Several instruments are available for measuring gambling attitudes and behavior. In 1975, the United States Commission on a National Policy Toward Gambling conducted a survey of Americans’ attitudes and behaviors towards gambling. These surveys helped define a national policy toward gambling. Later, the University of Michigan Survey Research Center created an instrument. A similar instrument, the Kallick Gambling Attitude and Behavior Inventory, was developed by the Institute for Social Research. More recent tests, based on the DSM-III and DSM-IV definitions, have been developed.
Pathological gambling
Previous research has shown that pathological gamblers have impaired self-control processes, such as impulsivity and delayed gratification. Further, they are less sensitive to the consequences of their decisions than non-gamblers. These findings have implications for future research and treatment. However, a lack of data on the relationship between prior risk experience and pathological gambling is problematic. This book attempts to fill this gap by exploring the neurobiology of pathological gambling.
Despite the fact that the cause of pathological gambling is not known, some studies have found that it has a strong correlation with homelessness. Surveys conducted in Boston, for example, have found that pathological gambling is associated with 5.5 percent of homeless populations. Although future research is needed to identify a causal relationship between pathological gambling and homelessness, clinicians caring for the homeless population should consider screening their patients for these issues. There is no cure for pathological gambling, but treatment options for the condition may help to ease the burden on the homeless.
Symptoms
There are certain signs of compulsive gambling, including frequent and intense thoughts of money. People who are addicted to gambling withdraw from loved ones, often out of guilt or to avoid the attention of family and friends. Others turn to theft or other illicit means to fund their gambling addictions. When one or more of these symptoms is present, it may be time for professional help. Listed below are some common symptoms of gambling addiction and how to recognize them.
Emotional gambling symptoms include depression, anxiety, and insomnia. In some people, this disorder can worsen the symptoms of gambling, and these feelings may continue long after the gambler stops. If this is the case, treatment is important to prevent gambling-related problems. These symptoms can also be physical. Some people experience muscle soreness, chest tightness, and even heart palpitations. Others may develop skin rashes and dark circles under their eyes.
Treatment
There are several types of treatment for gambling addiction. Treatment may include residential facilities, outpatient programs, or a combination of these. While treatment is effective for most people, relapse may occur and an individual may still need to seek further help. In this case, a mental health provider or physician should be contacted. In some cases, addiction to gambling may also be caused by co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety.
Gambling addiction affects many aspects of a person’s life. It may interfere with relationships, finances, and career. Even though it is difficult to recognize, many people with the problem may be unaware of its effects until it becomes a major problem. Research has shown that people who suffer from one gambling problem are more likely to develop another addiction later. It is unclear what causes this tendency, but it is worth considering that genetic, environmental, and neurological factors may all be involved.
Prevention
The concept of gambling harms is a relatively new one. Although research on gambling harms is widespread, most of the literature focuses on problem gamblers. Hence, interventions should focus on changing individual behaviour, rather than the underlying causes of harmful behaviour. Furthermore, gambling differs from other harmful behaviours in several ways. For instance, cigarette smoking is strongly linked to harm, while alcohol consumption is also related to harm. However, the evidence base for interventions aimed at preventing gambling harms remains limited.
Although many studies have shown that prevention of gambling harms reduces problem gambling, the long-term benefits are difficult to measure. Research conducted on prevention of gambling harms in young people suggests that effective evidence-based policies are essential for reducing harm and social costs related to the gambling industry. To do this, UNICEF should strengthen evidence-based policies and launch specific services for young people. This way, more resources can be directed to addressing the root causes of problem gambling.
