Compulsive gambling is a serious problem, affecting people’s personal lives and relationships. It is a problem because the person cannot control their urge to gamble, even though it is destructive to their mental and emotional health. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. A person with gambling disorder often has difficulty controlling their impulses, and needs to bet increasing amounts to experience the same level of excitement as when they first began. They are restless, irritable, and oftentimes risk losing a close relationship if they try to stop. However, this person’s symptoms may appear only between periods of greater severity.
Although the risks of gambling are higher in younger and middle-aged adults, older adults are also at risk. In addition, men are more likely to experience problem gambling than women, and gambling during childhood increases the risk. Although men are more likely to develop compulsive gambling than women, it is increasingly common among men, and it often starts later in life. Also, if a person has a gambling problem, the urge is more likely to be triggered by friends or family members, rather than by the gambling itself.
When a person is struggling with gambling, it is crucial to make a decision and resist the urge to gamble. In order to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of gambling, you should take control of your finances. Stop using your credit cards to make gambling purchases. Instead, make the payments automatically with your bank account. Another way to control your spending is to set up a money management system. If you cannot make a decision, consider asking your loved one for help. In many cases, a gambling problem can be treated through therapy and by changing one’s lifestyle habits.