Understanding Gambling’s Role in Experiential Avoidance
Posted on 20. Feb, 2013 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction Research
Some addiction experts believe that much of the initiation of an addiction problem is in pursuit of medicating a problem. For instance, individuals with mental health issues often have an increased likelihood of substance use problems because they are attempting to self-medicate the symptoms of depression or anxiety. (more…)
Controversial Drug Used to Fight Alcoholism Could Be Used for Treating Gambling Addiction
Posted on 24. Jan, 2013 by Problem Gambling in Treatment
Naltrexone is a pill being used effectively in treating alcoholics who wish to curb their addiction. It is now being considered in treating gamblers in Australia as well. (more…)
Future Gambling Habits May Be Predicted As Early As First Grade
Posted on 10. Jan, 2013 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction Research
Young boys who can’t sit still in class may be showing signs of the same lack of control that leads to problem gambling in later years, says a new study.
College Gambling Addiction: Often Unseen, Until it’s Too Late
Posted on 26. Dec, 2012 by Problem Gambling in Addiction News
College gambling is often an unseen addiction, affecting thousands of college or university students. It can drive them to academic failure, financial ruin or even contemplations of suicide.
A recent article tells the story of the talented, intelligent student whose father tried to help as soon as he discovered his son’s excessive gambling habit. The story’s pivotal moment occurred when the son robbed a bank to feed his gambling addiction, ending up with nearly two years in jail.
What started out with college poker nights ended up with a full-blown addiction, with the student in his 20s spending at least 12 hours each day making bets and engaging in online gambling. He isn’t alone, with experts estimating that a minimum of six percent of students at universities or colleges in America have compulsive or addictive gambling behaviors. Accessibility is one factor in the rise of addictive gambling, with students playing with friends at all hours or accessing online games day and night.
Parents and students may feel the habit isn’t harmful or risky, and may not even realize an addiction has set in before serious, life-long consequences are seen. It’s not just table card playing that is attracting students anymore; many addictions are linked to excessive lottery use and placing bets around sporting events. Others become hooked through online gaming sites.
Experts theorize the student lifestyle of setting one’s own schedule and frequent socializing may also be factors in growing levels of gambling addiction. Less than one-fourth of colleges and universities have a formal policy in place toward gambling, and many parents living elsewhere may never know their child is hooked on gambling until financial ruin, plummeting grades and even problems with alcohol or drug abuse are evident.
With 50,000 students believed to have gambling habits that are problematic in the U.S., experts encourage universities to work harder to identify and prevent the situation before it escalates – and to have resources available for helping students recover.
Gauging the Impact of Gambling
Posted on 17. Oct, 2012 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction Research
Ohio voted to green light four new casinos around the state this year. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo are all home to new gambling venues. The state also approved new video lottery machines at more than a half dozen race tracks. The decision to expand gambling in the state has gone hand in hand with efforts to monitor gambling’s impact and provide for gambling addiction services. (more…)
Problematic Gamblers Controlled by the “Zone”
Posted on 26. Sep, 2012 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction Research
When we hear the words "gambling addiction" we think of someone sitting at the casino, blowing through her paycheck in the hopes of scoring the next big jackpot, but maybe we’ve got it all wrong. In fact, new research suggests that problematic gambling has very little to do with money. (more…)
Delaware Lawmakers Pass Online Gambling
Posted on 17. Sep, 2012 by Problem Gambling in Addiction News
Delaware’s legislature has just passed a new law that might make them the first to open up their state to a wide range of legal, online gambling such as poker, slot games and Internet blackjack. According to a recent article, this move by Delaware symbolizes a significant period in the ongoing debate between gambling companies, states and the U.S. government to decide whether or not online gambling might become legal in America.
How Social Networking Influences Gambling Behaviors
Posted on 05. Sep, 2012 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction
Social networking sites like Facebook have become a central part of social and professional life. As the sites have become increasingly popular, there has been more interest in understanding how relationships online can influence behaviors.
Real Dollar Gambling Online and On-the-Go Gambling May Lead to Increased Addiction
Posted on 29. Aug, 2012 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction Research
Betable, a U.S. company, licensed through the British Gambling Commission, is poised to change the world of online betting. Since U.S. laws currently prohibit payouts for online gambling, the software company is looking to market itself where full-on internet gambling is legal and is betting that the U.S. won’t be far behind. What the implications of true money online and mobile gambling may be is less certain than the fact that it will be a money maker for Betable.
Sports Betting Can Mean Addiction, Crime and Costs to Taxpayers
Posted on 21. Aug, 2012 by Problem Gambling in Addiction News
A University of Illinois professor recently testified before Congress and legislature about his concerns over the legalization of sports gambling, according to a recent article.