Gambling can be a fun activity that offers a nice rush when things shake out in your favor, but it’s important to remember that gambling is risky and can lead to addiction. It can also impact your mental health, relationships and performance at work or study.
Symptoms of Gambling Problems
A person with a gambling problem may have an urge to gamble even when they don’t want to, or they may be preoccupied with their gambling. They may need to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to feel that they are getting exciting results, and they may have trouble cutting back or stopping their behavior.
People who have a gambling problem can find help through counseling, which can teach them how to cope with unpleasant feelings without resorting to gambling. Counseling can also help them understand how gambling affects their relationships and finances.
Family therapy, marriage, career and credit counseling can all help families cope with gambling problems. These services may include teaching coping skills and developing healthy alternatives to gambling, such as exercise, spending time with non-gambling friends or trying relaxation techniques.
Treatment for Gambling Disorders
A mental health professional can diagnose gambling disorders using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The latest edition, which was published this past May, includes pathological gambling as an addiction alongside other addictive behaviors.
Some people who have a gambling problem also have other psychological disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Psychotherapy can help with these other issues, but only the person with the gambling problem can decide to stop their behavior.