Gambling has many negative impacts. Walker and Williams have developed a conceptual model for assessing gambling impacts. One of the main issues is how to measure social impacts, which are generally nonmonetary. In addition, personal impacts are difficult to measure and often are not considered when calculating gambling impact. In this article, we discuss some of the negative effects of gambling, and what we can do about them. We also discuss the impact of gambling on communities. This article also covers the issue of pathological gambling.
Problem gambling
There are many ways to overcome problem gambling, including counseling, step-based programs, self-help, peer-support, and medication. However, no one method is considered the most effective, and no medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for pathological gambling. The help line is a powerful tool to overcome addiction. It helps people address the causes of their gambling problems, as well as identify their goals for treatment. The help line can help people with a variety of gambling-related issues, including money, relationships, and career.
Pathological gambling
Pathological gambling is a condition that causes severe emotional and social disruption. Often, pathological gamblers can go days or weeks without eating, taking care of their bodily needs, or even sleeping. Clinical experts have identified the characteristics of pathological gamblers that are indicative of this disorder. These include cravings, inability to control gambling, and chasing losses. Apart from these key criteria, a person suffering from pathological gambling may also show other symptoms, including withdrawal symptoms and increased risk taking.
Financial harms of gambling
Research has shown that financial harms associated with gambling are common among problem gamblers. In Queensland, Australia, 83% of problem gamblers experienced financial difficulties. In Finland, 87% of treatment-seeking gamblers suffered from financial harms. The harms attributed to gambling range from diminished savings to the loss of all possessions. Several studies have suggested that financial harms are associated with increasing risk and the severity of gambling.
Impacts of gambling on communities
The impact of casinos on local property values is generally negative, according to the National Association of Realtors. Communities within 10 miles of casinos show double the rates of problem gambling, higher rates of home foreclosure, and increased instances of domestic violence. These negative impacts can be mitigated by understanding how gambling affects local communities and their residents. A comprehensive understanding of the economic and social costs of gambling is essential to reducing the negative effects, while maximizing the benefits.
Treatments for problem gambling
There are many types of treatment options for problem gamblers. Intensive outpatient programs, also known as IOPs, offer nine or more hours of structured therapy each week. These programs provide more flexibility and can serve as a step-down service from residential treatment centers. Individuals who seek treatment for problem gambling may find that psychotherapy is more effective than medication in reducing urges to gamble. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and systematic exposure therapy may help an individual develop coping mechanisms and reduce unhealthy gambling behavior.
