Harvard Medical School Shines Light on Problem Gambling

Thus, treatment becomes imperative, and bans and attempts to block access to gambling as a means to stop problem gambling are useless.

Medical research is piling up in studies around the world about the nature and proper treatment of compulsive gambling. Using these results to dispell myths and urban legends about gambling addiction, the Harvard Medical School has released a report called Overcoming Addiction: Paths Toward Recovery.

A major point made by the Harvard doctors who wrote the report, and emphasized in coverage by Medical News Today, is one frequently reported by Online Casino Advisory. That is that research consistently indicates that genetic and physiological qualities lend to predispositions of certain individuals to be addicts, but not to any particular type of addiction.

The risk/reward centers in brains of addicts do not function the same as non-addictive personalities, but the type of addiction is simply a manifestation. Once blocked, the addiction will seek another outlet. Thus, treatment becomes imperative, and bans and attempts to block access to gambling as a means to stop problem gambling are useless.

The study recommends problem gamblers, as well as all addicts, follow several steps to break their dependency. The first is to seek help, either from professionals or friends. The second is to choose a quit date.

The next two steps involve lifestyle changes. A new environment is the only way to reach greater health. Continuing to associate with other addicts is considered highly harmful. Instead, find new activities and hobbies to occupy time.

The last two steps are to review one's history of quitting, and consider why those attempts did not work. Avoid repeating mistakes. The last is to make sure friends and family become a support network, able to reinforce positive changes and watch for warning signs.