The emotional consequences of excessive gambling are the same as those of regular gambling. Gambling negatively affects every area of one’s life, from relationships to career. In such cases, therapy can help to reduce the urge to gamble and change the way the person thinks. In many cases, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help a person to control their urges to gamble. In other cases, therapy is more appropriate in cases where gambling has affected the individual’s health.
Problem gambling is an impulse-control disorder
Whether problem gambling is an impulse-control disorder or not remains a debated question. The question has two main aspects: comorbidity and control. While comorbidity can be identified fairly easily, control over addictive behaviors is not as straightforward. Various statistical assumptions are necessary to define the disorder and its severity. Not all data papers use structured clinical interviews and may contain a large proportion of undiagnosed problem gamblers.
It is common in men
It is more common for men to engage in compulsive gambling than for women. Interestingly, women may become more addicted to gambling than men. However, there are many factors that can increase the risk for compulsive gambling, including family or friend influences, certain medications, and personality characteristics. Let’s take a closer look at some of these factors to understand why men and women gamble differently. Listed below are some of the most common reasons why men and women gamble.
It is common on Indian reservations
While American Indians live in more crowded dwellings than the average US household, life on reservations is still often difficult and unsanitary. In fact, nearly 60% of American Indians live in substandard dwellings, according to the Census Bureau. This is due in large part to the largely unregulated housing industry. Fortunately, the federal government’s policies toward these communities have improved. Still, the problems faced by many American Indians make their lives difficult and even dangerous.
It is a health issue
The health effects of gambling are often overlooked, but the problem is a growing concern for many people in the UK. Medical professionals have a responsibility to identify gambling-related problems and develop effective strategies for preventing problem gambling. To prevent problem gambling, medical professionals must study the impacts of gambling on at-risk, special and vulnerable populations. While gambling is a popular pastime among many people, a small percentage of those who engage in problem gambling will fall victim to it. This is why it is important to find a way to educate health care professionals about the risks and effects of gambling.
It can be treated
While there are no proven cures for compulsive gambling, behavioral therapy may be able to help. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing harmful beliefs with healthy ones, may be beneficial. Drugs such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers may also help. Gamblers may also be prescribed antidepressants. Other treatments include gambling addiction support groups, including Gambler’s Anonymous. A good mental health professional should be able to assess and treat the cause of the problem and prescribe treatment that will help the person overcome it.