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Kevlar for the Mind: Addiction can take many forms

When people hear the word “addiction,” they typically think of alcohol or drugs. But people can become addicted to a variety of objects and activities. These questions highlight the more common ones:

Q. I started gambling at the casino near my base about six months ago. I’ve been spending most of my free time there and am starting to get behind on my bills. Could I have a problem?

It has been estimated that 2 percent, or about 44,000 active-duty and reserve service members, have a significant gambling problem. Research has shown that gambling can be associated with psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress and depression. The most troubling finding is that up to 50 percent of service members undergoing treatment for excessive gambling had considered or attempted suicide in the past.

If you believe you have a gambling problem, ask yourself:

• Has gambling ever made you or your loved ones unhappy?

• Has gambling affected your reputation?

• After losing, did you feel the strong urge to continue gambling to make up for your losses?

• Have you gambled to escape worry, trouble, boredom or loneliness?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you can get help from your mental health clinic, family physician or chaplain. You can also find help at www.gamblersanonymous.com.

Q. My husband is always on the computer when he’s home. During the week, the first thing he does after dinner is log on to the computer, and he stays on it until bedtime. On a recent weekend, he spent 12 straight hours surfing the Internet and playing games.

Computer addiction, also referred to as computer overuse, is defined as excessive or compulsive use that interferes with daily life. Extended use of computers in itself is not necessarily a problem, but when an individual’s personal, family and work obligations, and physical and emotional health begin to suffer, it’s time for concern.

Signs of computer addiction include sleep deprivation, neglect of personal hygiene, little or no interest in “offline” activities, and irritability and moodiness when not on the computer. If not addressed, excessive computer use can lead to inefficiency at work, marital and parenting conflict, and possible disciplinary action for the service member.

If you suspect you or someone you love has a computer addiction, professional help is available. Contact your mental health clinic or visit www.militaryonesource.com.

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Bret A. Moore is a clinical psychologist who served two tours in Iraq and is the author of “Wheels Down: Adjusting to Life After Deployment.” E-mail kevlarforthemind@militarytimes.com. Names and identifying details will be kept confidential. This column is for informational purposes only. Readers should see a mental health professional or physician for mental health problems.