While the odds of winning a lottery or hitting lightning are far better than that of gambling, a person who is prone to compulsive gambling can lose control over their impulses. Problem gamblers are desperate for money and can lose control over their impulses. They feel depressed and can’t control their urges. They may even have depression as a result of gambling. If you are considering gambling as a means of coping with boredom or stress, here are some tips to consider.
Problem gamblers are addicted to gambling
There are several reasons why someone might be addicted to gambling. It can be a result of bipolar disorder, an underlying mental illness, or even a simple urge to gamble. Whatever the reason, problem gamblers often lie to themselves. This behavior creates a psychological discomfort called cognitive dissonance. In an attempt to deal with this discomfort, problem gamblers rationalize their bad behavior. They often believe that luck will strike this time.
The prevalence of pathological and problem gambling differs greatly by demographic characteristics. The rates are generally higher in adolescents and women than among older people. Lower income and less educated individuals are more likely to be problem gamblers than high-income and white people. However, these differences in prevalence are not conclusive. In addition, some research shows that women and low-income groups are more likely to develop pathological gambling than men and younger people.
Problem gamblers lose control over their impulses
There are several psychological reasons why problem gamblers lose control of their impulses. One of them is a reduced sensitivity to the high they experience after winning. This can lead compulsive gamblers to cheat to fund their habit. They may also lose their jobs, get arrested, or even consider suicide. Among them is the inability to make a decision. However, their compulsive behavior can be successfully managed if they understand their impulsive behavior.
Although these results do not necessarily apply to all problem gamblers, it does suggest that impulsivity may be one of the major factors behind the emergence of gambling problems. Researchers at the University of Kentucky have discovered that problem gamblers and pigeons share some characteristics. They suggest that training in impulse control may help people with gambling problems. But there is no concrete proof that impulse control training is helpful for problem gamblers.
Compulsive gamblers feel desperate for money
Whenever they lose, compulsive gamblers tend to seek funding elsewhere. They may take out big equity loans, lines of credit, or second mortgages to fund their habit. They may even steal from their family members or friends to buy luxurious items to sell at pawn shops. These high-risk borrowing methods can cause compulsive gamblers to spend more money than they would on other expenses, including unpaid bills and children.
Financial assistance from friends and family members should never be in the form of cash. Instead, financial help should be given through a trusted family member. If possible, it should be paid directly to a merchant or utility company. Family members can help by providing financial accountability to the compulsive gambler. The accountability partner should be firm, but supportive and not afraid to tell the compulsive gambler no.
Problem gamblers are depressed
The findings from this study suggest that problem gambling is a common psychiatric comorbidity among women. While both sexes experienced depression at some point in their lives, the association between depression and problem gambling was stronger among women than among men. The authors suggest that this difference in pathology may help researchers develop treatment for problem gambling in women and adapt it to male gamblers. The findings may also help the gambling industry better understand the risk factors that contribute to the development of problem gambling among vulnerable female gamblers.
While the relationship between depression and problem gambling has long been known, few studies have explored the specific mechanisms underlying this connection. One theory suggests that gambling for escape or excitement may mediate the connection. In one study, a random sample of 282 adults who gambled at least once a month completed an online survey about their depression, gambling outcomes expectancies, and problem gambling. While the study found no evidence of a mediation effect, it did demonstrate a strong correlation between depression and problem gambling.