Gambling Disorders

Gambling disorder involves repeated, uncontrolled gambling that disrupts finances, work, and personal life. Those afflicted have trouble limiting money and time spent gambling despite serious consequences. Gambling provides a mental high, numbing effects, or escape, but the aftermath is damaging.

About 1-3% of adults have a gambling problem at some point in life. Certain risk factors make gambling addiction more likely – family history, psychiatric disorders like depression, impulsive personality, and substance abuse. Men tend to have higher rates than women. The age of gambling onset is younger today due to expanded legal gambling and online access.

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Signs and effects

Warning signs of problem gambling include:

Preoccupation with gambling and obtaining money to continue gambling
Needing to gamble more often or bet more to get the same “high”
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling
Restlessness or irritability when not gambling
Lying to conceal gambling activities
Jeopardized relationships, work or education due to gambling
Asking others for money to relieve financial problems caused by gambling

Effects can be devastating – relationship conflicts, overwhelming debt, legal problems, job loss, or even suicide risks.

Signs and effects

Preoccupation with gambling and obtaining money to continue gambling
Needing to gamble more often or bet more to get the same “high”
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling
Restlessness or irritability when not gambling
Lying to conceal gambling activities
Jeopardized relationships, work or education due to gambling
Asking others for money to relieve financial problems caused by gambling

Effects can be devastating – relationship conflicts, overwhelming debt, legal problems, job loss, or even suicide risks.

Treatments

Treatments aim to help people resist gambling urges, manage triggers, and repair life functioning and finances:

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy

Changing thought patterns and behaviour around gambling

Financial Counselling

Developing a plan to address debts and rebuild financial health

Gamblers Anonymous

12-step support group promoting abstinence

Medications

Anti-craving drugs like opioid antagonists, antidepressants

Self-Exclusion

Banning from casinos and online gambling sites

For gambling addicts, resisting the lure of “just one more bet” is a lifelong challenge. But with sustained treatment and a strong support system, recovery is possible. Life beyond gambling can be both fulfilling and financially stable.