If you’ve been having problems with gambling, it may be time to seek help. Read on to learn about the symptoms and treatment of this disorder. Physical activity is a great way to combat your addiction to gambling. Also, gambling helplines can be found in many states, and a National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP. A support group can also help you deal with your problem, such as Gam-Anon or Gamblers Anonymous.

Problem gambling

Unlike drugs and alcohol, which often display physical symptoms, problem gambling shows no visible signs. Unlike alcohol and drug addictions, which are often easy to spot by smell and slurred speech, problem gambling can go undetected for much longer. Only when money is lost or negative behavior occurs will you discover that the problem is a gambling addiction. But, if you have a problem, there are many ways to get help.

Research has shown that young problem gamblers report higher rates of depression and anxiety. This may be because they gamble to escape these problems or because they have an underlying mental health disorder. However, there are many other possible causes of young problem gamblers’ behavior, such as family influences, or an attraction to the prospect of winning money. So, how do we identify people who may be prone to problem gambling? First, we must distinguish between those who are vulnerable to depression and those who are not.

Signs

If you are an avid gambler, you may notice that your behavior is similar to other forms of addiction. In addition to losing control of your emotions, you may start to have frequent cravings for gambling. These symptoms are often accompanied by depression and restlessness. These symptoms are all a result of emotional withdrawal from the compulsion to gamble. Gambling addicts believe that they need to gamble to feel content or happy. But they may be unaware of their problems until the problem becomes severe.

If you suspect that your loved one has a gambling problem, you should pay close attention to his or her behavior. If you notice that your partner is hiding his or her gambling habits, you may need to consider seeking professional help. Gamblers may not be able to communicate effectively with their partners, and this can affect their relationships. Some partners have even assumed that their partner was having an affair. This lack of trust can cause problems at home.

Symptoms

While there are no set definitions for the different kinds of gambling withdrawal symptoms, the intensity and duration of these problems vary from person to person. These symptoms are similar to those experienced by people with substance addiction. Trying to stop gambling cold turkey can cause your body and brain to go through a series of chemical reactions that will lead to withdrawal. To make matters worse, your symptoms can increase as you begin to withdraw from your gambling habits. So, you should consider consulting a mental health professional if you begin to experience any of these symptoms.

Many of the symptoms of gambling addiction are similar to those of depression, another common disorder. Many of these people may have symptoms that are common to both of these illnesses, including lethargy, changes in appetite, and feelings of hopelessness. While they may not seek treatment for their depression separately, a dual diagnosis approach will address these issues simultaneously. Symptoms of both conditions can help you determine which gambling treatment will be best for you. Fortunately, it is not as difficult as it may seem to identify someone suffering from both disorders.

Treatment

Although most treatment plans involve an outpatient program, inpatient therapy is sometimes necessary for more severe cases. Inpatient treatment provides constant supervision, intensive daily sessions, and coaching to help the patient change how they think and feel. Although a few weeks inpatient do not cure gambling addiction, they can help to set the client up for a long-term recovery. During this time, the compulsion to gamble is interrupted and a new way of living is set up.

Individual or group therapy for gambling addiction is often necessary. Psychosocial therapy is particularly helpful for gambling addicts. This type of therapy teaches the patient effective relapse-prevention skills, and helps them identify the underlying factors that make them vulnerable to relapse. In some cases, medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers, can also be prescribed to treat gambling addiction. Depending on the type of therapy and the individual’s needs, these medications can be an effective way to manage compulsions.