Whether it’s the thrill of winning or the socialization, gambling can be a way to relieve unpleasant emotions. However, many people also use gambling as a means of self-soothing. Other ways to combat boredom, including exercise, spending time with non-gambling friends, or practicing relaxation techniques, are also effective. Listed below are some helpful tips. The first step towards overcoming gambling addiction is to recognize that you have a problem.
Problem gambling
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with problem gambling, there are several steps you can take to help you stop. The first step is to identify the symptoms and seek professional help. These symptoms are very common, and they can impact any person, regardless of their age or gender. Problem gambling affects one in every five Americans. In fact, more than half of all gambling-related calls are to a help line. For additional resources, check out the National Council on Problem Gambling’s website.
Gambling is a common pastime, and it is a fun activity if done in moderation. However, it can become dangerous if done excessively or insidiously. People with problem gambling are frequently referred to as “hidden addicts” because there are no obvious physical signs or symptoms. Consequently, it is important to seek help as soon as possible if you suspect you may be developing a gambling problem.
Impacts of problem gambling
Significant others of problem gamblers often seek professional help. However, little is known about the characteristics and help-seeking behaviours of these individuals. The current study explores the characteristics of CSOs, and identifies the most common types of impact that they have on the problem gamblers they care about. This study also explores the factors that are associated with different types of impacts on problem gamblers and their significant others.
Governments must ensure the health and welfare of citizens by implementing regulations to regulate gambling activity and to ensure social stability. Increased gambling supply means increased regulation costs, and governments must allocate public resources for research and professional training. Problem gambling costs governments a substantial amount of money, and it can affect people in a wide range of sectors. In Victoria, for example, the Victorian government spent $52 million on gambling services in 2014-15. Increasing the amount of public money allocated for these services requires national leadership, and ongoing research is necessary to ensure that gambling harms consumers and prevents social damage.
Treatments for problem gambling
While there are many effective medical interventions for problem gambling, there are also several self-help treatments and intervention strategies that may be more effective than medications or traditional therapy. These self-help interventions can help clients to reduce their urges to gamble and may even facilitate recovery. The most widely used of these is Gamblers Anonymous meetings. Other recently developed interventions include systematic exposure therapy, bibliotherapy, and self-directed computer interventions. A good way to find out which treatment options are most effective for you is to learn about the research available.
While there is currently no specific pharmacotherapy approved by the FDA for problem gambling, researchers are testing various drugs. Some show promise. For example, escitalopram, lithium, nalmefene, and valproate have all shown positive outcomes in randomized trials of these treatments. These studies typically involve four people, so it is difficult to determine which one will be the most effective for each individual.