Gambling Addiction
Mental Health Awareness
What is Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is an urge to gamble. Despite negative consequences, gamblers have the desire to go out and gamble all the time. Whether financially or physically broke, gamblers cannot control this need to gamble. This is also known as ludomania.
1 million people in california are problem gamblers and 3 million are at risk
The number of women gambling has increased from 6% to 71%
87% of people who visit Las Vegas end up gambling
Signs and symptoms of a gambler
- Feeling the need to keep it a secret
- You have trouble controlling it
- You gamble even when you cant afford to
- Friends and family are concerned
Impact On Family
- A parent who gambles may make there kids feel forgotten or alone
- Many families run out of money
- Violence in families are more common when they are in crisis
Impact On Society
- Cant hold down a job or can not get one
- People around you consider you less dependable
Impacts On Your Health
- Loss of sleep
- Anxiety
- Causes stress and that makes you more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope
Causes Of Gambling Addiction
- Excitement --> Rush to gamble becomes priority in individuals life
- Filling a Void --> Gambling gives a sense of production
- Stress --> provides a temporary escape
Support for Gamblers
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy assists a person into identifying thought patterns leading to replace them with healthier feelings.
Medication
Gamblers often take antidepressants, narcotic antagonists and mood stabilizer medications. Gamblers also usually suffer from bipolar disorder, ADHD or depression so taking medications for these sufferings can also lessen the need for gambling.
Support Groups
Support groups are a way for people suffering in a typical area to talk with one another. There are online Programs that also help people addicted to gambling.
Works Cited
-- Causes of Gambling Addiction. (n.d.). Retrieved December 15, 2015, from http://gamblingaddiction.org.uk/causes.html
-- Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling. (n.d.). Retrieved December 15, 2015, from http://www.helpguide.org/articles/addiction/gambling-addiction-and-problem-gambling.htm
-- How to Help Someone With a Gambling Problem. (n.d.). Retrieved December 15, 2015, from http://www.psychguides.com/guides/how-to-help-someone-with-a-gambling-problem/