Gaming addiction, also known as computer or gambling addiction, is a type of mental addiction in which a person becomes compulsively preoccupied with gaming and loses the ability to control their behaviour in relation to gaming. This condition is similar to other addictions such as drugs or alcohol and can have a serious impact on a person’s physical and mental health, as well as their personal and professional relationships.
Symptoms of gambling addiction may include:
- an overwhelming desire to play – the player feels an unbearable need to play and spends more and more time playing;
- An inability to control the time spent playing games, even if the person realises the negative consequences;
- loss of interest in hobbies, friends and family;
- physical and psychological difficulties – sedentary lifestyle, sleep problems, lower self-esteem and depression;
- risk game – the player cannot control his behaviour and gets into difficult situations due to betting and gambling.
It is important to note that gaming can be a fun and educational hobby, but the problem arises when it begins to interfere with daily life and cause negative consequences. If you suspect a gaming addiction or have a loved one suffering from this problem, seek help from a mental health professional.
Gaming addiction treatment involves psychotherapy, group support, developing strategies for time management and regulating gambling activities. Professional help is simply necessary to overcome this addiction and restore normal life. In some cases, medication is used to treat gambling addiction.
Medication Treatment for Gambling Addiction Cost (Price)
| Medication Treatment for Gambling Addiction in Clinic | from 2700 UAH |
| Outpatient Treatment for Gambling Addiction | from 2500 UAH |
| Rehabilitation (Comprehensive Treatment for Gambling Addiction: Treatment, Accommodation, Meals) | from 27000 UAH per month |
| Psychologist Consultation for Gambling Addiction | 1400 UAH |
Specifics of medication treatment of gambling addiction
Medication treatment for gambling addiction is not standard practice, except in cases where the addiction is accompanied by other psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders or impulse control disorders. In such cases, a psychiatrist or psychotherapist may prescribe medication for gambling addiction to treat the co-occurring conditions.
Drugs that can be used in the treatment of gambling addiction are in the following groups:
- antidepressants – they are prescribed if gambling addiction is accompanied by depression or anxiety disorders;
- impulse control medications, such as naltrexone, can help control impulsive behaviour and reduce the desire to gamble;
- anxiolytics – if the patient has anxiety symptoms, the doctor may prescribe anxiolytics to alleviate anxiety;
- Cognitive enhancement drugs – some medications can help improve cognitive functions such as concentration and attention control.
Treatment for gambling addiction is usually based on psychotherapy, support from loved ones and the use of strategies to reduce impulsivity and control the time spent gambling. Psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy shows itself to be the most effective method in treating this addiction. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact a professional GarMed specialist to assess the condition and develop a treatment plan that is best for your particular situation. Remember that any addiction treatment can only be done with the consent of the patient, so in many cases the first step on the road to getting rid of the problem should be to develop motivation for recovery. Psychologists of the clinic will help the patient to realise and accept the problem and start treatment of gambling addiction in a timely manner.
