Gambling Disorder

The DSM-5 defines gambling disorder as a category of psychological disorders with characteristic clinical manifestations. It is similar to other addictive behaviors and is classified under the heading of “neuropsychiatric disorders” in the manual. It has been shown that a person suffering from gambling disorder is unable to control his or her behavior, despite repeated attempts to control it. Although it is difficult to define gambling disorder, the symptoms and course of treatment are similar.

To overcome a gambling addiction, it’s essential to reach out to a supportive network. Family and friends can be a great source of support for someone suffering from the disorder. Taking part in recreational activities and volunteering in a worthy cause can help you develop new social relationships and overcome the loneliness associated with the condition. Additionally, peer support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous are available for anyone looking for help. These groups have 12-step recovery programs patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous. The groups require participants to have a sponsor, who is a former gambler who can help guide them through the program.

Problem gambling prevalence rates were lowest among participants who participated in at least two forms of gambling. Twenty percent to twenty-eight percent of the individuals who participated in each form of gambling were problem gamblers. However, the study was limited by the small sample size, primarily because there were so few problem gamblers in this group. Therefore, it is difficult to assess the severity of the problem from these numbers. It may be helpful to conduct a survey to learn more about problem gambling.