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Featured Addictions Articles

Introduction to Cocaine Addiction
Coke, more commonly known as cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant which instantly affects the brain after introducing it to the body. The effects of this drug are extremely pleasurable and give a false sense of euphria. Like caffiene, coke makes the ...

Overcoming Addictions - Your Key to Survival!
There are some alarming facts to consider regarding addictive disorders. For instance, a recent report in the National Drug Addiction Recovery Month Kit showed the cost of alcohol and illicit drug use in the workplace, including lost productivity, ...

Stop smoking basics
Since ages, smoke and human life share an inverse liaison i.e. a surge in the former brings a reduction in the quality as well as quantity of the latter. The smoke that is rich in the hazardous substance called nicotine enters human body via cigarette ...




Treating Gambling Addiction an Introduction
 
Gambling addiction is a serious issue and help is available to the problem gambler. Pathologic gambling is an addiction because of the 'rush' you feel when you win money. A person's experiences and personality type also play a large role in gambling addictions. People who are pathologic gamblers can't control their impulses to gamble. There are many differnt degrees of addiction. All which can be treated differntly.
There are several methods use to treat gambling addictions. Most treatment programs will have the gambling addict take some form of psychotherapy or medication. Medications for gambling addiction treatment are usually some form of anti-depressant. SSRR's (Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) have proven to be effective for mood swings and pathological gamblers. Pyscho and cognitive behavior therapy aim at replacing negative beliefs with healthy and positive ones. Group therapy can also be very helpful as a gambling addiction treatment as they offer a medium for advice, feedback and support.
Treatment programs are unique for each person, so the individual must track down a program that best suits his needs. There is help and hope for problem gamblers. One of the first steps to helping yourself is admitting you have the problem. The world may seem empty but there is always someone out there that can help. Gambling is meant to be fun, not harmful. If you think you may have a gambling addiction, or you know a loved one that might, help is just a few clicks away.
Gambling is a form of entertainment for many people, but in some cases gambling can become an addiction leading to financial problems, relationship stress, and even attempted suicide. It is estimated that 6 percent of north america's population will have a gambling problem sometime in there life. Gambling addiction is a serious problem. Pathological addictions to gambling are more common in men then women or specific ethnic groups. Gambling can create a rush when you lose and win, and sometimes the user is unable to control their impulses to gamble. This is when it becomes a problem. There are different degrees of gambling addiction. All of which are treated differently, depending on the specific needs of the addict.
Signs of gambling addictions include, but are not limited to: Constantly thinking/talking about and, or, preparing for gambling sessions, gambling during work or when you are expected at home, getting into debt from gambling and lying to borrow money. Using illegal means to finance gambling and neglecting family or other personal responsibilities. Feeling a need to gamble to relieve stress and or 'escape reality'. Of course, there are also many more signs that could point towards a problem gamble, though gambling addiction is usually blatently obvious.
Treatment programs can range, and are specifically designed according to the addicts needs. Usually the most sucessful therapies combine both professional counselling and user support groups. Medication can be used to combat mood swings, depression and anxiety that addict' may experience during withdrawl. Pyscho and cognitive behaviour therapy is also used, to replace the negative effects of gambling with positive ones, in turn promoting a healthy and positive attitude towards gambling. Group therapy is also good place for user support and feed back.
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Article Sources: Gambling Addictions
Treating Gambling Addictions



Addictions News


HLN's Jane Velez-Mitchell Is Still an Addict and Has "Issues" With John Edwards
Huffington Post
According to Webster to be addicted is: to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or obsessively addicted to something. Admittedly, she was a high-functioning alcoholic, who was "spiritually bankrupt." Yet, she experienced "a miracle" on ...

and more »

Judy Collins: Singer and book addict
Boston Globe
I'm an addict, a complete addict. Some of the most exciting reading I do I have to do in the morning. I have to do it just a couple of pages at a time so I can really concentrate and I underline as I go. That's one reason why I prefer a book.


New York Times

Addiction Diagnoses May Rise Under Guideline Changes
New York Times
WASHINGTON — In what could prove to be one of their most far-reaching decisions, psychiatrists and other specialists who are rewriting the manual that serves as the nation's arbiter of mental illness have agreed to revise the definition of addiction, ...
Revised definition of 'addiction' may spur hike in number of addictsMiamiHerald.com
Revised guidelines might sharply increase addiction diagnosesAustin American-Statesman
You could be addicted but not know itOmaha World-Herald

all 40 news articles »

Are We Addicted to Facebook? It's Complicated.
New York Times (blog)
But does the research suggest that we are addicted to it? Is our obsession with the social network bordering on unhealthy? Can we resist the siren call of the glowing blue icon? Dr. Rosen said the average person was not addicted to Facebook.

and more »

Definition of addiction changing
Herald and News
That — in its simplest terms — is at the heart of a change in a psychiatric manual that could have a major effect on diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism and other addictions. An online service is needed to view this article in its entirety.