The term “problem gambling” encapsulates a range of different behavior patterns, ranging from casual games to high-stakes online poker. Its progression can be difficult to stop, and there are many symptoms that may indicate problem gambling. Luckily, there is help for problem gamblers. If you’d like to help a loved one who has a problem with gambling, consider framing it as a health issue. Framing it this way can help reduce resistance and lifestyle inquiry.

Problem gambling

Problem gambling is an addiction. It’s dangerous and often hidden, but the damage it causes is immense. It’s important to recognize the signs of this condition and get help if it becomes a problem. A person suffering from this addiction should not continue to gamble unless it causes significant harm to their life. While gambling may be fun, the effects of problem gambling are devastating to the family, friends, and loved ones. In New Mexico, tribal casinos voluntarily promote problem gambling awareness by establishing a responsible gaming association.

Pathological gambling

The DSM-IV is a catalog of mental disorders, including pathological gambling. The fourth edition was published in 1994, and defines pathological gambling as an impulse disorder. Pathological gamblers exhibit symptoms of hallucinations, hearing voices, and feeling that their thoughts are not under control. Pathological gamblers also exhibit symptoms of schizophrenia, a general term used to describe a wide range of mental disorders. Schizoaffective disorder shares symptoms of both schizophrenia and manic-depressive disorder, making it a good diagnostic tool for pathological gamblers.

Compulsive gambling

There are several characteristics of compulsive gamblers. Most are novelty seekers and find the activity to be incredibly relaxing and fun. Compulsive gamblers may have a problem with money or recently lost money, or they may be lonely or isolated. In addition to the personality traits, easy access to gambling can lead to compulsive gambling. People who are unable to control their gambling habits should seek treatment.

Alcoholism

While most people don’t think of alcoholism and gambling as two separate disorders, they are linked. Alcoholism and gambling are chronic, recurring problems with significant risks of relapse. Individuals with both disorders are at a higher risk of relapse. The underlying cause of both disorders is unclear, but there are some common triggers. Listed below are some signs and symptoms of these disorders. Those with a gambling problem may also be suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction.

Substance abuse

Pathological gambling and substance abuse usually occur at the same time, often leading to each other. Both disorders have high rates of prevalence and severity, particularly during the adolescent and young adult years. The connection between the two disorders is especially strong in those suffering from both conditions. When a person has a gambling addiction, he may turn to other substances to relieve his stress and anxiety, and vice versa. People suffering from both disorders are at a greater risk of developing gambling problems than those suffering from substance abuse alone.

Depression

There is an association between depression and gambling, with pathological gamblers suffering from higher rates of depression. The same holds true for more frequent gamblers. Depression and gambling can be linked by Thorson et al., who used the CES-Depression scale to assess the major elements of depression. The results showed that 12.7% of the sample of adults was depressed. This association is consistent with previous studies. Further research is needed to better understand the connection between depression and gambling, but for now, there are many factors to consider.

Suicide

Problem gambling is a mental illness that can lead to suicide. Gambling addictions disrupt most areas of a person’s life, including their relationships, self-esteem, and finances. Suicide gamblers are often also in a sense of hopelessness, as everything they’ve worked for in life has been destroyed. Because problem gambling is so debilitating, it’s no wonder that it can be so depressing that it can cause an individual to end their life.