Problem gambling has several negative consequences, including financial, emotional, and social ones. It is classified as an impulse control disorder. In addition to the negative psychological effects of gambling, it can affect the physical well-being of its victims. Individuals with problem gambling may experience migraines, intestinal disorders, and distress. Additionally, problem gambling can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despondency. In severe cases, it can even lead to attempts at suicide. In many cases, gambling addiction is treated with therapy.
The first step to treating an addiction to gambling is to recognize the signs of an addiction. Once you recognize that you have a problem, you should seek professional help. If you’re not a professional gambler, seeking treatment can help you overcome your problem. However, there are many things you can do to help yourself fight off the urge. The first step is to strengthen your support network. It is important to spend quality time with friends who do not participate in gambling. Another way to strengthen your social support system is to enroll in education classes and volunteer for good causes. You can also join a peer support group to help you beat your gambling problem. For example, if you’re a member of Gamblers Anonymous, you should have a sponsor. This person is a former gambler who can give you guidance and support in the recovery process.
While research on problem gambling has not been as detailed as that of older groups, recent studies have shown that college-aged populations exhibit higher rates of problem gambling than older populations. In addition, broader developmental issues may be a contributing factor. The British Gambling Prevalence Study (BGPS) reported that adolescents, who were ages 16-24, had higher problem gambling rates than those 65-74 years old. In addition, the CGPS also found that men with gambling problems were three times as likely to gamble than women who were 65-74 years old.