Problem gambling is a serious issue for individuals, families, and society. Similar to substance abuse, it can be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy. A health care provider can refer you to a treatment program. A comprehensive assessment of the person’s gambling behaviors will help determine the appropriate treatment plan. The treatment plan may include addressing various aspects of the person’s life, including family issues, financial concerns, legal issues, and professional circumstances. Treatment can be effective for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of gambling addiction.
Problem gambling causes problems for the individual, families, and society
The costs of problem gambling are both personal and societal. The personal level costs are mostly nonmonetary. The interpersonal level costs include the long-term and invisible personal costs associated with problem gambling. The society/community level costs include the general costs and benefits of problem gambling. While the costs of problem gambling are often invisible, they are visible because they result in increased money spent on the gambling industry. In addition, the external costs of problem gambling are primarily monetary, and they include general benefits and costs related to problem gambling.
Family members are also affected. There is a high risk of physical or emotional abuse in households with problem gamblers. Children may be harmed because of pent-up anger. If you suspect someone is experiencing these problems, call 911 immediately or contact the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline for help. Further, seek help for problem gambling to prevent further damage. However, seeking help from a professional will not only save the individual, but their family and society as well.
It can be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an approach to treating gambling addiction that involves examining different patterns of thinking and behaviour that lead to compulsive gambling. Specifically, the program targets the malfunction of the brain’s reward system and the automatic thought patterns that lead to gambling. Typically, CBT will aim to help a person stop gambling for good, while also teaching them new strategies for dealing with cravings and urges.
CBT for gambling includes sessions where the patient completes a tracking diary and meets with their therapist each week. One of these sessions will be devoted to challenging the patient’s thoughts. In addition, a final session will focus on discussing future events and how they might affect gambling decisions. During these sessions, the patient will be encouraged to engage in activities that challenge her irrational thoughts.
It is similar to substance abuse
Many people wonder if gambling is similar to substance abuse. This may be because gambling is often accompanied by feelings of hopelessness. In addition to losing money, problem gamblers may also abuse alcohol and drugs. The latest research shows that these behaviors are similar. Here’s a look at some of the key differences between addiction to alcohol and gambling. Getting help for gambling addiction is possible. There are several types of addiction treatments available.
The DSM-IV recognizes two levels of substance-related disorders. The first level of substance abuse is referred to as substance dependence, while the second level is known as substance abuse. While both addictions are serious, the DSM-IV does not specifically include gambling in its categories. Instead, it uses the term “substance-related disorders” to describe other substance-related disorders such as alcohol and caffeine. Pathological gambling is also listed in the category of impulse-control disorders.