Gambling addiction

Posted by fherehab on October 25th, 2019

How do you recognize a loved one's gambling addiction?

Sometimes we underestimate the impact a gambling addiction has on a loved one's life. In society, addiction to drugs or alcohol is considered to be the worst. Meanwhile, according to statistics, about 10 million Americans suffer from a gambling addiction, and nobody knows how to fight it.

Gambling addiction, along with addiction to shopping, sex or adrenaline, is a type of mental disorder associated with compulsive behavior. If you suspect that one of your loved ones is subject to this mania, you need to take real action before it is too late.

What is gambling addiction?

Pathological craving for gambling, lack of control over one's actions when tempted to play a game, dominance of gambling over all other aspects of life are all gambling addictions. In stronger forms, disorders of the body, because of the impossibility to get what is being done, are possible, and in the most serious cases, even a suicidal outcome is possible. Therefore, it is important to identify this disease in time, if there are suspicions. Worldwide, there is concern about the increase in the number of gambling addicts, and some countries have even banned gambling altogether.

Signs of gambling addiction - these are the most common symptoms of gamblers:

Inability to focus on anything in the presence of a source of addiction. As a rule, everyone else, even the most important parts of life, are relegated to the background. The patient shows signs of mental arousal, such as sweating palms, increased breathing, and possibly increased pressure. Involvement in the game is pathological, the gambler is completely unable to control himself.

Lying, severing previous ties, reclusiveness. The gambler is interested in only one goal, the rest is overshadowed, manipulation of loved ones and lies are used everywhere.

Financial problems. Debts can arise, current revenues will be sharply lacking, the gamer is constantly concerned about finding new sources of income or just the receipt of funds.

How can you help a loved one get rid of a gambling addiction?

Perhaps your loved one started innocently - a little vacation in the casino, with small losses or winnings as a way to relax or distract oneself. Over time, this has gained momentum, and now your loved one is spending the night behind the online poker game. It's time to take action. Help consists of several stages:

- First you need to accept reality, open your eyes to what is happening to yourself and your loved ones.

- a frank conversation. It is important to have a heart-to-heart conversation with your loved one, asking them questions carefully. Speak without pressure, using the most gentle phrases possible.

You should not judge a loved one, you should not speak harshly.

It is necessary to be ready for the answer – to think in advance over possible results of conversation and to supervise the emotions during it, not to let anger take the lead.

Willingness to offer help. It is important to push a loved one to make a decision for the benefit of professionals by gentle persuasion and bringing in the necessary people. After taking the first step, it is necessary to support the gambler during all stages of recovery.

Source: https://fherehab.com