Gambling disorder, also compulsive gambling is the behaviour of repetitive gambling to the point of causing significant distress (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Gambling disorder is an addiction like alcoholism and other substance dependency and has similar effects. It causes relationship and financial problems. People suffering from compulsive gambling tend to hide their addiction and may result in selling personal items, borrowing from friends, or stealing to meet their gambling needs. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental Disorder (DSM-5) is the first to recognize gambling disorder as a behavioural addiction and as an issue of mental health. Gambling disorder causes the same emotional, and financial problems as substance abuse and the treatment are the same.
It is possible to identify someone with a gambling disorder using criteria outlined by DSM-5. For someone to qualify as suffering from a gambling disorder, he/she must have at least four of the following symptoms within 12 months. A person must feel the need to gamble with an increasing amount of money to get the same excitement. He/she must become irritable or restless when trying to reduce or stop gambling. The person must have made repeated and unsuccessful attempt to stop gambling. The person's mind is preoccupied with gambling, and he/she is always planning the next adventure. The person resorts to gambling when feeling anxious or depressed. The person also still gets back to gaming after losing to get even. He/she is lying to hide the extent of the effects of gambling on his/her life and has lost a significant relationship or job opportunity as a result of gambling. The person may also be relying on others to relieve the dire financial situation resulting from the loss of money through gambling (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
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Gambling is an activity that should be fun; however, it is possible to develop an addiction. Online gambling places more people at risk of gambling disorder because of the ease of access to online casinos. Being aware of the signs of gambling addiction can enable one to enjoy gambling without the risk of developing an addiction. The signs of gambling addiction are similar to signs of other habits. Someone who is addicted to gambling feels the need of hiding his/her gambling activities from friends and family. The person cannot control the gambling habit and continues to gamble even when he/she cannot afford it. The friends and family of someone who is addicted to gambling will show concern about his/her gambling habit. The person has a tendency to chase loses and will more often than not use money set aside for bills to gamble (Nikolai, 2018).
Treating gambling disorder is challenging because most people have a problem admitting that gambling has developed into a problem. A significant part of treatment is acknowledging that gambling is a problem that needs addressing. Although in many cases treatment is forced on those who are suffering by family members, friends, or employers; treatment can help one regain a sense of control, heal damaged relationships, and recover from financial problems. Treatment of gambling disorder includes three approaches. The first is therapy. The therapy employs a systematic approach that enables an addict to unlearn harmful behaviour and develop skills to counter the gambling urge (Mayoclinic, 2019). Cognitive behavioural therapy focuses on identifying negative and irrational beliefs and replacing them with positive and rational beliefs. Going through treatment as a family unit could also be helpful.
The second approach in the treatment of compulsive gambling is medication. An addict is prescribed mood stabilizers and antidepressants to help deal with problems that often accompany gambling disorder. Some of these problems include Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Antidepressants and narcotic antagonists are very effective in treating compulsive gambling. The third approach is the self-help groups. Talking to others who are going through the same problem could be helpful in the treatment process. Self-help groups such as Gamblers Anonymous are instrumental in dealing with the vice. There are three programs available for those suffering from gambling disorder. These include inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment programs. Often, treatment of gambling disorder is accompanied by treatment for other problems, such as depression, substance abuse, and anxiety (Mayoclinic, 2019).
It is helpful for someone who is recovering from compulsive gambling to possess individual skills that will help them resist gambling. One crucial skill involves staying focused on the goal; not gambling. For a recovering gambling addict, one bet is all it takes to relapse. It is also essential to ask for help from family member and friends. Personal willpower alone is not enough to overcome gambling addiction. It is important to recognize situations and places that act as triggers and to avoid them (Mayoclinic, 2019). Compulsive gambling possesses a severe public health problem because a considerable number of young adults suffer from the problem. The prevalence of technology in modern society has increased the number of people suffering from gambling disorder because of ease of access to gambling platforms. There is no systematic intervention to treat compulsive gambling. An educational program targeting youths might help them develop healthy gambling habits.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. doi: 10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Mayoclinic. (2019). Compulsive gambling - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 25 November 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/compulsive-gambling/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355184
Nikolai. (2018). Warning Signs of Gambling Addiction | National Institute of Health Policy. Retrieved 25 November 2019, from https://www.nihp.org/warning-signs-of-gambling-addiction/
