Problem gambling can take many forms, ranging from gambling on social events to spending too much money on online casinos. Fortunately, there is help for those suffering from gambling addiction. Various treatments are available, including family therapy, marriage counseling, credit counseling, and career coaching. Listed below are some of the most common types of gambling therapy. These options can be a great help for people whose addictions are impacting their personal relationships and finances.
Problem gamblers
While most people who gamble are responsible, it is not uncommon for people to develop problems while gambling. This is called pathological gambling, a serious impulse disorder characterized by excessive and obsessive gambling behaviors. While this disorder is not widely known, it is a real condition. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, pathological gambling affects as many as 1% of U.S. adults.
Compulsive gamblers
Problem gambling has many symptoms. These individuals are self-centered and have a tendency to bend the truth in order to obtain the money they need. Problem gamblers go through four stages of desperation and hopelessness. They often persist for ten to thirty years before seeking help. They often prioritize gambling over all other interests and risk losing everything. Here are some warning signs that your loved one is suffering from compulsive gambling.
Social gamblers
Social gambling is a popular form of entertainment that is enjoyed by both men and women. For many, it provides mental stimulation, relaxation and social interaction. Social gamblers mostly do it on their mobile phones. Those who spend up to one hour at work playing social slots are mostly men over 40 years of age and female. Regardless of the reason for their addiction, social gamblers have a common goal: to win. This article explores the causes of social gambling and how it can affect people’s lives.
Life insurance gamblers
The uneasy association between life insurance and gambling is not new, but life insurance gamblers have gotten a bad rap. Years ago, newspapers drew caricatures of women who had too much time on their hands, were enthralled by lottery winning, and would steal from the insurance companies. But it wasn’t just patient wives who bought life insurance policies on their husbands – these women were also known as “life insurance gamblers.”
Treatment options
Treatment options for gambling addictions vary widely. Individuals may be referred to outpatient or inpatient facilities to receive therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one type of treatment that focuses on challenging harmful thoughts and behaviors. Support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous meetings, may also be helpful in helping people overcome their compulsive urges. Inpatient treatment is generally the best option for those with severe gambling problems.