Gambling Addiction - Gambling Addiction Statistics

Gambling addiction is assuming alarming proportions, especially with the widespread popularity of online gambling. Problem gambling manifests itself in the form of various dysfunctional behaviours if not treated correctly. Professional gambling addiction help and various forms of gambling addiction treatments are now available to help affected persons. The gambling addiction statistics speak for themselves - A malaise that is affecting many.

Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is a gambling behavior that causes disruptions in any major area of life - Psychological, Physical, Social or Vocational. The term gambling addiction includes but is not limited to the condition known as pathological or compulsive gambling - A progressive gambling addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, "chasing" losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting serious negative consequences.

Gambling Addiction Statistics

According to recent research, about 2.5 million adults in America are pathological gamblers and another 3 million of them should be considered problem gamblers, 15 million adults are at a risk for problem gambling and about 148 million are low-risk gamblers.

Gambling addiction is a compulsive need that can be devastating for the person and his family. Gambling addiction statistics show that more than 80 percent of American adults report having gambled at some point in their lives. Gambling addiction statistics reveal that well over $500 billion is spent as annual wagers. The statistics show that during any year, 2.9 percent of U.S. adults are considered to be either pathological or problem gamblers. Gambling addiction statistics gleaned from a study of co-occurrence of gambling and alcohol reveal that problem drinkers are more likely to have a gambling addiction problem. Gambling addiction is seen more among Caucasian Americans than African Americans and Hispanic Americans.

Compulsive gambling is not the addict's problem, but rather his solution for some serious underlying problem. One cannot blame gambling for an addiction because then the addict focuses only on the treatment than personal change. Gambling addiction is associated with other mental health problems like depression, anti-social personality disorder, mood disorders in many cases. Most people with compulsive gambling problems also have drug or alcohol problems. There is ongoing research about the actual causes of compulsive gambling.

Gambling Addiction Help

A Gamblers Anonymous group started in the West Coast in 1949. In 1957, Jim W. and Sam J. established the modern Gamblers Anonymous to provide a support group as a form of gambling addiction help. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) was founded in the year 1972. Robert Custer, M.D established the first treatment program for pathological gambling at Brecksville Veterans Administration. The Journal of Gambling, known earlier as the "Journal of Gambling Behavior" was first published in the year 1985, edited by Henry Lesieur, Ph.D. 'Gambling Anonymous' offers wide spread gambling addiction help. The various chapters of this gambling addiction help and support system are spread across the length and breadth of the U.S. It also extends help to the diagnosis and treatment of the problem of gambling.

Gambling addiction is an illness that is progressive in nature, and can be deterred. People afflicted by problem gambling think of themselves as morally weak. Such people can recover if they accept their illness, that is, gambling addiction, and have a desire to get well. Gambling addiction is a serious issue because many people go through daunting experiences before they are ready to accept help. Experiences of many afflicted by gambling addiction show that a compulsive gambler can never gamble normally again. The old obsession returns inevitably.

Gambling Addiction Treatment

Gambling addiction is a serious issue and help is available to the problem gambler. Gambling addiction treatments can take the form of psychotherapy or medications. Cognitive behavior therapy aims at replacing negative beliefs with healthy and positive ones as a form of gambling addiction treatment. Groups can also be very helpful as a gambling addiction treatment as they offer a medium for advice, feedback and support. Medications for gambling addiction treatment are usually from the anti-depressant range. SSRR's (Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) have proven to be effective as a gambling addiction treatment for mood swings and pathological gamblers Treatment programs are unique, so the individual must find a program that best suits his needs.