Signs and Symptoms of Compulsive Gambling
Pathologic of compulsive gamblers are identified by their participation in or obsession with a number of behaviors. While the presence of just one or two of these symptoms aren’t necessarily in line with a full-blown addiction, the more prevalent and severe the symptoms, the greater the cause for concern. Symptoms include:
- Pursuing bigger and more financial involved risks to achieve the same pleasure or satisfaction
- Preoccupation with past and present gambling experiences
- Obsession with finding next gambling opportunity
- Using gambling to hide from feelings of sadness and guilt
- Inability to cut back on or cease gambling activity
- Lying about or hiding the amount of time or money spent gambling
If your gambling is out of control and is interfering with your ability to meet your personal and/or professional commitments, please seek help using your Value Options compulsive gambling treatment coverage now.
Risk Factors for Compulsive Gambling
Just as with alcohol and drug addiction, some demographics are more susceptible to gambling addiction than others. People suffering from schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder, cocaine addiction, alcohol addiction, and bipolar disorder are at higher risk for an addiction to gambling, as are people on certain medications for restless leg syndrome or Parkinson’s disease.
Addicts seeking help with their gambling problems will likely be screened for secondary disorders and receive specialized care as part of their Value Options compulsive gambling treatment.
A Look at Your Value Options Compulsive Gambling Treatment
While your exact compulsive gambling treatment plan will depend on your individual insurance policy, the specifics of your addiction, and the recommendations of your medical team, but any or all of the following may be incorporated:
- Psychological Treatment – Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and cognitive therapy can all be used separately or together to help erase negative habits and replace them with more positive patterns of behavior. For gambling addicts, this may mean identifying risk factors and triggers and learning new ways to cope that don’t involve gambling, drugs, or alcohol.
- Medications – There is no magic pill to combat compulsive gambling, but there are some prescription drugs more commonly prescribed for disorders like depression, OCD, and ADHD that have proven effective in some people with gambling addictions.
- Counseling – There is no substitute for support, and attending a 12-step group or participating in individual or group therapy can be an ideal way to both achieve and maintain sobriety.