While gambling may seem like a fun and relaxing pastime, it can be a serious addiction. Gambling can cause significant financial losses, stress, and strained relationships. As you work to overcome your gambling problem, reach out to your friends and family members for support and encouragement. Consider joining a peer support group or enrolling in a gambling education class. You can also join Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-step recovery program patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous. This program requires you to select a sponsor who is a fellow former gambler who can offer guidance and support.
While men and women are equally susceptible to compulsive gambling, women are more likely to become addicted to the activity than men. Nonetheless, gambling patterns in women are becoming increasingly similar. Other factors may increase the risk of gambling, such as family or friend influence, certain medications for restless leg syndrome, and certain personality traits. However, any type of gambling can be problematic and lead to a gambling addiction. Therefore, it is important to understand the symptoms and treatment for gambling addiction before seeking professional help.
The prevalence of gambling-related deaths in the United States is on the rise, particularly among elderly people. According to a recent review by the Chief Medical Examiner, 83% of people who suffered from cardiac arrest in Atlantic City died as a result of gambling. The extent to which gambling can be harmful remains to be determined, but these statistics are a good starting point for prevention. Even though gambling-related deaths remain a mystery, the use of automated external defibrillators has been shown to significantly improve the survival rate among people who experience cardiac arrest.
