How to Recognise a Gambling Addiction
For those afflicted with a gambling addiction, seeking help is the first step to recovery. Reach out to friends and family members and create a network of support outside of gambling. Enroll in education classes, volunteer for a charitable cause, and join peer support groups. If your gambling problem has become so severe that you feel isolated, consider joining Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-step program patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous. A sponsor is a former gambler who serves as a resource for you, providing advice and guidance.
Studies show that youth gambling assessment tools have been developed to identify youth with gambling problems. For example, the Canadian Adolescent Gambling Inventory, a gambling assessment tool developed for adolescents, has items related to loss of control, chasing losses, and other symptoms of problem gambling. The assessment tool is widely available on the internet, which allows you to identify your gambling problem with ease. This type of assessment tool can be used by both adults and adolescents. It is recommended to conduct self-tests to measure the likelihood of problem gambling and to encourage the development of gambling therapy.
People with a gambling addiction have a strong need to gamble more in order to experience the same “high.” They chase losses and experience a cycle of increased cravings and weakened control. Problem gambling can affect the mental, physical, social, and professional aspects of a person’s life. Even though it is fun, gambling can lead to a relapse. It is important to seek help for a gambling addiction as the consequences can be severe.
Gambling is a natural human activity that is often fun. People who play games of chance are prone to emotional and physical problems, but the benefits are worth the risk. While it is possible to win and lose, the odds are always stacked against you. Responsible gambling means understanding the odds and knowing when to stop. The best way to be a responsible gambler is to understand what makes you gamble and why. Once you know why you do it, you’ll be more likely to avoid the pitfalls associated with gambling and to reap the rewards.
Research into gambling addiction is a complex and controversial topic. Because of the emotional and financial costs associated with binge gambling, the treatment options for addiction are vast. A gambling addiction can affect any aspect of a person’s life. Treatment options may include cognitive behavioural therapy or behavior therapy. For individuals with an addiction to gambling, treatment should address the underlying causes and possible solutions. If your loved one has a gambling problem, your health provider can refer you to appropriate treatment providers.
While many jurisdictions prohibit gambling, most do regulate the activity. The legal gambling market in the U.S. reached $335 billion in 2009. In the UK, many people use the word “gambling” to refer to nonwagering activities. Other examples of legal gambling are marbles and Magic: The Gathering. In the US, gambling was virtually outlawed in the early twentieth century, spurring the growth of organized crime and the mafia. However, attitudes towards gambling changed in the late twentieth century.