Gambling addiction
Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction (pronunciation: /ˈɡæmblɪŋ ædˈdɪkʃən/), also known as problem gambling or compulsive gambling, is a mental health disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble, despite negative consequences. The term is derived from the English words "gamble" (from the Old English 'gamenian', meaning 'to play') and "addiction" (from the Latin 'addictus', meaning 'devoted').
Symptoms
Symptoms of gambling addiction may include an inability to control the urge to gamble, spending more time or money on gambling than one can afford, lying to hide gambling activities, and jeopardizing significant relationships or employment due to gambling.
Causes
While the exact cause of gambling addiction is unknown, it is believed to be due to a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors. These may include a family history of addiction, mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety, and social factors such as easy access to gambling.
Treatment
Treatment for gambling addiction typically involves a combination of therapy, self-help groups, and sometimes medications. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help an individual understand why they gamble, what triggers their gambling, and how to develop coping strategies. Self-help groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, can provide peer support.
Related Terms
See Also
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.