How to treat gambling addiction?

This article presents and discusses the main symptoms of gambling addiction, learn how to recognize and prevent the disease in the early stages.

Problems with gambling can occur in any person from any sphere of life, the patient can be an adult who started playing to distract after a working day or an ordinary teenager who enters the computer after school to relax a little. It is important to know and not miss the moment when a harmless hobby becomes an unhealthy obsession.

If You bet on sports, scratch cards, roulette, poker or casino slots, the problem of gambling can adversely affect Your financial condition, interfere with your work and destroy your personal life.

gambling Addiction, also known as gambling or gambling disorder—is a impulse control disorder. If you are an avid player, you can not control the desire to play, even if it has negative consequences for you or your loved ones. You will gamble whether You lose or Vice versa broke the "Bank", You will continue to play regardless of the consequences—even when you know that the chances of winning are low.

of Course, You think the situation is completely under control, but this is the first sign of frustration. Gambling can stimulate the brain's reward system just like drugs or alcohol, which leads to addiction. Ultimately, You want to play more and more.

the following are the symptoms which in 95% of cases are observed in adults affected by gambling.

Unlike players who stop at a loss or set a loss limit, people with an obsessive gambling problem are forced to keep playing to get their money back. This aspiration becomes more and more destructive over time.

Some people with gambling disorder may have remission when they play less or do not play at all for a certain time. However, without treatment, remission usually does not last long.

do I Need to see a doctor?

If Your family members Express concern about the games, if You lose large amounts of money that you "last" and You yourself tried to recover from addiction but could not – it's time to contact the experts. Communication with a therapist and taking a course of medication at the time of addiction can once and for all help You solve this problem.

Who is the victim of the disorder?

Although most of the people playing in the gambling become ill and are in control of your game, there are factors affecting the incidence of disorders.

Mental disorders. People who play obsessively often have problems of substance abuse, personality disorder, depression or anxiety. Compulsive gambling can also be associated with bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Age. Compulsive gambling is more common in young and middle-aged people. Gambling in childhood or adolescence increases the risk of gambling.

Gender. Gamers are more likely to be men.

How to help a person with a gaming addiction?

the Biggest step to overcoming gaming addiction is to realize that you have a problem. It takes great strength and courage to come to terms with it. Don't despair and don't try to go alone. Many were in Your place and were able to get rid of the habit and restore their lives.

Learn to relieve discomfort in healthier ways. do You play when you are lonely or bored? Or after a busy day or after a quarrel with her husband? Gambling can be a way to soothe unpleasant emotions, relax or socialize. But there are healthier and more effective ways to manage your mood and get rid of boredom, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don't gamble, engaging in new Hobbies, or practicing relaxation techniques.

Ask your family for support. it's Hard to fight any addiction without support, so reach out to friends and family. Try to share your feelings with them openly.

Join a peer support group. for Example, our substance abuse clinic "Narkozdrav" a weekly open group sessions with leading psychologists to provide support for the dependent. The key feature of the class is the opportunity to communicate with former players who have recovered from addiction.

Ask for help.Overcoming the problem of gaming addiction is not easy, and seeking professional treatment does not mean that You are weak or unable to cope with your problems. It is important to remember that each person is unique, so You need a recovery program designed specifically for Your needs and situation.

You can at any time to call on our phone +7(495)509-33-05 and receive professional psychological support, or to contact the clinic "Narkozdrav", where You make up an individual course of treatment.