How to Get Help For a Gambling Problem
A popular pastime for many, gambling can have a variety of positive and negative effects. However, when a person becomes addicted to gambling it can cause significant problems for them and their family. There are several ways to get help for a gambling problem, including professional treatment, self-help, and family and peer support.
The first step to overcoming gambling addiction is to recognize the problem and seek treatment. Gambling disorder is a serious mental health condition that affects the brain. It causes a variety of symptoms, such as difficulty controlling behavior, denial, and compulsive behaviors. Treatment options include psychotherapy, a type of therapy that involves talking with a therapist, and medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any medications for treating gambling disorder, but there are a number of different types of psychotherapy.
There are some factors that increase the likelihood of developing gambling disorder, such as:
Family and peer support are important sources of help for those with a gambling addiction. The availability of support systems can help people overcome the stigma associated with seeking help for a gambling problem. Support groups can also provide a safe environment for those struggling with gambling disorders to share their experiences and learn from others. In addition, many communities and state governments have programs to address gambling addiction.
Often, gambling addiction is caused by an underlying issue such as depression, alcohol misuse, or other mental health conditions. In such cases, psychotherapy may be helpful in improving a person’s gambling behaviors. There are a variety of psychotherapy techniques that can be used to treat gambling addiction, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy. CBT focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that lead to problem gambling. In addition, interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on the relationship between individuals and can help them work through emotional issues that may be contributing to their gambling problems.
While most people who gamble do so for entertainment, a small group of individuals become heavily involved in gambling and continue to participate despite adverse personal, social, and financial consequences. People with a gambling problem are often characterized by:
In addition, people with a gambling problem frequently engage in risk-taking activities that can contribute to further problematic behaviors and loss of control over gambling. Some examples of these risk-taking behaviors include: