According to the Gabbard’s Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders (5th Edition), edited by Glen O. Gabbard, M.D., published by American Psychiatric Publishing, “gambling disorder is a new category within the DSM-5, which is largely consistent with substance-related disorders.” It is similar to substance-related disorders in its clinical expression, physiology, and brain origin. As a result, treatment of gambling disorder is similar to that of substance-related disorders.
Responsible gambling
Responsible gambling refers to a series of social responsibility initiatives by the gambling industry, including governments, gaming control boards, operators, and vendors. The objective of responsible gambling is to raise public awareness about the harms associated with gambling. These include the potential risks for problem gambling and the need to limit access to gambling sites and products. Responsible gambling also involves limiting the amount of money that gambling addicts can win and spend, and is intended to reduce the negative effects of addiction.
Compulsive gambling
The devastation that compulsive gambling can cause to its sufferer is enormous. It can destroy the lives of those around them, and cost the United States over $5 billion every year. Compulsive gamblers can accrue tens of thousands of dollars in debt, end up in legal trouble, and even commit crimes, such as theft and prostitution. In severe cases, compulsive gambling can lead to suicide.
Non-regulated forms of gambling
While legal forms of gambling are the largest source of revenue in the United States, unregulated forms are a growing problem for American society. While state-run lotteries dominate the gambling industry, organized football pools are popular in Europe and South America. Although non-regulated forms of gambling are legal in all states, they can still lead to financial losses and addiction. For these reasons, it is important to understand the impact of gambling on our society and how to make better decisions about money.
Mental health issues associated with compulsive gambling
Gambling addiction has many negative consequences. Individuals who engage in compulsive gambling often have co-occurring mental health disorders. This addiction tends to start in young adulthood, with men being more likely to begin gambling than women. Moreover, compulsive gamblers are more likely to lose money than win it. It is important to recognize the warning signs and seek help if you notice any of these behaviors.
Treatments for compulsive gambling
A treatment for compulsive gambling begins with recognizing that the problem exists. Therapy sessions help the patient identify underlying conditions and teach coping mechanisms for stressors and triggers. For individuals with severe gambling disorders, inpatient treatment may be necessary. While residential treatment involves 24-hour care, it is an effective way to tackle the problem head on. Depending on the severity of the problem, treatment may last for 30 days or more.