Considering the amount of money wagered each year in the United States, Europe and Australia, gambling is one of the largest industries in the world. According to one estimate, more than $10 trillion is wagered on sports and lotteries. Organized football pools are available in nearly all European countries, a number of South American nations, and a few African and Asian nations. State-licensed lotteries are also available in most countries.
Counseling can help you better understand the causes of your gambling addiction and learn ways to overcome it. There are no FDA-approved medications for gambling addiction, but they can help treat other co-occurring conditions. Support from family and friends is critical in the recovery process. Ultimately, only you can make the decision to quit your gambling habit. It can be difficult to face the stigma associated with gambling addiction, but remember that others have faced the same challenges and fought to overcome their problem.
Research has shown that problem gambling can have negative psychological, physical, and social consequences. Problem gambling has been diagnosed as an impulse-control disorder, and has been linked to numerous physical problems, including headaches, abdominal disorders, and intestinal problems. Oftentimes, the stress and discomfort of problem gambling can cause despondency, even to the point of attempted suicide. Further, research shows that problem gambling can also lead to financial losses and legal problems. Gambling should be treated as a recreational activity, not a primary source of stress.
While the addiction is not contagious, it is a serious issue. If you are struggling with problem gambling, your best bet is to seek mental health care. Many mental health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose and treat psychological disorders. Indicators of gambling disorder include the following:
Problem gambling in teenagers can also lead to social and financial problems. Teenagers who use gambling to escape their problems might consider therapy or seeking treatment. If you’ve already been diagnosed with pathological gambling, seek professional help. You may be surprised to learn that it can be curable. There are many ways to help young people overcome this addiction. If you’ve been diagnosed with it, there’s no better time than now to do so.
Mood disorders are also associated with gambling problems. Some of these conditions can worsen existing mental illnesses. Compulsive gambling can make them worse, even if the gambling is no longer part of your life. The symptoms of these disorders may persist long after you’ve quit the habit of gambling. You may even suffer from mental health issues unrelated to gambling. If you suffer from depression, it’s time to seek treatment. You can get help from professionals, but only if you’re willing to take action yourself.
As with any other activity, gambling can bring thrills and excitement to individuals. But it’s also risky. Despite what many people believe, gambling is not a means to make money. The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) encourages and advocates safer gambling. They strive to promote the growth of responsible gambling standards in Canada. These are all important steps towards helping people make responsible decisions about their gambling. Just remember to keep these guidelines in mind.