Gambling Disorder: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Options
Published:
Jul 26, 2024
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01:57 p.m.
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Updated:
Sep 16, 2024
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02:44 p.m.
ET
For some, gambling can be an enjoyable, casual activity that’s healthily viewed as a form of paid entertainment. However for others, it can become a serious problem that affects all aspects of life. And as online gambling and gaming products have become more accessible, popular and normalized in American society, gambling problems have also grown. Therefore it’s important to be able to notice potential warning signs before it becomes a serious issue.
The goal of this guide is to help enable you to recognize the signs and symptoms of problem gambling in yourself or others, plus to know where to turn for treatment options if ever needed.
What is Gambling Disorder?
Gambling disorder, also known as compulsive gambling or pathological gambling, is a behavioral addiction characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite negative consequences. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognizes it as a non-substance addictive disorder that can be diagnosed as a mental health disorder, with diagnostic criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
Other terms commonly used to describe gambling disorder include problem gambling, compulsive gambling, and gambling addiction. These terms highlight the varying degrees of severity and impact gambling can have on an individual's life.
Signs and Symptoms of Problem Gambling
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of gambling disorder is crucial for early intervention and treatment. Some common indicators include:
Obsession with Gambling: Constantly thinking about the last gambling occurrence and when the next one will be. Planning future gambling activities is regularly top of mind and dominating your thoughts.
Inability to Stop: Despite knowing better, bettors experience repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back or quit gambling. Like withdrawal from a substance, gamblers may become irritable and restless without the action.
Betting More Money: A tolerance can form, so there may be a feeling of needing to gamble with larger amounts of money to fulfill the urge.
Chasing Losses: Trying to recover lost money by gambling more. Once they win big, they claim they will stop, but chasing often leads to more losses and potential debts.
Lying About Gambling: Covering up the extent of gambling from family, friends or therapists.
Jeopardizing Relationships and Opportunities: Neglecting responsibilities, damaging relationships or missing work due to gambling.
Emotional Distress: Experiencing feelings of guilt, anxiety, or depression related to gambling activities.
Causes of Gambling Addiction
The causes of gambling disorder are complex and multifaceted, often involving a combination of biological, psychological and social factors:
Biological Factors: Genetic and chemical imbalances in the brain's reward system can increase the risk of developing a gambling disorder. Age and sex also play roles. Men are more likely to have gambling problems and 2-7% of youths develop gambling disorders, compared to 1% of adults.
Psychological Factors: Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse are commonly linked with gambling addiction. Personality traits like competitiveness, impulsivity and high sensation-seeking behavior can also contribute.
Social Factors: Exposure to gambling at a young age, peer pressure and stressful life events can trigger or exacerbate gambling behavior. Social inequality, low income and poverty can also play roles.
How Gambling Disorder is diagnosed: DSM-5 Criteria
The DSM-5 outlines specific criteria for diagnosing a gambling disorder. An individual must exhibit at least four of the following behaviors within 12 months:
Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement.
Restlessness or irritability when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.
Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling.
Preoccupation with gambling.
Gambling when feeling distressed.
Chasing losses.
Lying to conceal gambling involvement.
Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job, or educational/career opportunity due to gambling.
Relying on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.
These criteria help mental health professionals assess the severity of gambling disorders and develop appropriate treatment plans.
Help and treatment options for Gambling Disorder
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling disorder, several effective treatment options are available, including Birches Health. Birches is an excellent telehealth treatment option for gambling disorder due to its personalized approach to care. Through virtual therapy sessions, individuals can access evidence-based treatments like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with gambling, from the comfort of their own homes.
Birches Health offers a team of specialized therapists who are experienced in treating gambling addiction. Additionally, their telehealth platform provides flexible scheduling, making it easier for patients to integrate treatment into their daily lives. With resources like self-assessment tools and care specialist consultations, Birches is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery.
How to get started with Birches Health:
Book an Appointment with a Therapist: Schedule a session with a clinician.
Speak with a Care Specialist: Get personalized guidance for recommended next steps.
Refer Someone Else: Help a loved one get the care they need.
Free Self-Assessment: Evaluate your gambling habits and determine the need for professional help.
Support groups like Gamblers Anonymous can provide a community of individuals who share similar experiences. These groups offer peer support, encouragement and accountability through regular meetings and a 12-step program. It is worth noting that there is a religious component to some steps (ex: Step 11 - “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”), so GA is not the right treatment option for everyone.
Family therapy can help repair relationships damaged by gambling behavior and provide support for both the individual and their loved ones. It addresses communication issues and promotes a healthier family dynamic.
Self-help strategies, such as setting financial limits, avoiding triggers and finding alternative activities, can be effective in managing gambling urges. Engaging in hobbies, exercise and social activities can also provide healthier outlets for stress and excitement.
How to help someone else with Gambling Disorder
Helping a loved one with gambling disorder can be challenging but immensely rewarding. Here are some steps you can take:
Educate Yourself: Learn about gambling disorder and its effects to better understand what your loved one is going through.
Open Communication: Talk to your loved one about your concerns in a non-judgmental and supportive manner.
Encourage Professional Help: Suggest they seek help from a mental health professional or join a support group.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect yourself and others from the negative impacts of their gambling behavior.
Offer Support: Provide emotional support and encouragement throughout their recovery journey.
For more detailed guidance, visit our resource on helping someone with a gambling addiction.
Can medications help treat Gambling Disorder?
Medications can be an effective component of treatment for gambling disorder, especially for those with co-occurring mental health conditions. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers and opioid antagonists have shown promise in reducing gambling urges and behaviors. However, more research is needed on the topic to prove out the idea that medication can help treat gambling disorder. For more information, check out our resource on medication for gambling addiction.
Common co-occurring disorders with gambling addiction
Gambling disorder often co-occurs with other mental health conditions, which can complicate treatment. Some common co-occurring disorders include:
Depression
Anxiety
Substance Abuse
Personalty disorders (ex: Bipolar Disorder)
Addressing these co-occurring disorders at the same time can be crucial for effective treatment and long-term recovery.
