Gambling is a widespread commercial activity around the world. Legal gambling was estimated at $335 billion in 2009. A player might stake marbles in a game of marbles, while a Magic: The Gathering player may stake their collectible game pieces. The stakes generated by such game pieces can create a meta-game surrounding the player’s collection. But the main question is what exactly is gambling? And what are the options for treating gambling addiction?
Problem gambling
Approximately 3 percent of Americans have a problem with gambling. While gambling is a common pastime for many, those who suffer from this disease can place their own health and well-being at risk. Gambling addiction is not simply an unhealthy habit; it is a health condition requiring professional help. To combat this, problem gamblers can learn to put the game into perspective and make better decisions. The first step towards recovery is to seek treatment.
The criteria for problem gambling have changed over the years. The updated DSM-IV criteria now recognize nine different symptoms. These criteria include a range of severity, ranging from a mild gambling habit to pathological gambling. These changes are based on a more rigorous evaluative approach to identify problem gambling. The criteria for this diagnosis are based on a number of studies and include the survey of 222 compulsive gamblers and 104 substance-abusing social gamblers.
Signs of addiction
A person’s inability to stop gambling is one of the main signs of gambling addiction. This may be caused by the simple desire to win money, or it could be an obsession with one particular game. People who cannot stop gambling may feel fear of losing money and lie to themselves or others to avoid revealing their addiction. The signs of addiction to gambling should not be ignored, however. If you notice any of these signs, seek professional help.
Unlike other addictive behaviors, excessive gambling can lead to financial struggles. Problem gamblers often need others to provide money for their gambling habits. Their family members and friends usually end up footing the bill for their gambling habits. In fact, many addicts choose to ignore these warning signs and continue to gamble despite their family members’ concerns. These people are vulnerable to financial struggles, job loss, and relationship problems. If you’re concerned that you or a loved one is a problem gambler, don’t hesitate to seek professional help immediately.
Treatment options
Compulsive gambling is a very common problem that affects many individuals. Some people can engage in it without it negatively impacting their lives. For others, however, the problem becomes so severe that it interferes with their daily functioning. In these situations, treatment for gambling addiction may be necessary to help them stop the destructive cycle. Often, gambling and substance abuse are co-occurring disorders, and treatment is required for both.
There are many options for treatment. Addiction recovery programs often combine family therapy, 12-step programs, and individual counseling to help an individual overcome their addiction. If an individual has a comorbid gambling and substance abuse disorder, inpatient rehab programs may be an appropriate option. Inpatient rehab programs are designed to focus on treating both the gambling and substance abuse issues that lead to compulsive behavior. However, inpatient rehab may not be the best option.
Cost of treatment
When you need to get help for a gambling addiction, the first thing you need to do is find a treatment center that can help you. There are several treatment centers to choose from. Some of them are in-patient and require you to move out of your home and undergo a complete lifestyle change. Others are outpatient and do not require you to leave your home. Regardless of your preference, there are some things to keep in mind before you make your final decision.
The study uses results from Swelogs, a large survey that included over 13,000 respondents, which is about 0.2% of the adult population. The data were adjusted for personal calibration weights and other possible confounders. In addition, men and women perceive their health differently. The authors assume that 80% of problem gamblers would still suffer the consequences of their behaviors even if they didn’t have a gambling problem. Therefore, the costs of treatment for gambling problems may be understated.