While gambling is a fun pastime when done in the spirit of enjoyment, it can quickly become an addiction if it is done regularly and uncontrollably. Gambling problem is also called a hidden addiction because there are few, if any, physical or outward signs of the condition. But when it gets out of control, it can lead to disastrous consequences for your health and life. Here are some warning signs of gambling addiction. Read on to learn more.
The primary goal of a gambling screen is not to diagnose a gambling disorder. Instead, it can help the patient focus on the effects of the disorder. Ideally, the results of the screen should suggest that gambling is causing a person’s health problems and is affecting their ability to make wise decisions. To avoid making the problem worse, avoid using terms like pathological gambling or compulsive gambling. Instead, describe the gambling disorder as a negative behavior that has a negative effect on the individual. This can help patients avoid the emotions associated with gambling and focus on the substance-free aspects of their lives.
Another example of a gambling problem is the stock market. While professional gamblers use actuarial methods to calculate the odds, most of the time, they are betting against themselves, which is a similar process to the way we decide on bets in sports. The key difference between gambling and betting is that in both cases you are placing money on an uncertain outcome, and you’re betting against your own interest. The problem is that both types of gambling have cognitive and motivational biases.
Gambling is often used as a self-soothing activity. It can also be a way to socialize with others. The key to controlling gambling is to limit the amount of money that you spend on it. Also, try to eliminate all your credit cards and keep all of your money in cash, and do not open any online betting accounts. Keep only a small amount of cash with you. Then, you can take risks without worrying about losing all your money.
Depending on the extent of your problem, you may need to seek professional help. Family and friends can support you through the tough times and encourage you to keep working toward recovery. Aside from family and friends, a support network of peers can help you make wise decisions about your gambling behavior. Further, you can join a support group or attend a gambling education class. You can also volunteer for a good cause and join a gambling support group. If you have a problem with gambling, consider a gambler’s anonymous 12-step program called Gamblers Anonymous. This program is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. You’ll need a sponsor – someone who has been in the same situation as you have.
A review conducted by the Chief Medical Examiner revealed that 83% of sudden cardiac deaths in Atlantic City were attributed to gambling activities. These numbers are not yet conclusive, but they do show that gambling activities can be harmful, especially to cardiac patients. Although the extent of these hazards in gambling is not fully understood, research has shown that automated external defibrillators can increase a patient’s survival after a cardiac arrest. These devices, however, don’t cure the problem.