Problem gambling can be a serious problem, causing physical, psychological, and social problems. It can even lead to thoughts of suicide. In this article, we’ll discuss the risk factors associated with gambling and the treatment options available. If you or a loved one suffers from gambling addiction, you should seek professional help immediately. After all, gambling is a common pastime, so it’s important to find a safe, healthy way to relieve boredom.
Problem gambling is a risky activity
There are several ways to treat problem gambling. One way is to offer therapy. These programs include credit and marriage counseling. The latter is very helpful because it helps you to work through issues that may be the cause of problem gambling. Family therapy is also recommended for problem gamblers. It is important to treat problem gambling as a health problem. This will help you build better relationships. Also, problem gambling can damage your financial situation and relationships.
In recent studies, boys are more likely than girls to be involved in problem gambling, and the risk for gambling is higher among boys. The study also found a significant age difference between boys and girls. Youth with problem gambling often started gambling during late childhood. Early exposure to gambling may be one of the risk factors that leads to problems. For this reason, prevention measures should target specific age groups. Although problem gambling occurs throughout life, it is most common among adolescents.
It can lead to thoughts of suicide
Problem gamblers are five times more likely to have suicidal thoughts than non-gamblers. Problem gamblers reported thinking about suicide more frequently than non-gamblers in the past year. Those who had thought about suicide five times or more reported attempting suicide in the previous year. Moreover, a higher percentage of problem gamblers reported an attempt than those who did not gamble at all.
A new report by the Gambling Commission and GambleAware highlights the links between gambling and suicidal thoughts. The findings of this study contribute to a National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms. The report uses data from the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey to identify problem gamblers. Of those surveyed, 41 percent were problem gamblers. And of those, 41 percent had attempted suicide in the last 12 months.
It can lead to negative psychological, physical, and social repercussions
Although societal and interpersonal benefits and costs are well documented, the negative impacts of gambling are often underappreciated. The impact of gambling extends far beyond the individual gambler, affecting the wider society. The impacts on individuals can be immediate or long-term, affecting their immediate family, work colleagues, and communities. Problem gambling costs can increase the revenues of casinos and lose jobs for people in need.
Problem gambling has numerous health consequences and is classified as an impulse control disorder by the American Psychiatric Association. It may also result in feelings of depression and helplessness, or even in attempts of suicide. Problem gambling rates have increased worldwide over the past decade. In the United States alone, 5.77 million people needed help for gambling-related disorders in 2011.
Treatment options
Behavioral therapies for gambling include a variety of therapy options. These programs focus on teaching individuals how to improve impulse control, a major issue that often feeds gambling. The techniques used in behavioral therapies are based on a variety of research and include bibliotherapy and self-directed computer interventions. Behavioral therapies are most effective when they address the underlying causes of the problem. Behavioral therapies can be highly effective when used in combination with other types of therapy.
Some rehabs specialize in gambling addiction. Others specialize in treating both gambling addictions and mental health issues. Make sure the facility you choose has a medical staff available 24 hours a day. The best way to make sure your treatment is successful is to visit several rehab centers and compare them side-by-side. After all, a person with gambling issues needs constant access to treatment. Psychotherapy is an excellent option for people suffering from gambling problems and can help them understand their triggers and reframe their perceptions of gambling.