Are You at Risk For Gambling Disorders?
There are many different types of gambling disorders. You may wonder if you’re at risk for developing this condition. This article will discuss the different types, how to recognize the signs of a problem gambler, and treatment options. Listed below are the most common types of gambling disorders. Although there’s no single cure for this problem, there are several effective treatment options. In order to find the best option for your gambling disorder, you’ll need to talk to a mental health professional.
Problem gambling
The term problem gambling is not new. In fact, it has existed for centuries. In 1889, Emil Kraepelin described it as “gambling mania”. In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) published the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). The criteria for defining problem gambling are based on Robert Custer’s work. These criteria were developed through a more rigorous evaluative process, including surveys of 222 compulsive gamblers and 104 substance-abusing social gamblers. The authors conducted cluster analyses and identified nine symptom criteria for defining the disorder.
Various treatments are available for problem gamblers, ranging from counseling to step-based programs to self-help groups and peer support. While no single method of treatment is particularly effective, problem gambling specialists often recommend various treatments. Among these are gambling addiction counseling and 12-step programs, which are aimed at helping individuals develop new coping skills and develop healthy, rewarding relationships. In addition, medications are also sometimes used to treat problem gambling. These treatments are not for everyone, though, and not all treatment methods are suitable for every person.
Types of problem gambling
Although there are various types of problem gambling, the most common classification is based on individual psychological characteristics and character traits. While these factors are important to understanding the causes of problem gambling, they are not the only factors that influence the risk of developing a problem. In addition, they often fail to consider the changing nature of personality and the fluctuating intensity of excess gambling activity. Consequently, typologies of problem gambling often focus on characteristics of specific gambling activities and ignore the person’s social context.
In Portugal, the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) was developed and used as an assessment tool for problem gambling. This instrument is designed to evaluate the pathology of gambling behavior and enables the physician to determine the probability of developing the disorder. Lopes (2010) conducted a national representative survey in Portugal and reported that 48% of the population gambled at least once in 2009. This study also revealed that problem gamblers and at-risk gamblers were overwhelmingly male.
Signs of a problem gambler
The obvious warning signs that a person is a problem gambler include spending a great deal of time on gambling, skipping meals, and taking time off work. These signs also include sudden dramatic changes in behavior, such as lying or blaming others for losses. Problem gamblers may also make outrageous claims, such as saying that the games are “rigged” or certain objects “owe” them money.
Excessive gambling can lead to a range of negative consequences, including legal troubles, the loss of career, family, and sometimes suicide. Problem gamblers use gambling to feel high and achieve the same high from other drugs or alcohol. Over time, tolerance builds and the addict becomes less able to resist the urge. Even more frightening, he or she may develop depression and suicidal thoughts. Aside from the obvious signs, other symptoms of problem gambling include a lack of sleep, pale skin, acne, and dark circles under the eyes.
Treatment options
Among the various treatment options for gambling addiction, residential inpatient facilities offer 24-hour supervision and additional support for recovering addicts. They offer a variety of therapeutic activities and concurrent treatment for associated disorders. Residents at residential inpatient facilities are closely monitored by medical and psychological staff. Some treatment centers offer both inpatient and outpatient care. Inpatient treatment programs include supervised activities, group therapy, and individual counseling. Residential inpatient facilities may also offer intensive, long-term treatment.
A randomized trial of cognitive therapy for pathological gamblers found no difference in efficacy between groups and individual therapy. However, the results of group treatment showed high attrition, with fewer than half of participants attending half of the sessions. Further studies are needed to test the effectiveness of cognitive therapy for gambling disorder. It is advisable to seek treatment for gambling disorders before resorting to medication. In the meantime, self-help programs may help reduce the severity of the condition.