Gambling – Gambling Addiction

Compulsive Gambling (Gambling Addiction; Pathological Gambling)

Description gambling

Compulsive gambling is a disorder, which is characterized by an overwhelming desire to play. When gambling man becomes addicted to gambling. This can lead to problems with finances, career and relationships. Compulsive gambling can be cured.

Causes of gambling

It is not clear, what causes compulsive gambling. But there is some evidence, that can play a role genetic component.

Studies also show, that people, who have a gambling addiction, changes occur in the brain. These changes in the brain similar to how those, that occur in humans, use drugs.

Risk factors for gambling

Factors, which can increase the risk of gambling addiction include:

• Paul: male;
• Family history craving for gambling;
• Mood disorders;
• Personality Disorders;
• Drug abuse and gambling at a young age;
• Some features of, eg, competitive nature, anxiety, easy descent into boredom.

Symptoms of compulsive gambling

Symptoms of compulsive gambling may include:

• Game gamble longer, than planned;
• Guilt after the game;
• Lack of sleep due to thoughts about gambling;
• Financial problems due to gambling:
  • Spending all your money on gambling;
  • Borrowing money for gambling;
  • Attempts to make money through online gambling
  • Lesson illegal activities (eg, Theft), to get money for gambling;
• The inability to change their own attitudes to gambling;
• Feeling depressed or suicidal because of gambling.

Diagnosis of gambling

The doctor may refer you to a specialist in mental health, which will examine the:

• Case report;
• History of mental health;
• Symptoms.

Treatment of gambling addiction

Treatments include gambling:

Therapy gambling

Counseling in the treatment of gambling addiction may include cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of therapy can help you learn, how to correct the negative thoughts and beliefs, that make gambling, develop a healthy response to stress, develop social skills, as well as prevent recurrence gambling. Therapy can also help you understand, which leads to an obsessive desire to play.

Medications for the treatment of pathological gambling

There is some evidence, that people with addiction to gambling to cope with addiction may help some drugs:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs);
• Mood stabilizers;
• Opioid antagonists;
• Bupropion (antidepressant).

Preventing gambling

There is no way to prevent compulsive gambling. But if you have a problem with the control behavior, avoid situations, that can get you into gambling.