Also known as gambling addiction, compulsive gambling involves a serious condition that can affect people from all walks of life. According to research, approximately two million individuals in the USA battle with gambling addiction. On the other hand, about 20 million people who participate in gambling experience problems with social life and work. Basically, gambling involves activities where people risk valuable items with the hope of getting something of more value in return. Gambling addiction occurs when a gambler experiences an uncontrollable urge to continue betting regardless of the consequences it has in their life. While gambling is not bad, it can become hazardous when one is unable to control themselves. Even though treating gambling addiction can be overwhelming, many victims suffering from this disorder can get help from the best addiction treatment center.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Compulsive Gambling
- Gambling to relieve negative emotions or escape problems
- Attempting to control, stop or cut back gambling practices
- Resorting to fraud or theft to acquire gambling capital
- Trying to recover lost funds/ chasing losses through gambling more
- Jeopardizing crucial opportunities/relationships following gambling activities
- Gambling frequently to increase your income
- Feeling irritable or restless when unable to gamble
- Relationship Between Gambling and the Functioning of the Brain
Like other addictive substances such as cocaine or nicotine, gambling addiction is linked to the release of dopamine within the brain. Generally, interacting with addictive substances affects the brain’s reward system, thus stimulating the release of huge amounts of dopamine more than normal. Using the addictive substance constantly results in the body developing tolerance since the normal production of dopamine is obstructed. The body will, therefore, require more and more of the addictive substance to maintain the same rush. Gambling addiction causes gamblers to bet increasingly and take riskier ventures to receive an equal amount of pleasure as they did when they began betting. Consequently, research depicts that drug users and pathological gamblers have similar genetic predispositions for reward-seeking and impulsivity. Also, they both suffer withdrawal symptoms when they try quitting the behaviour.
Gambling Addiction Treatment
The good news is that gambling addiction can be treated. Here are some remedies to counter gambling addiction.
Rehabilitation
Primarily, the treatment of compulsive gambling depends on the severity of your disorder. The rehabilitation treatments include residential rehabilitation, individual counselling and group therapy. Residential rehabilitation at connection-sggz.nl allows one to stay away from triggers that may cause a relapse. However, you must note that it does not necessarily depict failure but rather is a part of the recovery process. It is best to consult your doctor before commencing your treatment process, as you may experience co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression disorders.
Change of Behavior
Gambling is a fun activity you can enjoy with friends or family during your leisure time. Therefore, you do not necessarily have to stay away from it; rather, you should strategize your gambling schedule to prevent falling into an addiction.
Moreover, you can utilize cognitive behavioural therapy, yoga or medications to counter depression resulting from gambling addictions.
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