If you’re a problem gambler, you are not alone. This behavior can result in other behavioral disorders, including stress, depression, and restless legs syndrome. There are many ways to deal with your addiction. Here are some suggestions. First, take some time to understand the causes of your gambling. If you can’t seem to break the habit, talk with your doctor about treatment options. Another important step in recovery is to quit gambling entirely. Aside from losing money, gambling can cause physical and psychological problems.
Problem gamblers can have other behavioral disorders
Substance abuse and gambling have some similarities. Both are used to escape unpleasant life situations and relieve a range of mood disorders. They both activate the brain’s reward system and produce feelings of pleasure and well-being. Problem gamblers are more likely to engage in problem gambling than other people. Their behavior often mirrors those of other problem gamblers. This can lead to a number of other disorders. In addition, problem gamblers are often more impulsive and have less self-control.
Depression
Researchers have found that people who engage in pathological gambling have higher rates of depression. Depression is also a known risk factor for pathological gamblers, and researchers have used this fact to develop theories about the relationship between depression and gambling. They have used the Beck Depression Inventory to assess depressive symptoms in pathological gamblers, and the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria to identify pathological gamblers. The relationship between depression and gambling has been found to be quite strong.
Stress
The study’s authors note that despite its positive effects, gambling doesn’t necessarily relieve stress. In fact, it may worsen stress-related conditions. Gamblers can have difficulty maintaining work, family obligations, or friendships. In addition, online gambling is high-risk, which can result in a rapid loss of funds. These issues lead to more stress, as the gambler cannot stop thinking about or focusing on gambling.
Restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which a person has the urge to move their legs while they are sleeping. While the symptoms of this disorder can be mild and short-lived, they can also become chronic and cause a great deal of frustration and inconvenience. Some people with RLS also develop certain medical conditions, including genetic risk factors. People with RLS are often also bothered by sleep disturbance and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), a condition in which a person’s legs contract during sleep. This condition may last less than a second, or can last as long as 10 seconds.
Compulsive gambling
Compulsive gambling is a serious problem that can ruin a person’s life. It can cause financial ruin and lead to criminal behavior. These individuals cannot control their impulses and are unable to resist the tension that they feel. Oftentimes, compulsive gamblers are unaware that they have a problem. In this case, admitting that you have a problem with gambling is the first step in dealing with the situation.