While its important to remove alcohol and/or drugs from the system. Essentially that’s not where the problem lies.
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A gambling addiction is a progressive addiction that can have many negative psychological, physical, and social repercussions. It is classed as an impulse-control disorder.
It is included in the American Psychiatric Association (APA’s) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition (DSM-5).
Problem gambling is harmful to psychological and physical health. People who live with this addiction may experience depression, migraine, distress, intestinal disorders, and other anxiety-related problems.
As with other addictions, the consequences of gambling can lead to feelings of despondency and helplessness. In some cases, this can lead to attempts at suicide.
The rate of problem gambling has risen globally over the last few years. In the United States in 2012, around 5.77 million people had a gambling disorder that needed treatment.
Because of its harmful consequences, gambling addiction has become a significant public health concern in many countries.
Gambling addiction comes in many forms, the primary symptom being a craving for gaming.
Some of the signs and symptoms of problem gambling include:
Gambling is not a financial problem, but an emotional problem that has financial consequences.
It also impacts the way in which the person with the disorder relates to his or her family and friends. For instance, they may miss important events in the family, or they might miss work.
For a diagnosis of gambling addiction, The DSM-5 states that a person must show or experience at least four of the following during the past 12 months:
Gambling can lead to a range of problems, but the addiction can happen to anyone. No one can predict who will develop an addiction to gambling.
The activity can be described on a spectrum, ranging from abstinence through recreational gambling to problem gambling.
Gambling behaviour becomes a problem when it cannot be controlled and when it interferes with finances, relationships, and the workplace. The individual may not realize they have a problem for some time.
Many people who develop a gambling addiction are considered responsible and dependable people, but some factors can lead to a change in behaviour.
Studies have suggested that people with a tendency to one addiction may be more at risk of developing another. Genetic and neurological factors may play a role.
Some people who are affected by gambling may also have a problem with alcohol or drugs, possibly due to a predisposition for addiction.
The use of some medications has been linked to a higher risk of compulsive gambling.
Secondary addictions can also occur in an effort to reduce the negative feelings created by the gambling addiction. However, some people who gamble never experience any other addiction.
Gambling addiction is a debilitating condition, causing depression and distress.
For someone with a gambling addiction, the feeling of gambling is equivalent to taking a drug or having a drink.
Gambling behaviour alters the person’s mood and state of mind.
As the person becomes used to this feeling, they keep repeating the behaviour, attempting to achieve that same effect.
A person who has an addiction to gambling needs to gamble more to get the same “high.” In some instances, they “chase” their losses, thinking that if they continue to engage in gambling, they will win back lost money.
A vicious circle develops, and an increased craving for the activity. At the same time, the ability to resist drops. As the craving grows in intensity and frequency, the ability to control the urge to gamble is weakened.
This can have a psychological, personal, physical, social, or professional impact.
Neither the frequency of gambling nor the amount lost will determine whether gambling is a problem for an individual. .
Some people engage in periodic gambling binges rather than regularly, but the emotional and financial consequences will be the same.
Medical News Today. What’s to know about gambling addiction by Christian Nordqvist. 2018. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15929.php
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You have to earn your serenity. It would seem that we can be as surrendered as we like and willing to accept our consequences, this doesn’t exempt us from the stress and anxiety though. The real deal is learning to live with our consequences and that is no easy task. Doesn’t matter who you are, you are going to face challenges that take you to your darkest fears, it seems unavoidable.
When talking about spiritual solutions, what I refer to is our spirit. How is your spirit? What about the times you feel worn down with the weight of the challenges you have to bear and bear them you must? The ultimate goal is freedom and sometimes the only freedom available to us is acceptance.
This is a tough subject and might leave you with questions, drop me a mail if you wish.
This podcast was recorded as a series of lectures given to people in 12 step addiction recovery treatment. The purpose of these talks was to teach and motivate individuals to search for their own spiritual solution to their addiction.
Please feel free to contact me directly or go to our site for more information:
+27 012 345 1186 Pretoria
+27 010 597 7784 Johannesburg
Book a No Obligation Confidential Assessment at your nearest Treatment Centre Today.
Our freedom depends on truth and truth is hard earned. Its rare that we find ourselves in a position, when making decisions, that we have all the information. This is intensified with the vast amount of variety was have at our disposal. When it comes to decisions that impact on our lives and we are facing the long game, how do we know we are headed in the right direction?
I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I enjoyed recording it.
This podcast was recorded as a series of lectures given to people in 12 step addiction recovery treatment. The purpose of these talks was to teach and motivate individuals to search for their own spiritual solution to their addiction.
Please feel free to contact me directly or go to our site for more information:
+27 012 345 1186 Pretoria
+27 010 597 7784 Johannesburg
Book a No Obligation Confidential Assessment at your nearest Treatment Centre Today.
