financial ruin, legal issues, loss of family relationships, and even suicide. This type of gambling can range from mild to severe, and often progresses over time. In the past, problem gambling was referred to as pathological gambling or compulsive gaming. However, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has officially recognized the disorder as Impulse Control Disorder.

Symptoms

Many people have symptoms of compulsive gambling. These include emotional symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Gambling can also affect physical health, including muscle soreness, chest tightness, heart palpitations, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may begin as early as adolescence or as late as later adulthood. Symptoms can increase in intensity as a person withdraws from gambling. Identifying these symptoms may help prevent gambling-related medical problems.

Treatments

There are several effective treatments for gambling addiction. Behavioral therapy is a proven technique used to reduce excessive gambling. It involves developing problem-solving skills with the addict and teaching them how to cope with situations that make them feel uncomfortable. It also focuses on building a support system for the gambler, such as limiting their access to money and reducing stress. Behavioral therapy is effective if it is combined with other treatments to reduce the underlying cause of excessive gambling.

Signs

Many of the signs of gambling addiction are similar to those of alcohol or drug addiction. In particular, the person may become irritable, withdrawn, depressed, or restless. All of these symptoms are a result of a person’s obsession with gambling. The gambling addict believes that the act of gambling makes them happy, which ultimately leads to the onset of a gambling addiction. Here are a few signs to look out for.

Impact on society

There are several ways to assess the negative impact of gambling on society. In the Lancet Public Health journal, for example, researchers have concluded that over 750,000 Canadians have a serious gambling problem. Research on this issue is difficult to quantify, but social workers and addiction specialists are working to improve the lives of those affected by gambling addiction. The authors outline the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to the spread of gambling addiction in communities.