Gambling has been around for centuries, and it’s one of the oldest forms of entertainment on the planet. Some forms of gambling are organized commercially by commercial establishments, which can easily acquire a percentage of the money wagered by patrons. However, there are instances in which gambling must be organized in a more professional and commercial manner. Read on to learn more about this form of gambling and how it can affect you. Also, discover the signs and symptoms of pathological gambling.
Responsible gambling
Responsible gambling refers to the social responsibility initiatives adopted by the gambling industry. This includes gaming control boards, operators, and vendors. The goal of responsible gambling is to educate the public about the harmful effects of gambling. It is a collaborative effort of these organizations to prevent, alleviate, and reduce harm associated with gambling. Responsible gambling is an international movement that has a wide variety of activities and programs that include both government and non-government stakeholders. Listed below are some of these organizations.
Pathological gambling
Pathological gambling is a serious mental disorder characterized by an inability to control one’s impulses to gamble. This disorder is often accompanied by destructive behavior, including criminal behavior. It is also linked with substance abuse, including substance dependence. Many of the symptoms of pathological gambling are similar to other mental disorders, such as addiction and problem gambling. Pathological gambling has many similarities with these disorders, including neurobiological, chemical, and genetic characteristics. Consequently, the DSM-III-R recommends a new name for the condition – disordered gambling.
Addiction to gambling
The stigma surrounding gambling addiction prevents many people from seeking help. This can prevent the habit from becoming out of control. As a result, some people may miss out on warning signs of relapse. Addiction to gambling can ravage a person’s life before they know it. But there are steps you can take to overcome your addiction and live a happy life. Here are some ways to combat the stigma associated with gambling addiction.
Symptoms of pathological gambling
Symptoms of pathological gambling include obsession with gambling and interference with social functioning. Pathological gamblers often engage in unethical behavior to gain money, including betting larger amounts than they should to make up for previous losses. Depending on the severity of the disease, pathological gamblers may also lie to conceal their habits or engage in dishonest behavior to win the money they need. While these behaviors may not constitute pathological gambling itself, they may indicate the need for treatment.
Treatment options
While there is no FDA-approved pharmacotherapy for gambling addiction, there are a variety of other treatment options. Researchers are currently testing a variety of medications. While no single drug has proven effective, some drugs have shown promise in clinical trials. Among these are escitalopram, lithium, nalmefene, valproate, and naltrexone. However, these treatments are not available for everyone.
