If you are a sufferer of problem gambling, there are several things that you should know. Learn about the different types of gambling and their symptoms. You can also find treatment options for this condition. Continue reading to find out more. After you have read this article, you will no longer have to feel lonely or helpless. Instead, you will be able to seek help if you suspect that you are suffering from problem gambling. You may even discover that you have a gambling problem, and if so, you can take the necessary steps to recover.
Problem gambling
The term “problem gambling” has been around for centuries, but it was not until the 1980s that it was defined formally. Emil Kraepelin referred to it as “gambling mania” and the American Psychiatric Association included the condition in their Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition. Since then, the criteria for problem gambling have changed considerably, beginning with a survey of 222 compulsive gamblers. In addition to surveying gambling addicts, researchers also looked at 104 social gamblers who were suffering from substance abuse or a gambling habit. The researchers then conducted cluster analyses to identify nine symptom criteria for problem gambling.
Types of gambling
Different types of gambling are categorized according to their structure and the associated risks. Problem gambling is associated with certain types of gambling, but not all forms are equally dangerous. Gamblers’ choices of gambling activities are influenced by the experience they are trying to achieve. While traditional lotteries involve gambling with a small stake for a large prize, sports betting is a form of gambling that involves a significant amount of skill, with different amounts wagered for different outcomes.
Signs
If you are experiencing symptoms of compulsive gambling, you may need help to break the habit. This addictive activity can cause a wide range of emotional and physical symptoms, including suicidal thoughts and attempts. The feeling of hopelessness that accompanies gambling is a particularly devastating one, and it may even cause the gambler to resort to self-harm. Other physical symptoms of compulsive gambling include pale skin, changes in appetite, and dark circles under the eyes.
Treatment options
There are various types of treatment for gambling addictions. You can visit a primary care physician or seek treatment from a mental health professional. Your doctor will ask about your gambling habits and may even ask for permission to speak to family members. While doctors can’t discuss your medical history with anyone else without your permission, they can discuss your gambling problem with other people in your family. A physical exam can help your doctor determine if you have any health problems associated with compulsive gambling.
Cost
The Cost of Gambling (COI) estimates the cost incurred by society as a whole as a result of problem gambling. It has been estimated that gambling costs range from 0.3 to 1.0% of a society’s GDP. In other words, the social cost of gambling is between AUD 4.7-8.4 billion per year. This amount differs from study to study, but all have been estimated using market prices. But, in general, it is difficult to know how much societal costs will vary.