People who suffer from a gambling problem find it difficult to resist the urge to gamble. They tend to gamble when they are distressed or to gain revenge for a loss. They may lie about how much they gamble to protect their personal finances. If their gambling habit is affecting their personal lives, they may attempt suicide. Problem gambling can range from mild to severe. Fortunately, there are helplines available to provide you with the support you need. But what is the best way to find help if you’re addicted to gambling?
The best way to identify if you’re experiencing a gambling problem is by asking yourself some questions. The EIGHT survey is a helpful tool. This test is not meant to diagnose gambling disorder, but to help you make informed decisions about how to treat your problem. The DSM criteria for diagnosing and treating psychological disorders include criteria that can help you determine if you are suffering from a gambling problem. These criteria are used to identify individuals who have tried to stop gambling but failed repeatedly. If you have an addiction to gambling, you should seek help immediately. You can also seek help through your healthcare provider.
While problem gambling can impact your mental health, it can also be a symptom of another condition, such as bipolar disorder. Fortunately, it is treatable with therapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you identify the reasons behind your compulsive behavior and develop ways to cope with it. During CBT, your therapist will examine your thoughts and beliefs about gambling in order to determine if the behavior is actually harmful.
While CBT may not be an option for every person suffering from problem gambling, it is a great way to get support from your friends and family. In addition to counseling, support groups and physical activity can help you overcome your gambling addiction. And finally, there are helplines that can be called in many states. You can call the National Helpline to get assistance. If you need help, contact them immediately, postpone the gambling and think about the consequences before making a decision to gamble.
In addition to CBT, other programs may be available to help college students who suffer from problem gambling. However, these programs may not be appropriate for all college-aged students. Further research is needed to determine whether university environments add additional risk factors to the mix. And if these programs do work, they may be an excellent option for reducing the risk of gambling addiction. However, the most effective and promising interventions would involve counseling. This will help students to stop gambling and make responsible decisions in their lives.
While gambling is an enjoyable activity for many, the consequences can be devastating. If you bail out a problem gambler from debt, you may be encouraging your loved one to keep gambling and to keep away from family members. However, it is important to remember that gambling addiction is a serious problem and can lead to suicide. Your decision to help them quit is crucial to their overall well-being. And, the last thing you need is to bail them out of debt.