Can Adolescents Develop Gambling Disorders?

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 13:29:17 GMT

As a parent, you worry about your child. In some cases, you are worrying over nothing, and in other cases, you are completely right to be concerned. If you suspect your child has a gambling addiction or disorder, you may have many questions, including whether adolescents can even develop this type of disorder. According to Yale Medicine, 2% to 7% of youths develop a gambling disorder, and many of these disorders begin in adolescence. Read along as a gambling counseling agency answers questions you may have about this topic.

Can Adolescents Develop Gambling Disorders?

The National Institutes of Health, a government agency, states that young adults, including adolescents aged 12 to 17, and young adults, aged 18 to 23, are more likely to be affected by a gambling addiction compared to individuals in other age groups. As such, the answer to whether adolescents can develop a gambling disorder is a resounding yes.

What Are the Signs They Have a Gambling Disorder?

It can be challenging to tell that a child has a gambling disorder, as they are likely hiding gambling altogether due to their age. As a parent, you may hear conversations about gambling, may notice your child is spending more money than normal or having financial issues, or may feel stressed out when watching things that may be bet on, such as sporting events. Your child's moods may also change, and they may become depressed when they lose or euphoric when they win.

What Should You Do if Your Child Has a Gambling Disorder?

If you suspect your child has a gambling disorder, your child may need gambling counseling. It's important to understand that a disorder or addiction can be challenging to kick, regardless of what type of addiction it is. Professional counseling can help assess why the addiction has taken hold and what actions need to be done to help stop it.

Parents often wonder if kids can develop gambling disorders, and the answer to that question is yes they can. If your child is showing signs of having a disorder or addiction related to gambling, you want to get your child help. Our gambling counseling center offers specialized programs for adolescents who may have this type of addiction. Call or email our team at Making Choices Counseling to discuss the specifics of your case and what we can both do to collectively help your child.

3 Signs It's Time to Seek Gambling Treatment

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 14:40:40 GMT

Gambling can be an enjoyable pastime. However, it can also become a problem for many people. According to Behavioral Health News, 4 to 6 million people in the United States struggle with a gambling problem and 2 million meet the criteria for a gambling disorder. If you're worried that you may have a serious problem, it's important to take steps to address it. Here are three signs that you might need to consider seeking gambling treatment.

1. You Can't Stop Gambling

One of the most obvious signs of a gambling problem is that you can't seem to stop. You may always think about gambling or feel compelled to keep playing even when you want to stop. You might also find that you need to gamble more and more to get the same excitement or satisfaction. If you're struggling to control your habits, seeking help is important. Many treatment options, including professional counseling, can help you address your behaviors.

2. You're Using Gambling to Escape

Another sign that you may have a gambling problem is if you're using it to escape from your problems or emotions. You might find yourself gambling when you're feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed and using it to cope. While this hobby may provide temporary relief, it's not a sustainable solution to your problems. In fact, it can often make them worse. It's important to address the underlying issues that are causing you to turn to gambling in the first place. This may involve seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling.

3. Your Gambling Is Causing Problems in Your Life

If your habits are causing problems, it's a sign that you need to seek gambling treatment. This may include financial problems, relationship issues, or problems at work or school. You may find yourself lying to loved ones about how much you're gambling or hiding your behavior from them altogether. If you're experiencing any of these problems, seeking help is important. Gambling addiction can have serious consequences, and it's important to address it before it's too late.

Ready to get assistance with your gambling problem? Contact us at Making Choices Counseling today to start your gambling treatment process. We've helped many people get their habits under control. Let's connect today and start your process of recovery.

Blog | Making Choices Counseling

Can Adolescents Develop Gambling Disorders?