While the relationship between PG and gambling has long been known, studies have shown a close association between the two. While the risks and benefits of gambling are well-established, the relative importance of evaluating patients for PG has only recently been explored. This article describes ways in which primary care professionals can screen patients for pathological gambling. To read more about this topic, please refer to the associated resources. Listed below are three tips for primary care professionals to consider when screening patients for PG.
1. Strengthen Your Support System – When dealing with a gambling addiction, it’s essential to strengthen your support system. Start with your family and friends and try to develop a new social circle. Enroll in education classes, volunteer for a cause, or even join a gambling peer support group. For example, Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-step program modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, requires individuals to identify a sponsor who can provide guidance and encouragement to the sufferer.
Risk and reward – In terms of risk and return, investing is much like gambling. However, whereas investing requires a long-term commitment, gambling involves a short-term outcome with few means of mitigating losses. While an investor has the advantage of a large pool of information, there are no guarantees, and the odds of success are in his favor over time. It’s essential to remember that risk and reward go hand-in-hand in this profession. Gamblers often exhibit psychological biases and other mental traits to help them make the right decision.
If you’re an adult, gambling is a common way to pass time. Regardless of your age, chances are that you’ve tried your luck at some point. However, it’s important to note that you can’t take your losses back once you’ve made a bet. Gamblers usually experience a brief period of elation after the bet is placed. If you’ve lost money gambling, you should stop immediately.
Behavioral – Identifying when you’ve had enough is a key step to stopping gambling. You must determine how much you can afford to lose before you reach the breaking point. If it’s not possible to stop the urge, you should seek help. It’s very important to set aside some time for recreational activities, and limit your gambling time. To prevent temptations, you must remove your credit cards or block gambling websites from your computer. Also, do not isolate yourself – seek help from a trusted family member, or attend a Gamblers Anonymous meeting.
While research has shown that gambling can have a negative effect on people, there is no consensus on the specific types of harm caused by it. Various factors may influence the frequency of gambling, such as jackpot size or reward frequency. Research evaluating the risk of gambling is vital for prevention and intervention programs. However, research based on the latest available data has revealed that the effects of gambling on health are often underestimated. The key to identifying and modifying problem gambling is to understand the types of harm caused by gambling.