Gambling
Addicted to
Signs
May include:
-Using gambling to escape yourproblems
-Lying about the extent of gambling
-Being unable to stop gambling
-Finding yourself reliving past gambling experiences
Risk Factors
Other risk factors include:
- Mood disorders
- Personality disorders
- Family history of gambling
- Drug abuse or gambling beginning at a young age
- Certain personality traits (being compulsive, restless, easily bored, etc)
Causes
Diagnosis
- Medical history
- Symptoms
- Mental health history
Treatments
Main treatments are education on the addiction and how to overcome it, as well as group and individual therapy sessions.
Help Agencies
The National Council on Problem Gambling and many regional help agencies provide services for those seeking help for a gambling addiction.
-There are four phases of a gambling addiction: The Winning Phase, The Losing Phase, The Desperation Phase, and the Hopeless phase
-It is estimated that 2-3% of people in America suffer from a gambling addiction
-Children of gambling addicts are more likely to develop stress, depression, and other mental disorders