Compulsive gambling, also known as impulse control disorder, affects all forms of gambling. In most cases, people who experience it do not realize that they have an impulse control disorder. In addition to being a mental health problem, compulsive gambling can also lead to financial ruin and even addiction. Learn the symptoms and treatment for compulsive gambling. If you have been a victim of compulsive gambling, here are some tips to help you recover.

Compulsive gambling is an impulse-control disorder

When a person cannot control their urges to gamble, it is called a compulsive gambling disorder. There is no one cause for this impulse-control disorder. It may be a symptom of another disorder, such as bipolar disorder. There are various types of treatment for compulsive gambling, including therapy and medication. While no FDA-approved medication exists for gambling disorder, mood stabilizers and antidepressants are effective for other psychiatric disorders. Narcotic antagonists are also effective in treating co-occurring substance use disorders, including gambling addiction.

There are numerous consequences of problem gambling. It can affect one’s psychological, social, and physical health. Gambling addiction can cause physical health problems, such as migraine and intestinal disorders. It can even lead to despondency and attempts at suicide. This is a symptom of a disorder called pathological gambling. But, the symptoms of this disorder are very dangerous, affecting your health. In addition to physical problems, problem gambling can cause emotional distress and depression.

It affects every form of gambling

Problem gambling is a widespread mental health issue that affects more people than the person who is involved in it. In fact, one person’s gambling problem affects five to 10 other people, and the percentage of negatively affected lives is three to four times higher than the general population’s problem gambling rate. In New Zealand, approximately 30% of the population knows someone with a gambling problem, and 8% of people have suffered harm related to their gambling problem. Gamblers’ children, partners, and families experience higher levels of harm than the gambling addicts themselves do, while financial impacts are most common amongst their partners.

Problem gambling has been linked to a host of social problems, including increased need for social services, increased income inequality, and poorer mental health. Research has shown that casinos near poorer communities are associated with a higher number of problem gamblers, and that proximity to casinos increases the risk of gambling-related problems. Further, the relationship between poverty and problem gambling is not clear-cut. While poverty and poor mental health can affect each other, problems with gambling often intensify both.

It is a mental health problem

If you have a gambling problem, you probably feel overwhelmed, betrayed, or depressed. If you feel this way, you are not alone. Those affected by this problem should not feel guilty about their actions, and should also avoid blaming themselves. Remember that change comes in small steps. To begin the journey to recovery, define boundaries for yourself and seek professional help as soon as possible. Here are some helpful steps:

Bipolar disorder, an unmanaged mood disorder, is associated with gambling. Gambling may be associated with bipolar disorder, though not necessarily. Bipolar disorder, however, is associated with extreme mood swings. A provider will want to rule out bipolar disorder before recommending treatment for gambling addiction. Luckily, gambling is treatable and there are many treatment options available. Support groups and medications are just a few of the ways to recover from gambling addiction.

It can be treated

Treatment for pathological gambling can be found through a variety of techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy. This talking therapy can help the sufferer cope with the problem by breaking it down into smaller parts. The self-help guide Gam-Anon is also available for family and friends of pathologic gamblers. Ultimately, the gambler must complete a treatment program to get over his or her addiction. There are several treatment options available, from counseling to medications.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most common forms of treatment for gambling disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps the patient identify and change the cognitive distortions that lead to problem gambling. It teaches the patient to develop coping skills and avoid situations that can trigger gambling episodes. Treatment can also address the emotional issues that may be contributing to the problem. These therapies are effective in overcoming addictive behaviors. To learn more about how to deal with problem gambling, contact Foundations Counseling.