The multi-billion dollar gaming industry has a problem. People with gambling addictions repeat the same behavior, chasing their losses, believing that they will win back the money they’ve lost. The cycle is insidious and continues to worsen as their resistance to the urge to gamble weakens and their craving increases. Physical and psychological harm can result from the increased frequency of gambling. If you’re one of the millions of people affected by problem gambling, you need to take action.
Problem gambling is a disorder
Problem gambling is a serious disorder that ruins a person’s life. Gamblers lose their confidence and often steal funds to support themselves. Problem gamblers also lose touch with family and friends, and they blame them for their predicament. At times, they may even consider suicide. Unfortunately, problem gambling has many negative consequences that go beyond its financial costs. Fortunately, there are some ways to help someone overcome this disorder.
The first step towards treatment for problem gambling is to recognize its warning signs. Problem gambling does not appear overnight – it develops over a period of time. However, early recognition can make treatment more effective. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) reclassified problem gambling in 2013 as an addictive disorder. If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you may have problem gambling. You may also have a gambling problem if you have been struggling with compulsive gambling for more than a few years.
It is a multi-billion dollar industry
If you are looking to make a large profit, invest in the multi-billion dollar sector of commercial real estate. This sector has high profit margins and investment grade tenants. It has been known to guarantee early and ongoing cash flow for investors. Three companies have already reached multi-billion-dollar market caps. And it is just getting started. What makes this industry so lucrative? Here are some reasons. First, it is growing rapidly.
It affects individuals, families and society
The economic consequences of gambling are often measured by estimating consumer surplus, or the amount that people would pay to use the product or service without gambling. These estimates have varied widely, and a recent study in Australia concluded that this activity results in an estimated eight to eleven billion dollars in consumer surplus every year. Nonetheless, it is difficult to quantify the nonmonetary benefits of gambling, or how the problem affects society at large.
While there are many costs to problem gambling, few studies have quantified its social and economic costs. The majority of such studies have measured only the economic benefits of gambling, and failed to address the negative social and family effects. While these costs may be hidden, they become visible at the community and society level. Often these costs and benefits are unrecognized, but they are nevertheless important considerations. By defining the social impact of gambling, studies can better determine how the activities affect individuals, families and society.
It can be treated with cognitive-behavioural therapy
Cognitive-behavioural therapy for pathological gambling involves the use of a structured approach to change the way a person thinks and behaves. Individual and group therapy can be used to achieve this, and it may involve various techniques, such as role-playing and challenging beliefs. The sessions usually last eight to 15 weeks, and they are typically very active, with homework and direct direction from the therapist. It has been shown to reduce the negative consequences of pathological gambling.
While some individuals may resist therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy can help you regain control of your life and restore damaged relationships. CBT may be particularly helpful for overcoming the psychological aspect of gambling. It focuses on replacing unhealthy beliefs with more positive ones, and may also help in addressing other aspects of a person’s life, including finances and relationships. If you or someone you care about has an addiction to gambling, you may benefit from behavioral therapy, as well as family therapy.