How to Handle a Gambling Addiction?

Answer 1

Everyone has their hobbies and interests in life, but without proper control of these interests, they can soon transform into vices. In certain circumstances, these things can lead to health issues, financial troubles, or even problems with the law.

Defining a Gambling Addiction

Before you try to diagnose someone or even yourself as a compulsive gambler or a gambling addict, you should first know what you’re dealing with. It is said that a gambling addiction is an impulse-control disorder. This breaks down to the belief that the impulse to gamble cannot be controlled even when there are signs of an addiction.

Signs

There are no physical signs of a gambling addiction, but there are more damaging signs that can prove to be dangerous for a person's character and emotional and mental health. If you suspect that someone you know is being secretive about their gambling habits, be wary, as this is a potential sign of an oncoming addiction. If you or someone you know gambles even when broke, or is willing to bargain for money to use for gambling, this is a major sign of an addiction.

Treatment

If you or someone you know has a gambling addiction or has displayed signs of an addiction, there are ways to help. It is important to note, however, that every gambling addict cannot be helped in the same way. Some will need to join groups that will allow them to be open and share their problems. Others may need to try a rehab program that will disconnect them from this habit and try to incorporate better habits into your life. For more extreme addictions, counseling or therapy is perhaps the best option.

Maintaining Control

It is best to avoid anything gambling related for at least six months to a year after being treated. This even includes buying scratch-off cards at the gas station. Reinforcing any habit takes time, and it is easy to lapse back into the bad ones if care isn’t taken to avoid them.

Rebuilding

Usually, those with a gambling addiction will have depleted a large amount of their funds before getting treatment. After treatment is complete, try to save any wages earned from employment until life becomes more stable. Budgeting will be necessary until financial stability can be regained.