March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and it’s probably no coincidence that it coincides with the NCAA tournaments and the increase in gambling around the games.
The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling as “the uncontrollable urge to gamble despite negative consequences in a person’s life.” Over time, an addiction to gambling can contribute to poor mental and physical health, cause severe financial and legal problems, or strain relationships with family and friends.
Those with an addiction to gambling may tend to have a different mindset about betting than people without one. They believe they are more likely to win than the average person, that certain rituals can bring good luck, or that they can easily win back any losses by simply gambling more.
Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic lists these symptoms of problem gambling:
- Being preoccupied with gambling, such as constantly planning gambling activities and how to get more gambling money
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same thrill
- Trying to control, cut back or stop gambling, without success
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down on gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression
- Trying to get back lost money by gambling more (chasing losses)
- Lying to family members or others to hide the extent of your gambling
- Risking or losing important relationships, a job, or school or work opportunities because of gambling
- Asking others to bail you out of financial trouble because you gambled money away
Generally, casual gamblers are able to stop when losing or set limits on how much money they are willing to lose. However, those with a compulsive gambling problem continue to play, compelled to recover their money in an increasingly destructive cycle. Some even turn to theft or fraud to fund their habit.
The Cause
What causes problem gambling? The cause is not generally well understood. Like many other harmful habitual behaviors, problem gambling may come from a combination of genetic, biological and environmental factors.
Treatment
The good news is that problem gambling is diagnosable and treatable. A diagnosis begins with recognition of the problem. The Mayo Clinic reports treatment can be challenging. In many cases, people have a difficult time admitting to the problem, which is a major part of the treatment.
Therapy
Therapy is one of three typical approaches to treatment. Behavioral therapy uses a process of exposure to the harmful behavior and teaches skills to reduce the urge to gamble. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhealthy, irrational and negative beliefs and replacing them with positive ones.
Medication
Medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers, may also help treat problems associated with compulsive gambling, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Some antidepressants are effective in reducing gambling behavior.
Group Therapy
Some find effective treatment within self-help groups. Talking to others who have a gambling problem can be a successful form of treatment.
The treatment program may involve inpatient, outpatient or residential treatment programs, depending on the needs and resources of the individual. Structured internet-based programs and telephone visits with a mental health professional may be an option for some people.
Resources
If you think you may have a problem, talk to your health care provider about setting up an evaluation, contact Your Life Iowa or call 1-800-BETS-OFF.