Symptoms of Gambling Addiction
There is a big public health problem related to problem gambling. It can affect the health of individuals, relationships, and finances. Identifying the symptoms of gambling addiction and seeking help is very important for anyone struggling with this behavior. Mental health professionals have created criteria to identify problem gambling. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, lists gambling disorder as one of the more common psychological disorders. This disorder is defined as a habitual gambling behavior that requires increasing amounts of money to achieve the thrill and excitement that is associated with it. Furthermore, it involves repeated and unsuccessful attempts to control the Gambling behavior.
Problem gambling is a public health issue
The study examined the nature and extent of harm caused by problem gambling and the factors that influence the likelihood of developing a comorbid disorder. The findings support the notion that problem gambling is a continuum of harm with both short-term and long-term consequences. It suggests that policy/legislation should be developed to address the problem. The study also shows that there is no single cause of problem gambling. Rather, it is a combination of underlying factors and individual characteristics.
It affects your health
Problem gambling can damage relationships, your health, and your wellbeing. It’s also a major cause of debt. It’s difficult to break free of gambling addiction, but help is available. GamCare helps those affected by problem gambling with a self-assessment tool and information on changing gambling habits. People suffering from mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, are at an increased risk of developing a gambling addiction.
It affects your relationships
Excessive gambling has negative effects on relationships. During an intense gambling spree, the person may become hopeless, develop suicidal thoughts, and lose everything. In addition, excessive gambling can also cause physical symptoms, such as weight loss, sleep deprivation, and acne. Overdosing on gambling can also lead to pale skin discoloration. In some extreme cases, the person may even attempt suicide. Whether excessive or occasional gambling is the cause of your problems, there are ways to minimize the negative effects.
It affects your finances
If you are addicted to gambling, you should take some measures to stop it. This can include cutting up your credit cards, having someone else manage them, and setting up automatic payments with your bank. If you gamble online, close your account and keep a small amount of cash in your wallet. Gambling has negative consequences for your health and finances. You should also learn about the various ways to deal with gambling addiction. The following are some of the most common strategies to stop gambling.
It can leave you in debt
If you’re in debt because of excessive gambling, you’re not alone. More than 80% of Americans are in debt, and that number is expected to continue increasing. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your debt, as well as find professional help. Contact your creditors and request a repayment plan. This way, you won’t miss payments or incur higher fees. If you’ve lost a lot of money through gambling, you can replace it with another activity that you enjoy. You can focus on other activities like movies, outdoor activities, or developing a new hobby. If you’re seeking professional help, consider calling a nonprofit credit counseling agency for help.
