There has been widespread shutdown of sports and entertainment venues, including casinos due to the spread of Covid-19. With more and more of the population now staying close to home and practicing 'social distancing' there is increased risk that those struggling with a compulsive gambling disorder may turn to online platforms. Those who gamble online have an easier time keeping it discreet - it can be done from anywhere and at any time of the day with just a few taps of a smartphone.
Gambling can be addictive and destructive, especially for people who turn to the tables and slots to get away from the stress of daily life. While many women may initially enjoy the glitz and glamour of Casinos, the mindsets leading them down a path to compulsive gambling are typically quite different than men.
Super Bowl 2020 is looming on the horizon, and with it the ever present temptation to place a bet. As most people in sports betting know, the Super Bowl can be a challenging time for somebody in recovery from gambling.
When you or a loved one are ready to get help for gambling addiction, the main concern may be how you are going to pay for treatment. Addiction services can be very expensive. Many insurance plans cover treatment for a gambling problem as part of mental health services.
Many problem gamblers find that quitting gambling is only the first step toward recovery. The more difficult challenge is committing to stay away from gambling after treatment. The easy access and widespread availability of lotteries, casinos, internet gambling, bookies, and sports betting make avoiding gambling even harder.
Although there are many similarities between gambling addiction and substance addiction, there are a few significant differences. It is important to recognize these differences, especially regarding diagnosis and treatment.
Addiction is a chronic condition which requires multiple levels of treatment to promote recovery and prevent relapse. When an individual graduates from an addiction program, the aftercare phase begins. A part of aftercare is alumni programs.
No-one starts off with a plan to become a gambling addict. The process of developing a gambling addiction can take decades, for some - while others find themselves struggling with gambling very soon after their first bet. The brain plays a systematic role in the development of a gambling addiction, almost mirroring the patterns drug and alcohol abuse.
When does gambling become a problem? Do you need a residential program or is a support group sufficient? How long will it take? Do family and friends need to be involved?
When does gambling go from being entertaining fun & games to a destructive obsession?
The short answer is when a person keeps gambling even after it stops being fun. Too much of just about anything can become a problem. Gambling is no different. It may seem counterintuitive, but pathological gamblers can get that “high” feeling even when they lose. They begin chasing losses just as one might expect a gambler to chase wins.
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