Gambling addiction and gambling addiction: who to turn to

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LUDOPATHY

One of the most unfortunately widespread pathologies in recent years is the disease of pathological gambling, defined gambling addiction or, more commonly, gambling addiction. Inserted in the 1994 in the diagnostic manual of psychotherapists and psychiatrists in the category of behavioral addictions, is characterized, as per definition, by the player's tendency to an increasing loss of control over gambling, which manifests itself in the excessive frequency of gambling, in a lot of time spent playing, or in huge sums spent in an attempt to recover losses. Often those affected by this pathology invest in gambling far beyond their financial means, having to resort to Loans and contracting debts, neglecting the daily commitments of life, focusing one's thoughts solely and exclusively on gambling.

It seems easy to find more than a few connections with the drug addictions, addictions to alcohol or drugs, and if one might believe that gambling addiction has to do with the abundance of resources, money and comforts typical of Western society, the exact opposite is true: the peaks in the incidence of compulsive gambling are recorded during periods of recession and economic crisis.

SYMPTOMS

Gambling addiction is often accompanied by other psychological disorders, which are an index and consequence of it, including panic attacks, trough, mild bipolar disorder or physical symptoms related to stress., but the symptoms to recognize a gambling addict are mainly these (at least 5 must be present at the same time):

is completely absorbed in the game, in thoughts about the game, in planning future plays or finding ways to get money;
he feels the need to bet ever larger sums;
tries to cut down or stop gambling, but without success, just like with substance abuse;
she is restless and irritable when she tries not to play;
gambles to escape problems or uses gambling as a refuge from difficulties;
lies to family members or those around him about the origin of his debts, about the money he loses, about what he does, about his gambling habits;
he even goes as far as committing crimes to get money to gamble or pay off debts;
jeopardizes his job or a relationship to chase the dream of a big win;
he gets into a lot of debt and asks for loans to cover the sums money lost;
loses the desire to be with others;
compromises family relationships;
sees a decrease in performance at work or in study;
gambling addiction stress can lead to ulcer, hypertension, lack of appetite e insomnia.

Gambling Addiction in Italy

According to the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, in Italy there are 1,5 million players considered “problematic1,4 million at "moderate risk"; two million at "low risk." The Nomisma Observatory has identified two main categories of gamblers, based on age: young people between 14 and 19, and those over 65. The national average per capita spending is approximately €1400. As for slot machines, in Italy, there is one for every 143 inhabitants.

GAMBLING IN ITALY

According to the Italian Agency for Excise, Customs and Monopolies, Italians spend €140 billion on gambling each year. But this figure only includes legal gambling, taxed by the state. Then there's illegal gambling. According to an Ipsos-Luiss Business School report, while the gambling industry generates annual tax revenues of €1,9 billion, illegal gambling generates approximately €1 billion in lost tax revenue. Italy holds another sad record in Europe: we are the country with the highest number of gamblers. d'hazard. Aside from wasting money, these are people who risk their health, and often fall into depression. The age groups most at risk are those over 65 and young people between 14 and 19.

THE REGIONS WHERE THE MOST IS BET

Italy has become the European nation with the most widespread gambling, primarily thanks to the regions where this problem is most alarming: Lombardy, Campania, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna. These regions, among other things, have a strong presence of organized crime.

PRIEST

Gambling addiction treatments can be done on multiple levels, from psychological to pharmacological intervention. But we must start from the awareness that it is a form of dependence and therefore it should be treated by specialists and not with do-it-yourself methods.

Individual psychotherapy. These are analysis sessions that focus on the underlying causes of addiction and potential changes. Therapy can be combined with the use of certain medications suitable for this type of problem.
Psycho-family therapy. In this case, family members, from spouse to children, are also involved in the treatment of the addicted gambler.
Financial and legal support. The person suffering from gambling addiction is placed under financial support, both for the financial aspects of their addiction (which prevent them from managing their finances themselves) and for the legal aspects of their addiction.
Pharmacological treatment. There are no medications, much less those recognized by the National Health Service, specifically designed to treat gambling addiction. However, your doctor may decide on the use of medications appropriate for the problem.

WHO TO CONTACT

People affected by gambling addiction are not alone. They can be supported by various facilities trained to address the problem.

Territorial services of the health system (Sert). They generally deal with alcohol and drugs, but for some time now they have also gamble.
Recognized associations. The National Coordination of Gambling Groups has identified 38 associations that provide support, treatment, and prevention services.
Self-help groups. Born and developed from the grassroots, they consist of multiple individuals or families. Among the most famous are Gamblers Anonymous and Self-Help Groups.
Residential centers. These are places for post-treatment hospitalization. In some regions, such as Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont, and Tuscany, they are included in public service projects.

PREVENTION

Prevention is essential to stopping gambling, and it involves multiple levels: from schools to families to administrative authorities. Here are some key elements of effective prevention against gambling addiction.

Help the sick person to talk about it in family, without too much shame. and try to direct her towards other interests.
Don't blame those who are victims of gambling addiction.
Reduce the number of slot machines in public places
Inform players about the risks of gambling and the real chances of winning.
Conduct campaigns in schools, also using the subject of probabilistic mathematics.

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