Treating Gambling Addiction an Introduction
Gambling addiction is a serious issue and help is available to
the problem gambler. Pathologic gambling is an addiction because
of the 'rush' you feel when you win money. A person's
experiences and personality type also play a large role in
gambling addictions. People who are pathologic gamblers can't
control their impulses to gamble. There are many differnt
degrees of addiction. All which can be treated differntly.
There are several methods use to treat gamb
ling addictions. Most treatment programs will have the
gambling addict take some form of psychotherapy or medication.
Medications for gambling addiction treatment are usually some
form of anti-depressant. SSRR's (Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
have proven to be effective for mood swings and pathological
gamblers. Pyscho and cognitive behavior therapy aim at replacing
negative beliefs with healthy and positive ones. Group therapy
can also be very helpful as a gambling addiction treatment as
they offer a medium for advice, feedback and support.
Treatment programs are unique for each person, so the individual
must track down a program that best suits his needs. There is
help and hope for problem gamblers. One of the first steps to
helping yourself is admitting you have the problem. The world
may seem empty but there is always someone out there that can
help. Gambling is meant to be fun, not harmful. If you think you
may have a gambling addiction, or you know a loved one that
might, help is just a few clicks away.
Gambling is a form of entertainment for many people, but in some
cases gambling can become an addiction leading to financial
problems, relationship stress, and even attempted suicide. It is
estimated that 6 percent of north america's population will have
a gambling problem sometime in there life. Gambling addiction is
a serious problem. Pathological addictions to gambling are more
common in men then women or specific ethnic groups. Gambling can
create a rush when you lose and win, and sometimes the user is
unable to control their impulses to gamble. This is when it
becomes a problem. There are different degrees of gambling
addiction. All of which are treated differently, depending on
the specific needs of the addict.
Signs of gambling addictions include, but are not limited to:
Constantly thinking/talking about and, or, preparing for
gambling sessions, gambling during work or when you are expected
at home, getting into debt from gambling and lying to borrow
money. Using illegal means to finance gambling and neglecting
family or other personal responsibilities. Feeling a need to
gamble to relieve stress and or 'escape reality'. Of course,
there are also many more signs that could point towards a
problem gamble, though gambling addiction is usually blatently
obvious.
Treatment programs can range, and are specifically designed
according to the addicts needs. Usually the most sucessful
therapies combine both professional counselling and user support
groups. Medication can be used to combat mood swings, depression
and anxiety that addict' may experience during withdrawl. Pyscho
and cognitive behaviour therapy is also used, to replace the
negative effects of gambling with positive ones, in turn
promoting a healthy and positive attitude towards gambling.
Group therapy is also good place for user support and feed back.