Gambling Addiction

People addicted to gambling cannot control their impulse(s) to gamble even if they know their actions are hurting themselves and others. Gambling addiction is also characterized as an urge to gamble despite a desire to disengage in the activity. It is usually defined by whether the gambler or others experience harm rather than by the gambler's behavior.

• Psychotherapy for Gambling Addiction
• Medical Disorders Associated with Gambling Addiction

Psychotherapy for Gambling Addiction

Generally, psychodynamic models of therapy view gambling and other impulsive, uncontrollable, and self-destructive behaviors as an attempt to avoid or numb painful or difficult feelings. The rush and adrenaline that comes with the risk of gambling provides a biochemical and emotional relief to whatever one may be suffering form. Most treatment for problem gambling or addiction involves self-help programs, peer support, counseling, step-based programs such as Gamblers Anonymous or a combination. Programs like Gamblers Anonymous (GA) are modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous as a 12-step program.

As far as research can determine, psychotherapy appears to be more effective than the medications used to treat gambling addiction. In addition to psychotherapy, financial and/or debt counseling as well as self-help interventions are important aspects of the care for persons with gambling addiction. Medication may be helpful for persons with a compulsive gambling problem. Some medications that have been found helpful in decreasing the urge to gamble or the thrill involved in gambling include antiseizure medications, mood stabilizers, antidepressants and medications used to address addictions.

Medical Disorders Associated with Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is listed in the DSM as an impulse control disorder which is considered to be part of the obsessive-compulsive disorder spectrum. Obsessive-compulsive disorders are listed under anxiety disorders in the DSM, so the dynamic of gambling addiction is that of possibly many different mental or emotional disorders. Problem or pathological gambling is a personality trait characterized by acting on the spur of the moment or by the inclination of a person to behave without adequate forethought as to the consequences of their actions.