While gambling has been a part of human life for centuries back, civilization has not always been as aware of the risks it poses. Nowadays, the situation has been greatly clarified, with a specific definition outlining the condition as gambling addiction, i.e. problem gambling.
Due to advances in technology and communications industries, this form of entertainment has become all the more available and convenient. This caused the effects of such a problem to be all the more evident and widespread, ultimately turning into a classifiable addiction. In order to help problem gamblers or those likely to become, extensive efforts have been placed in identifying the signs of the condition, the best prevention and the criteria for suitable help and treatment services.
Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gamblers are often identified through a series of signs that indicate a certain change in their physical appearance, health, emotional and psychological state, as well as their financial and professional side of life.
Some of the most commonly recognized signs in problem gamblers include borrowing money or stealing precious items or cash, as well as an obsession with betting of any kind. Restlessness is also common in such instances, as well as lack of attention and focus in otherwise normal occurrences.
The obsession to gambling often leads to the need to lie in order to cover it up, so avoiding the truth is another key sign of problem gambling. If not detected and properly treated in due time, these signs become more evident.
Problem Gambling – Preventive Measures
The road to gambling is rather smooth and inauspicious, especially nowadays when people are practically encouraged to try out the latest tech advances and have fun in the meantime. Online platforms provide the perfect solution, and people with specific problems could get carried away.
One rather successful preventive measure identifies this form of entertainment as a relief option – people who are constantly under stress, pressure and criticism are thus most subjected to the urge to take up gambling. Should anyone find themselves under such circumstances, it is advisable to try and look for an alternative activity to relieve the anxiety. That way, even if they do come in contact to gambling practices, it won’t hold the same appeal as it once did.
Preventing problem gambling can also be done in the early stages of its development – find a suitable support group, give up a strenuous job, activity or environment, or simply reduce the time spent on casino floors. Some problem gamblers fight the urge to gamble by giving themselves a time span of 5, 10, 30 minutes per say, just so that it subsides and they are finally able to overcome it. You can read useful information about gambling prevention at netbet.co.uk.
Problem Gambling Treatment Services
Once the issue has been recognized, many services have stepped up claiming to offer the most suitable treatment to gambling addiction, especially since it works the same as substance abuse. So far, treatment has become available as residential rehab programs, cognitive therapy, group/family therapy and counseling, as well as identification and treatment for the causal disorder – OCD, ADHD, chronic depression, panic attacks etc.
