Many people experience compulsive gambling in one form or another at some point in their lives. While it’s common to gamble without thinking about the consequences, it is possible for compulsive gambling to be caused by a mood disorder. Compulsive gambling can make the problem worse. Even if the underlying mood disorder isn’t a factor, it can remain. Treatment for compulsive gambling may include medications.
Problem gambling
Although the condition has been around for centuries, the diagnosis of problem gambling has only recently become a clinically recognized mental disorder. The first definition of problem gambling came from Emil Kraepelin, who described it as “gambling mania.” In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association published the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). This newer version of the DSM has more rigorous criteria based on surveys of 222 compulsive gamblers and 104 substance-abusing social gamblers. The research also focused on cluster analyses, which identified nine criteria.
Those with a gambling problem should seek professional help to stop the destructive behavior. It is vital to seek treatment for problem gambling, especially if you have not experienced any negative effects. While some people enjoy an occasional bet or two, serious gambling problems can cause huge financial, emotional, and social consequences. Problem gamblers may even resort to illegal activities in order to fund their addiction. It is important to note that problem gambling is the leading cause of suicide among all behavioral addictions. Fortunately, there are many available resources to help those with this problem.
Signs of compulsive gambling
Gambling addiction can cause negative health consequences. These signs of problem gambling are difficult to identify, but they can occur in any gambler. If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself, seek professional help to overcome the problem. If you’re a gambler who finds yourself losing control over your urges, contact the Gambling Helpline, which is confidential and available around the clock. The Helpline can help you understand how to identify compulsive gambling and how to break the cycle of gambling.
Some warning signs of compulsive gambling include financial struggle and an increase in gambling spending. You may want to seek medical attention if you suspect your gambling friend or loved one has a problem. You may notice a rise in restlessness when attempting to stop gambling. The gambling addiction may also be accompanied by a change in social and work life. Getting professional help can help you overcome the problem and regain control of your life.
Treatment options
Although there are a few different types of treatment for gambling addiction, they all have the same main goal: regaining control over one’s life. This is where a good therapist or gambling addiction treatment center comes in. The right therapist can help you identify the underlying causes of your gambling addiction and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Psychotherapy can also help you identify the triggers that lead you to gamble, and reverse your misperceptions about gambling. It is important to seek professional help as soon as you suspect you have a problem, as most people will not judge you for seeking treatment.
Psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are two common types of treatment for gambling addiction. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to help people identify and change their own thoughts and behaviors, retraining them to cope in healthier ways. Behavioral therapy involves teaching patients how to cope in situations where they are not able to gamble or use drugs. A common problem with behavioral therapy is that it focuses too much on the individual’s underlying disorder. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments available.
Medications for compulsive gambling
Medications for compulsive gambling can help a person control their impulses to gamble. They can help them recognize the effects of their gambling behavior and replace them with more positive thoughts. Compulsive gamblers may need inpatient treatment to overcome their addiction. Inpatient treatment provides intensive daily sessions and constant supervision while the patient works to change the way he or she thinks about gambling. A few weeks of treatment can set the person on a new path towards recovery. While an inpatient stay is no cure, it can interrupt the compulsion and help the person establish a new way of living.
One of the most popular medications for compulsive gambling is Abilify, which acts on dopamine receptors in the brain. People who take this drug can experience compulsive behaviors like gambling, shopping, overeating, and hypersexuality. Abilify was responsible for causing the problems in one former patient. The same doctor, Gary Wilson, now treats patients with Abilify throughout the country. He has clients in Colorado and all 50 states.