Gambling binges can lead to the same emotional consequences as regular gaming. It can disrupt any area of a person’s life. While there is no guaranteed cure for pathological gambling, there are several treatments and therapy options available. Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, can help to reduce the urge to gamble by changing the way the person thinks. Cognitive behavioural therapy is an effective way to combat the addiction. It helps the person learn to control their impulses and focus on healthier activities.
Pathological gambling
The effectiveness of psychological treatments for pathological gambling is limited, although some are promising. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and mood stabilisers have shown promise, but the effectiveness of these treatments depends on the comorbidity of the patient. SSRIs are commonly used in combination with impulse control disorders and other psychological problems. These drugs are at the higher end of the therapeutic range, and they can cause undesirable side effects.
The most visible consequence of pathological gambling is the accumulation of debt. It can wipe out a financial portfolio in just hours. Some gamblers have lost their entire life savings in one gambling session. The financial consequences of pathological gambling are especially important for senior citizens, but younger gamblers may be able to stabilize their debt through time. A pathological gambling treatment specialist can help. To prevent the devastating consequences of pathological gambling, early intervention is essential.
Prevention
In the field of prevention of gambling, research has been divided into two main types: interventions that target the entire population and targeted interventions aimed at high-risk individuals. Whole-population interventions include interventions that reduce demand for gambling and limit opportunities to gamble. In contrast, targeted interventions are designed to target specific high-risk populations, and may include therapeutic, self-help, or pharmacological approaches. The reviewers aimed to assess the effectiveness of different types of interventions to reduce gambling.
School-based interventions based on a unique determinant of gambling behaviour have shown positive effects in terms of improving gambling knowledge and correcting misconceptions about the activity. However, such interventions focus too heavily on cognitive factors and may not be effective at preventing gambling-related harm in youth. Inoculation theory emphasizes the role of providing information about gambling, which may protect individuals from future urges and attitudinal changes associated with problem gambling.
Treatment
The first step toward effective treatment for gambling addiction is admitting you have a problem and making a serious commitment to change. The addiction strains relationships and can drain personal savings. You must recognize that you are suffering from financial and emotional pain, and that you are guilty of fraud or theft. You must also accept your anger and make a decision to seek counseling. Treatment for gambling addiction can help you become a better person. Here are some steps to get started:
For example, people with gambling addictions are more likely to have other mental health conditions. Alcoholism and mood disorders are common triggers for problem gambling, and treatment for those conditions should begin as soon as possible. Gambling addiction can be difficult to overcome, but it is not insurmountable. Treatment should be tailored to each individual’s needs and circumstances. Some patients may need residential treatment, while others may only require outpatient treatment.