There are many ways to identify if you are prone to problem gambling. In many cases, mental health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose psychological problems. The DSM lists Gambling Disorder alongside other addictive behaviors. The definition of Gambling Disorder is: The gambler has failed repeatedly in attempts to limit their gambling behavior. The Gambler has spent significant time, energy, and money on gambling, but has been unable to give up the habit.
Although women tend to experience gambling addiction faster than men, some studies have found that men and women exhibit very similar gambling patterns. Symptoms of problem gambling may be triggered by family or friend influence, medications for Parkinson’s disease, or restless legs syndrome, and certain personality characteristics. While some of these factors are unavoidable, others are not. If you suspect that you may be suffering from problem gambling, see a doctor for advice and treatment.
The first step to stopping gambling is to stop the urge to gamble. Whenever you feel an urge to gamble, stop and think about the consequences of your actions. If possible, distract yourself with something else such as physical activity or social interaction, or practice relaxation techniques to reduce your craving for gambling. If you’re a problem gambler, it’s best to seek help from a professional or a peer. If you’re worried that you might need help, you can call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Problem gambling often starts at an early age. Unlike the usual behavior of gambling, children or adolescents don’t usually lose their homes or families to gambling. In many cases, gambling is a part of a bipolar disorder or can be an underlying symptom of other conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or other medical conditions. When problem gambling becomes a problem, it can have negative consequences on all areas of a person’s life. In addition to medication, therapy may also be helpful in reducing the urge to gamble. Cognitive behavioural therapy is another way to improve the ability to control gambling.
Problem gambling is more common in the college-aged population. However, broader developmental issues may play a role in this. The British Gambling Prevalence Study reported higher problem gambling rates in college-aged men than in the older population. The percentage of men who reported problem gambling was 1.3% compared to 0.2% in women aged 65-74 years old. However, women who are 16 to 24 years old showed a lower prevalence of problem gambling.
Problem gambling can lead to serious financial consequences. In some cases, a gambling problem may develop into a dangerous obsession that disrupts a person’s life. It can also lead to financial disaster, including stealing money and running up massive debts. Gambling is a dangerous addiction that can be difficult to overcome, but there is help available. Counselling services are confidential and available at any time. If you or someone you love is suffering from a gambling problem, it is time to seek help.