You came to GClub to simply have fun and maybe earn some bucks. But at times, you have the urge to ask yourself: Am I now addicted to gambling?
Gambling problems can happen to anyone. Whether you’re playing in a land-based gaming house or via your computer in GClub, gambling can be an unhealthy fascination. It can damage relationships and hamper your day-to-day work. Worse, it can lead to a long-term financial crisis.
What many don’t understand, however, is that gambling addiction is an impulse-control disorder (ICD). This means that gambling addiction has similar effects as alcoholism or drug addiction. You can long for gambling the same way you can hunger for various substances. According to research, gambling addiction sparks off the exact neural pathways when you crave alcohol and drugs.
Because of this, it’s imperative for people with gambling addiction to be treated accordingly. In this article, we’re discussing the symptoms of gambling disorder and treatments to help you.
Adverse Effects of Gambling Problems
Addiction to gambling can be detrimental to a person’s physical and psychological health. In many cases, people with gambling addictions may experience the following:
- Migraine
- Distress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Intestinal Disorders
Symptoms of Addiction
What makes pathological gambling unique compared to other addictions is that it is considered a “hidden” disorder. That means gambling addiction remains unseen until the gambler is incapable of functioning day-to-day without gambling. This makes it extra tricky to assess whether an individual is starting to become addicted or not.
Some of the symptoms of gambling problems include:
- Constantly planning or thinking of winning in gambling
- Feeling cranky or unrelaxed when trying to cut back on gambling
- Trying to chase your past losses from time to time
- Feeling the need to lie about your gambling habits
- Imperiling or missing significant relationships due to gambling
- Losing opportunities in school or work due to gambling
- Committing crimes to acquire money to gamble.
If you still aren’t sure if you’re addicted to gambling or not, ask yourself: “Will I be able to stop gambling if I want to?” If you’ve tried and failed to stop gambling within a few hours or days, you may want to seek support from your family, friends, or medical professionals.
What You Can Do
Realize That You Have a Problem
Acknowledging your disorder is perhaps one of the most challenging steps in order to overcome addiction itself. We salute you for reading this piece if you think you’re dealing with a gambling problem.
Develop a Strong Support Network
Keep in mind that battling any addiction—drugs, alcohol, or gambling—is unmanageable without support from your family and friends. While some people have a limited support network, there are many ways to make new acquaintances without relying on gambling. You can always try to connect with workmates, classmates, or even your mentors.
Joining a book, music, or recreational sports club can also be a way to build new relationships. We encourage you to do fun things that will keep you away from any gambling-related activities.
Consider Getting Treatment
There are three types of treatment you can get for gambling addiction:
- Behaviortherapy – This can help decrease your cravings to gamble by systematically exposing you to the exact behavior.
- Medications – Mood-stabilizing medications can diminish symptoms and sicknesses related to gambling disorders.
- Self-help groups – Recovery programs can help you discuss your addiction with others who are in similar situations.
You Are Not Alone
Now that you have realized your problem, don’t despair. A lot of people have been in the same situation, and they got better. Trust us: You will be able to defeat this addiction through personal willpower and help from other people.
