Change Network Gambling addiction treatment

Compulsive gambling is an impulse-control disorder, meaning that those in need of gambling addiction treatment cannot control their impulses, even if they are aware of the damage it is causing.

Unlike drug or alcohol addiction, there are no physical symptoms among gambling addicts such as adverse affects on the body and withdrawal symptoms, although effects are still profound.

They include strained and failing relationships, potential financial ruin and diminished responsibilities at work and home, while compulsive gambling may influence people to do things they normally wouldn't, such as stealing money to fund their addiction.

Because of the lack of physical symptoms, it is not always easy recognising a problem gambler, particularly as there are certain myths surrounding what a compulsive gambler's behaviour should adhere to.

One of the major ones is that an addict may not gamble everyday - if a person's habit causes problems, it is almost irrelevant how many times they gamble in a set time period.

Gambling addiction treatment can help an affected individual with their compulsive habit by providing a tailored package of support.

It is a big step admitting to having a problem, but a hugely positive one when it leads to action being taken to combating an addiction.

Recent research has suggested that there are 2.5 million pathological gamblers in the US and a further three million problem gamblers.