Being mired in the world of crypto currency trading for hours can be categorized under "gambling addiction," and treated, according to one of Europe's leading addiction rehabilitation clinics.
Castle Craig Hospital in Edinburgh says after getting requests to treat cryptocurrency addiction, its alcohol, drug and gambling rehabilitation clinic is "highlighting this area of concern."
The 30-year established clinic is offering Intensive Gambling Program to people addicted to online Bitcoin trading.
"Patients" can avail Intensive evidence-based treatments such as the 12 Steps, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Therapy and Equine Therapy.
Castle Craig has treated over 10,000 patients for various addictions since it opened in 1988, and says the majority have gone on to achieve long-term abstinent recovery.
Prices start from 1,360 pounds per week for an extended treatment programme, and detox and intensive care starts from 2,975 pounds per week.
Addiction to the trading of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin is a behavioral addiction, like gambling addiction and compulsive online "day trading" in the stock market.
Addiction to cryptocurrencies is a sub-type of online day-trading addiction, according to Dr Mark Griffiths, Professor of Behavioral Addiction at Nottingham Trent University. "I see these as akin to gambling addiction."
Some of the symptoms that cryptocurrency users should look out for: Feeling muscle tension and anxiety, constantly checking the prices online (even in the middle of the night), and thinking about cryptocurrency trading when doing other things.
Chris Burn, a gambling therapist at Castle Craig Hospital, says, "The high risk, fluctuating cryptocurrency market appeals to the problem gambler. It provides excitement and an escape from reality. Bitcoin, for example, has been heavily traded and huge gains & losses were made. It's a classic bubble situation."
by Joji Xavier
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