Most people who are addicted to gambling need the support of other people to overcome their situation. What can you do to help a compulsive gambler? Find some tips here.
Have you ever wondered how to spot and help a compulsive gambler? First of all, you should know that the number of gambling and betting addicts has increased considerably. It is a disorder known as ludopathie.
The compulsive gambler is overwhelmed by his gambling urges and the consequence is that he finds himself involved in family, school and professional problems. Their desire to gamble is such that he borrows money and lies. So keep reading to find out more.
What is a compulsive gambler?
Ludopathy is a person’s progressive inability to resist the urge to gamble ; she feels a predominant need to play. Without adequate intervention, this obsession will lead to a significant deterioration in his personal, professional and family quality of life.
Compulsive gamblers make gambling their way of life. For this reason, this behavior is currently considered a mental disorder, associated with impulse control. Some experts consider its characteristics to resemble those of a non-substance addiction.
The keys to identify a player
According to the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) , for a person to be diagnosed as a compulsive gambler, four (or more) of the following characteristics must be met for a minimum period of one year :
- Need to bet money to experience the desired excitement. As addiction develops, the amount invested in gambling increases.
- Nervousness and irritability when trying to cut down or quit the habit.
- Several unsuccessful attempts to control, reduce or quit the game.
- Most thoughts are directed towards betting. For example, remembering past gaming experiences, planning future games, or how to get more money to play.
- Play to manage feelings of discomfort or discomfort.
- Betting with the aim of recovering what was lost in the match.
- Need to lie to hide the degree of involvement in the play activity.
- Putting a job, significant relationship, or college career at risk because of gambling addiction.
- Receive financial support from loved ones to alleviate debts.
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How to help a compulsive gambler?
Psychotherapy is the most effective way to help a compulsive gambler. There are effective psychological interventions that help overcome this addiction.
However, abandonment of treatment and relapse are frequent, which tends to compromise the effectiveness of the treatment over time. For this reason, other factors that contribute to the abandonment of pathological gambling must be considered. Here are some strategies to help a compulsive gambler:
- Understand the person’s situation and recognize that it is a process that generates discomfort and suffering
- Let her know that she is the one who is responsible for her actions and that these also affect the feelings and behaviors of those around them, in a calm, respectful and affectionate tone.
- Take his attempts to stop seriously, encourage him. This will help him to have greater motivation and better self-control.
- Try to convince her that her problem must be solved with the help of a specialist who will provide her with the necessary tools to avoid the failure of her attempts.
- Recognize your progress, no matter how small
- It is normal for the person to go through depressive phases when they realize how difficult it is to overcome the addiction. In this case, it is important to accompany him in his discomfort and to try to invite him to activities that help him feel better.
- Establish strategies that help with self-control and regulation; for example, don’t carry a lot of cash and avoid places that encourage gambling
- Avoid being very pushy; everyone has their own pace to overcome problems.
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Ludopathy is a healing disorder
Ludopathy is a disorder that can appear in both adults and very young people. Even today, many teenagers are involved in the game, due to technological developments and the facilities offered by the Internet.
In all cases, it is a disorder that requires the intervention of professionals and relatives. Family support and psychotherapy are crucial in overcoming it.
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