The history of gambling dates back to the Paleolithic age, long before written history. The earliest evidence of six-sided dice dates to Mesopotamia around 3000 BC, based on the astragali. Records of gambling in Japan date to the 14th century. The term ‘gambling addiction’ is used to refer to a range of problems associated with gambling. Despite the fact that it is one of the oldest known forms of addiction, the history of gambling is murky.
Problems associated with problem gambling
The symptoms and causes of problem gambling are widely varied, resulting in a confusing array of diagnostic terms used by researchers and the general public. Some of these terms include “at risk”, “compulsive”, “disordered”, and “pathological”. However, there is a consistent pattern to the symptoms that distinguish a problem from a normal gambling habit. As a general rule, a person with a problem gambling problem will need increasing amounts of money in order to experience the same level of excitement. During their attempts to reduce their gambling, they become restless and irritable.
Eventually, this compulsion will lead to a problem gambling habit. A person who has a gambling addiction will need to spend more time gambling to achieve the same “high,” chasing losses that lead to a downward spiral. As the addiction develops, a person’s craving for gambling increases, and their ability to resist it decreases. A person with a gambling addiction will experience a host of effects ranging from physical and psychological symptoms to personal, professional, and social problems.
Signs of a problem
Signs of a problem with gambling can be hard to detect. A person who has a gambling problem may lie about their addiction, stay up too late, and even steal money. If you try to approach someone with this behavior, you will find them to be angry and will lie about everything. If you think they have a problem, it is best to seek help as soon as possible. If your loved one is hiding their gambling habit, you may be able to spot the signs.
In addition to emotional symptoms, compulsive gambling can affect your general health. When you lose everything in a gambling addiction, you may feel hopeless and uncontrollable. In extreme cases, your gambling may even lead to self-harming tendencies. You may also develop acne or dark circles under your eyes because you have not slept properly for days. Gamblers often suffer from a lack of sleep, which can affect their skin and their energy levels.
Treatment options
The best treatment for gambling addiction involves residential rehabilitation. Residential treatment allows the individual to focus on overcoming the triggers and impact of the problem. Individuals are taught coping skills and how to avoid relapsing into gambling. Some people find it easier to stop gambling if they are in a residential rehab program, which can help them to overcome the problem. There are several types of residential rehab, but there are also specialized programs that cater to specific needs and addictions.
Therapy is an excellent choice for gambling addicts, which helps them recognize their behavior patterns and determine the factors contributing to their compulsive tendencies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most common type of therapy, focusing on changing negative thinking and behavior patterns. Group therapy and 12-step programs, similar to NA and AA, are another option. Support groups can be extremely helpful in overcoming a gambling addiction. Psychotherapy can address the root causes of the problem and teach the patient how to stop the cycle of gambling.