Tough economic times cause many people to engage in unhealthy behaviors to reduce the stress they feel. Some turn to alcohol, others to overeating, but many turn to gambling for stress relief. An unfortunate few find themselves addicted to the thrill of gambling and the certainty that a big win is just around the corner. Gambling addicts believe the next big win will solve all their problems, but the reality is that compulsive gambling may make problems worse. Mental Health Network Compulsive Gambling Treatment is the way to resolve issues with gambling.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services states that 85 percent of Americans have gambled at some point in their lives. Gambling is a difficult addiction to battle on your own. Along with the traditional gambling venues of race tracks and poker parlors, there are now hundreds of online gambling sites that are only too happy to accept credit cards. Every convenience store, liquor store and even some post offices have lottery tickets for sale, and the corner café has non-stop Keno. It may feel like there is no way to stop gambling when temptation is everywhere, but Mental Health Network Compulsive Gambling Treatment can help you overcome the compulsion to gamble. However, the U.S. Library of Medicine shows that most people who seek treatment see an improvement in their ability to manage their urge to gamble.
People who suffer from compulsive gambling exhibit the following signs and symptoms:
- Taking increasing risks
- Using gambling to escape problems or feelings
- Lying about the extent of the gambling
- Borrowing money or stealing to fund gambling
- Guilt and remorse after gambling
- Failed attempts to stop gambling
Compulsive gambling develops over time as the person gains greater thrills with each bet and as the size of bets increases. Many compulsive gamblers are afflicted with other addictions or mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. Type A personalities ho are highly competitive, restless and easily bored are also susceptible. Younger people are compulsive gamblers more often than older people, and men have historically had a greater incidence of compulsive gambling than women do. Often, casual gamblers undergoing extreme stress turn in to compulsive gamblers after years of well controlled gambling.
If you find that gambling is taking over your life, ruining relationships and jeopardizing your job or family, it’s time to seek treatment. The nearest Mental Health Network Compulsive Gambling Treatment location can help you find your way back to health.