Pathological Gambling

Pathological Gambling

People who have an irresistible urge to gamble may be diagnosed with pathological gambling, an impulse-control disorder that can have disastrous effects on a person's life. The first step in treatment for this disorder is recognizing that a problem exists and trying to figure out the cause. There are many different symptoms that may develop for people with this disorder, including financial problems, relationship troubles, and other negative behaviors centered around gambling. If not treated, pathological gambling has the potential to totally ruin a person's life. This is why we offer online therapy for this and other impulse-control disorders. Here at Mentaline.com, we believe in giving people the help they need when they need it.

Causes of Pathological Gambling 

The exact causes of this disorder are not know, but the causes are thought to be similar to those of other obsessive compulsive disorders. Namely, it is thought to be a combination of physical and psychological factors. People that have been diagnosed with pathological gambling may have problems with stress making the urges to gamble even more difficult to deal with. This combination of reasons makes it difficult for most people to deal with the problem of pathological gambling on their own. Before the causes are known, most people will begin to show various symptoms.

Symptoms and Dangers of Pathological Gambling 

In the early stages of this disorder, it may be difficult to see the warning signs of pathological gambling. As the problem progresses, however, there will be many tell-tale signs that appear, hinting at a problem. Many people will lie about their gambling. When the problem gets really bad, some may resort to criminal activity in order to get money to gamble or pay off debts. When a person tries to stop gambling multiple times and is not successful - even though the gambling is having a serious negative impact in their life - it is a clear sign that pathological gambling is a problem. At this point, it becomes all about getting proper treatment.

Treatment for Pathological Gambling 

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a terrific way to get help with pathological gambling. Here at Mentaline.com, we offer online therapy that couples trained therapists who specialize in this impulse-control disorder with counseling that is available when it is needed thanks to the Internet. The principles of Gambler's Anonymous, a 12-step program may be part of an overall treatment plan. The exact details will depend on the person affected by the disorder, but the trained professionals on Mentaline.com will be able to put a plan in place to deal with this problem before it gets out of control, ruining a life.

Definition of Pathological Gambling

Pathological gambling is a disorder that causes a person to have uncontrollable urges to gamble despite the fact that doing so may have negative effects on their life. Treatment for pathological gambling should include psychotherapy.

Symptoms of / Reasons for Pathological Gambling

• Crime committed to get money for gambling
• Restless when trying to stop gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems of life
• Multiple unsuccessful attempts to cut down gambling
• Lies about money spent gambling
• Borrowing money
• Lots of time spent about gambling
• Relationship or career problems due to gambling

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