Gambling is a self-soothing activity that enables people to feel good and escape unpleasant emotions. It is also a way for people to socialize and get rid of boredom. Besides gambling, there are other ways to relieve boredom, such as exercising, practicing relaxation techniques, or spending time with nongambling friends.
Problem gambling rates among college-aged men vs older populations
Problem gambling rates in college-aged men were significantly higher than those in older populations. They were associated with a number of factors, including sexual abuse victimisation, weekly alcohol consumption, breakups, and parental divorce. The study also found that having a polygamous family and having a father who suffered from sexual abuse increased the odds of problem gambling.
Problem gambling is also more common in sub-Saharan Africa than in high-income countries. In Nigeria, Abdi and Glozah found that 12.3% of male adolescents had a gambling problem. These results support previous findings that the risk of developing problem gambling is higher among young men than in older groups. In addition, age and religious participation were associated with lower rates.
The study also found that college-aged men are more likely to engage in problem gambling than women. In fact, problem gamblers were found to be more likely to engage in gambling activities, including gambling online and in land-based casinos. They also had higher rates of alcohol, illicit drugs, and tobacco use. Furthermore, men were significantly more likely than women to report problems with these behaviors.
Symptoms of problem gambling
Problem gambling can destroy personal relationships, careers, and hobbies. It can even lead to physical abuse. It can make a person feel numb and unable to enjoy social activities. It can also lead to chest tightness and insomnia. In addition to this, it can make a person’s finances unmanageable.
Gambling is an addictive behavior. If an individual finds it difficult to stop, they may need help. There are free, confidential resources to help people overcome problem gambling. These resources can help individuals identify the reasons they have a gambling problem and how to stop. They can be reached anytime of the day. They can also answer any questions they may have about their addiction.
The American Psychiatric Association considers problem gambling an impulse control disorder. Like other addictions, pathological gambling causes a person to become obsessed with the activity and experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop. Problem gamblers may also engage in illegal activities to fund their gambling habit. They may even harm their relationships and lose educational opportunities in the process.
Treatment options
There are several treatment options available to those with a gambling addiction. The best treatment methods combine cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and a 12-step group such as Gamblers Anonymous. The goal of the treatment is to get the patient back to a normal lifestyle free of the addiction and its harmful consequences. This may include getting rid of credit cards, cancelling other activities, or handing control of finances over to someone else.
Treatment options for gambling addiction often involve individual counseling or group meetings with people in similar situations. Depending on the severity of the problem, some treatment options are more intensive. For example, therapy may be recommended for those with a family history of gambling addiction. In such a case, therapy could include family therapy, which can help the spouse or partner manage the finances while the gambling addict seeks help.