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Gambling addiction is a serious issue and help is available to the problem gambler. Pathologic gambling is an addiction because of the ‘rush’ you feel when you win money. A person’s experiences and personality type also play a large role in gambling addictions. People who are pathologic gamblers can’t control their impulses to gamble. There are many differnt degrees of addiction. All which can be treated differntly.
There are several methods use to treat gambling addictions. Most treatment programs will have the gambling addict take some form of psychotherapy or medication. Medications for gambling addiction treatment are usually some form of anti-depressant. SSRR’s (Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) have proven to be effective for mood swings and pathological gamblers. Pyscho and cognitive behavior therapy aim at replacing negative beliefs with healthy and positive ones. Group therapy can also be very helpful as a gambling addiction treatment as they offer a medium for advice, feedback and support.
Treatment programs are unique for each person, so the individual must track down a program that best suits his needs. There is help and hope for problem gamblers. One of the first steps to helping yourself is admitting you have the problem. The world may seem empty but there is always someone out there that can help. Gambling is meant to be fun, not harmful. If you think you may have a gambling addiction, or you know a loved one that might, help is just a few clicks away.
Gambling is a form of entertainment for many people, but in some cases gambling can become an addiction leading to financial problems, relationship stress, and even attempted suicide. It is estimated that 6 percent of north america’s population will have a gambling problem sometime in there life. Gambling addiction is a serious problem. Pathological addictions to gambling are more common in men then women or specific ethnic groups. Gambling can create a rush when you lose and win, and sometimes the user is unable to control their impulses to gamble. This is when it becomes a problem. There are different degrees of gambling addiction. All of which are treated differently, depending on the specific needs of the addict.
Signs of gambling addictions include, but are not limited to: Constantly thinking/talking about and, or, preparing for gambling sessions, gambling during work or when you are expected at home, getting into debt from gambling and lying to borrow money. Using illegal means to finance gambling and neglecting family or other personal responsibilities. Feeling a need to gamble to relieve stress and or ‘escape reality’. Of course, there are also many more signs that could point towards a problem gamble, though gambling addiction is usually blatently obvious.
Treatment programs can range, and are specifically designed according to the addicts needs. Usually the most sucessful therapies combine both professional counselling and user support groups. Medication can be used to combat mood swings, depression and anxiety that addict’ may experience during withdrawl. Pyscho and cognitive behaviour therapy is also used, to replace the negative effects of gambling with positive ones, in turn promoting a healthy and positive attitude towards gambling. Group therapy is also good place for user support and feed back.
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