Gambling is a type of recreational activity where participants risk money or an item of value in hopes of obtaining something more valuable. There are several special populations that are especially vulnerable to gambling, including adolescents, veterans, and aging adults. In addition, some Latino and Asian communities have higher rates of gambling-related injuries than the general population. While gambling can affect anyone, it is particularly dangerous for these groups. Read on to learn more about the symptoms of gambling addiction and how to get help.
Problem gambling
Adolescent problem gamblers report high levels of anxiety and depression. These impulsive behaviors often lead to negative consequences, including school problems, truancy, and theft to fund their obsession with gambling machines. These youth often experience problems with their parents and teachers, and engage in aggressive behavior and other problem behaviors. In addition, these youth are likely to be excluded from their peer groups, which makes it difficult to distinguish between depression and anxiety, or even whether these behaviors are caused by problem gambling.
While gambling is fun and can be addictive, problem gambling only becomes a problem when it affects the individual and their daily lives. Expenditures on gambling may be detrimental to the person’s relationship, health, and even lead to suicide. People from all walks of life and backgrounds are at risk for developing a gambling problem, and those with a high IQ are just as likely as those with lower IQs. There are a variety of treatments for problem gambling and help is available.
Signs
If your loved one is prone to gambling, you must take notice of certain signs. Gambling is often associated with denial, lying and staying out too late. Gamblers may steal money and may even manipulate or accuse others. They may become secretive or even avoid family members altogether. You should also watch out for these signs if you suspect your loved one is suffering from a gambling addiction. You may also suspect that your loved one might be using gambling as a form of emotional catharsis.
Depression is often a symptom of gambling addiction. This illness is accompanied by lethargy, changes in appetite, and an unhappiness that is difficult to control. Fortunately, dual diagnosis treatment can address both problems at once. If you feel like you’re having trouble controlling your gambling, you should seek therapy. Getting help early is crucial for your health and well-being. Listed below are some of the common signs of gambling addiction.
Symptoms
There are many emotional symptoms associated with compulsive gambling. Often, these symptoms are related to financial stress. Some people even experience suicidal thoughts. Even worse, they may try to commit suicide. It can be devastating to lose everything in gambling and the emotions that come with it. Other signs of a gambling addiction include depression, suicidal thoughts, and self-harming tendencies. Moreover, the deprivation of sleep can have many physical effects, including acne and dark circles under the eyes.
People with gambling disorders may be preoccupied with the game, even to the point of lying to family members and friends. These individuals may become homeless or lose their jobs. They may also become depressed, suicidal, or involved in criminal activity. Among other symptoms of addictions, many people with gambling problems also lie to cover up their activities or rely on others for money. Depending on the person, these symptoms may begin during adolescence or later in life.
Treatment
If you’re suffering from an addiction to gambling, you may want to consider psychiatric care. While many people don’t want to undergo psychiatric care, it can help you recover from your problem by improving your mental health. Various types of therapy may be beneficial, including cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants. These medications are known to reduce the urge to gamble, but they are not a cure for the problem. Self-help groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, may also help.
The first step in obtaining treatment for gambling addiction is admitting that you have a problem and committing to making changes in your life. In order to begin the process of recovery, you must acknowledge the emotional toll of your addiction. This includes addressing your relationship problems, depleted savings, and financial hardship. You should also acknowledge the fact that you’ve committed fraud and theft. It’s important to accept your anger and be willing to undergo counseling.