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Gambling Addiction
The overwhelming majority of people who gamble
don't have a problem with it. But pathological
gambling, often called compulsive gambling,
is a mental health disorder. It's classified as
one by the American Psychiatric Association. Compulsive
gambling becomes all-consuming. It takes over
people's lives. It can have a devastating effect.
Gambling Addiction Treatment
Gambling addiction cuts across
all age categories, all economic, cultural and
educational categories. But one of the more vulnerable
groups of people are older adults who are dealing
with the onset of retirement, with the loss of
a loved one, with being lonely. While their gambling
may start out as a social activity, they may find
themselves doing things they've never done before. Treatment should be customized according to the circumstances and the needs of each individual.
Gambling Addiction Help
In order to provide the help needed for the individual afflicted with gambling addiction we need to know the extent and the purpose of
that individuals gambling habits.
Professional: Gambling is his primary source of
income; makes his living gambling.
Casual Social Gambler:
Gambling is one of many forms of entertainment;
gamble infrequently.
Serious Social Gambler:
Gambles as a major source of entertainment; plays
regularly at one or more types of gambling, and
does so with great absorption and intensity.
Relief-and-Escape Gambler:
Major activity in person's life of equal importance
with family and business; but rest of life goes
on without integrity being seriously impaired;
more than a pastime.
Compulsive Gambler:
Gambling is only thing in life; ignores family
and business, and often turns to crime to support
his/her habit.
Antisocial Personality:
Life career is getting money by illegal means;
those who gamble try to fix gambling games.
Signs of Gambling Addiction
People who suspect a gambling problem in themselves, a friend, or a family member may recognize the following warning signs:
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Increasing
preoccupation with gambling |
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Increasing preoccupation with gambling |
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Use of gambling
as a way to escape problems or relieve depression |
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Inability to stop
playing regardless of winning or losing, and
despite constant vows to abstain |
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Restlessness or
irritability when attempting to cut down or
stop gambling |
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Use of alcohol,
sleep, or drugs to escape |
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Lying to family members or others
to hide the amount of gambling |
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Impatience with family or friends
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Relying on others for money
to relieve a financial problem that
arose due to gambling (legal and illegal sources) |
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Absenteeism and tardiness at
work |
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Neglect of responsibility |
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Losing or jeopardizing an important
relationship due to gambling |
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Wide mood swings |
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Belief when winning that it
will not stop |
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Gambling another day to win
back money lost gambling |
Reach out to us. Recovery from addiction is just a click or a phone call away.
If the information you are looking for is not found here and you need immediate
attention you may contact us:
Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237
Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
You may also send us e-mail.
Please keep in mind that e-mails are answered within 24 hours Monday
through Friday.
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