Posted on: March 30, 2022. Last updated on: December 28, 2022 
Gambling is an activity that everyone loves to engage in. Although the activity might seem harmless at the first go, it will not take much time for players to develop an addiction towards it. Getting addicted to wagering can give birth to numerous negative repercussions in their social, psychological, and physical environments. This type of addiction is classed as an impulse-control disorder. If you are interested to learn more about it, you can go through this article.
Gambling Addiction: Things You Need To Learn
Gambling addiction is so severe that it can harm you both mentally and physically. Individuals who live with this particular addiction have depression, anxiety, intestinal disorders, stress, and migraine. The consequences of uncontrolled wagering can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair. On certain occasions, it can make people feel suicidal as well.
The issues occurring out of gambling addiction have increased over the past several years. It was reported back in 2012 that about 5.77 million people are suffering from gambling disorders and required good treatment. It has become a primary public health concern across numerous countries, including Canada, and that’s all because of its dangerous consequences.
This addiction is pretty much similar to drug or alcohol addiction. It alters an individual’s state of mind and mood. When individuals become pretty much used to this particular feeling, they constantly repeat this behavior because they wish to obtain the same effect.
The Symptoms Of Gambling Addiction
Addictive behavior towards gambling comes with several symptoms and signs. Emotions are attached to the games as they have monetary consequences. It also impacts the way a person relates to his/her friends and family members. For example, individuals who have a gambling disorder will not attend important events and occasions hosted by families and friends.
Many times, they will miss out on their work as well. On the other hand, there are people who wager in secret or lie about it, because they think that others may not understand. Another sign of this addiction is when you wish to wager even when you don’t have much funds. This clearly shows that you have become pretty much addicted.
Types Of Gambling That Can Cause Addiction
The presence of lotteries and casinos enables individuals to engage in gambling. When you have no control over your compulsive behavior, it will provoke addiction. Several types of gambling activities, such as racing, slots, poker, lottery, dice games, bingo, and sports betting, can become problematic. But there are several other types of games, which can easily intensify the consequences and the issues.
Many reports have provided evidence that too much gambling can give birth to significant risk factors. Games that come with a short time to place the wager and quick results possess a much higher risk for all the players. One such game is the slot machines, which are available both in physical and online casinos.
Treatments Available
There are several ways to treat gambling addiction once and for all. These treatment methods can indeed help people who are suffering from the issue.
- Self-Help Groups: Individuals find it pretty much helpful to consult with someone in the same situation as them. Learning about how one person has suffered due to this addiction will ultimately help others come out of the betting disorder. It will help motivate them to work hard to get rid of the addiction and live a healthy life.
- Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [CBT] can surely help a person with this gaming disorder. The treatment will lessen down the urge of gambling by systematically exposing him/her to the behavior. Through CBT, an individual can change the way they think and feel about gambling.
- Medication: Antidepressants and temper stabilizers lessen illnesses and symptoms that appear as a result of gambling addiction. You will come across some antidepressants that will instantly reduce the urge of wagering. Medicines, such as narcotics used for curing drug addiction, can be used on compulsive gamblers as well.
| Institution | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario Problem Gambling | 888-230-3505 | www.problemgamblinghelpline.ca |
| Nova Scotia Problem Gambling Help | 888-347-8888 | gamblingsupportnetwork.ca |
| British Columbia Responsible Gambling Partnership | 888-795-6111 | Gambling Information Line |
| Responsible Gambling Council | 416-499-9800 | www.responsiblegambling.org |
| Gamblers Anonymous Canada | 626-960-3500 | www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/addresses |
Things To Keep In Mind When Opting For Treatment
When you or someone you know is suffering from a gambling disorder, you must consult with a professional physician immediately. Please do not opt for any medication or treatment that you come across within the online platform. It might take a wrong turn, and the situation might become a lot worse than you can think. Instead, get in touch with a good doctor and follow what the physician tells you to do.
Summing Up
Both men and women enjoy wagering. But on certain occasions, people take it way too far. You should always treat the activity as entertainment rather than turning it into an addiction. Make sure you seek immediate help if you or a near one is suffering from excessive gambling disorder.
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