How to Overcome Online Gambling Addiction
Online Gambling involves playing games of chance or skill for money over the Internet. It is legal in some states of the United States, some provinces of Canada, most countries in the European Union and many nations in the Caribbean. The online gambling industry has extensive regulation to prevent exploitation of players and protect them from harm.
Behavioral therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help people overcome online gambling addiction. These therapies can change patterns of thought that perpetuate the addiction and teach new coping mechanisms. Identifying and treating underlying problems such as anxiety or depression can also reduce the urge to gamble.
Online gambling is an estimated $9.5 billion a year business, but it can be a dangerous vice for millions of Americans. The American Psychiatric Association’s classification of mental health disorders includes gambling disorder among those involving substance use and addictive behavior.
The game-specific features that make Internet gambling so addictive have yet to be fully understood. It is possible that some games may be more addictive than others, and it is also possible that different types of people are more or less susceptible to gambling-related problems. The absence of face-to-face interaction with the dealer and the lack of other social cues may also contribute to the problem.
The most common way to get treatment for gambling addiction is through counseling. Licensed therapists and support groups can provide guidance and coping strategies to help overcome the urge to gamble. In addition, a variety of medications can be used to treat the symptoms of gambling addiction.
