Recognize the Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Gambling refers to an activity in which something of value is exchanged for an unknown future outcome with an unpredictable outcome. It can also be called gaming, a lot of people use the two interchangeably. Gambling therefore requires three factors to be involved: risk, consideration, and a payoff. The challenge with gambling is that it is a form of investing, and because it relies on chance, your chances of winning or losing are unknown.

Gamblers face a number of problems when they become hooked to gambling. These include social, physical and psychological addictions. Social anxiety, stress, depression, anger, high blood pressure and substance abuse can add to the pressures of gambling addiction. Physical addictions include alcohol and illegal drugs such as cocaine.

The psychological addiction is brought about by repeated exposure to the stimuli that cause the urge for gambling behavior. In most cases, this occurs when a person has spent time in a stressful situation where gambling was mentioned or even fantasized. When individuals come back to their home after a stressful event such as work, school or other commitments, they find themselves unable to relax because of the images from the event. This leads to a repeated cycle of anxiety, which can result in many people developing gambling addictions.

Gamblers who also suffer from psychological addictions are at a higher risk of developing physical addictions such as excessive eating or substance abuse. They also find it difficult to stop engaging in the behaviors that bring them anxiety and depression. Individuals who engage in multiple addictions are at a higher risk of experiencing serious health problems including diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Gamblers are also at a higher risk of having poor relationships and being unemployed. They may have also developed a personality disorder such as anxiety disorder, personality disorders or mood disorders.

It is important to keep in mind that all forms of addictions, including gambling addiction, are treatable. Treatment centers offer many methods of therapy and relaxation techniques to help patients overcome their addictions and learn how to live with their gambling behavior. They also teach patients how to avoid common temptations that may cause them to gamble. If you know someone who gambles, you should advise him or her about the many different resources available to help them kick the habit. It is never too late to get help if you feel that help is necessary for your loved ones or yourself.

Prevention is always better than cure. Many gamblers who suffer from one addiction or another are unaware that they are suffering from another form of addiction. This is why it is important to get gamblers checked out by their personal doctor. Gambling addictions are treatable. If you or a loved one suffer from problem gambling, it is important to seek treatment immediately.