Gambling is a common addiction that can be difficult to overcome because it affects so many aspects of a person’s life. Persons who are struggling with this addiction must seek help. This article discusses gambling addiction, the signs, symptoms, effects, and the process of overcoming gambling addiction, including what to do next in getting help.
Recognizing the problem and understanding what causes it is one of the first steps toward overcoming a gambling addiction. The Problem is gamblers can get themselves into trouble because they have a desire for more gambling opportunities.
Gamblers frequently discuss the euphoria they experience when they win. According to research, gamblers experience an increase in dopamine, which is associated with feelings of enjoyment and pleasure. These emotions have the potential to lead to gambling addiction.
If you or a loved one has a gambling addiction, it is critical to seek treatment from a professional facility so that they can inform you about treatment options and provide guidance for moving forward in recovery.
Recognizing the problem and understanding what causes it is the best way to avoid gambling addiction. The Problem is gamblers can get themselves into trouble and massive financial difficulties because they have a strong desire for more gambling opportunities.
Gambling Addiction Is an Impulse Control Disorder
Pathological gambling is a symptom of gambling addiction, which is an impulse control disorder that can cause significant social and personal problems. Pathological gambling (PG) is the most common type of addictive behaviour. According to the National Council on Problem Gamblers, the majority of pathological gamblers are men, with an average age of 40. Men are more likely than women to have PG.
According to research, pathological gamblers of Native American descent outnumber those of any other ethnicity in the U.S., according to research. Depression, anxiety disorders, antisocial personality disorders, and bipolar disorder have all been linked to pathological gambling.
The prevalence of PG is poorly studied because it often goes undetected, making data estimation difficult. The following are the most common types of online gambling games:
- sports betting
- casino games including blackjack, poker, and slot machines
The following are the most common types of live gambling games:
- roulette or other casino games
- slot machines
The Symptoms of Gambling Addiction
Addiction to gambling is an impulse control disorder. It entails uncontrolled gambling, which can result in severe financial, social, and emotional problems for the person suffering from the problem. Gambling addiction has both psychological and physical symptoms.
Feelings of guilt, anxiety, depression, irritability, or restlessness, as well as suicidal ideation, are all examples of psychological symptoms.
Physical symptoms include fatigue or insomnia that is not relieved by adequate sleep, a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities such as hobbies or sports, and a preoccupation with gambling. Symptoms include headaches and stomach aches.
Even after losing a lot of money, a person who is addicted to gambling will have strong urges to gamble again. They may also be taking risks in order to recoup their losses, or betting more on each bet in order to win back what they’ve already lost. This can put them in financial difficulty, which will only fuel their addiction.
The only way to overcome an addiction is to recognise that what is being done has consequences and to decide to do something about it. Many people gamble for excitement and enjoyment. They may also gamble to relieve stress or to feel a sense of accomplishment from winning money.
The Signs of Gambling Addiction
Addiction to gambling is a serious mental health disorder. It is a chronic, progressive disease that can have a devastating impact on an individual’s and their loved ones’ lives. The good news is that gambling addiction treatment programmes are extremely effective and can assist in breaking free from this addiction.
Signs may include:
- When unable to gamble, the feeling of restlessness, irritability, or depression
- Lying about gambling losses or reducing work and social activities in order to gamble more frequently
- Feeling the need to gamble in order to be happy
- Less time spent with family and friends
- Loss of control over gambling
Gambling Affects the Brain
When gambling, the brain produces a chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine is a “feel-good” hormone that causes people to feel pleasure and excitement when they do something enjoyable. Gambling can produce a “high” by stimulating dopamine release in the brain’s reward centre.
The issue is that, while gambling may provide an appealing, short-term solution to boredom, it is not a healthy solution. Gambling has the potential to take over one’s life and cause them to neglect other responsibilities such as work and family.
Gambling Addiction Affects the Person
Gambling addiction can have a negative impact on work performance, cause relationship issues cause bankruptcy and even cause the loss of friends and family members, If a person is in denial about their addiction, they may gamble all of their money, spend a lot of time gambling, and become unable to stop. To relieve the anxiety caused by the gambling lifestyle, many gamblers turn to drugs, alcohol, and other activities. Even if a gambler never goes bankrupt as a result of their lifestyle, they may struggle with drug and alcohol addiction for the rest of their lives as a result of self-medicating to deal with the stress.
Treating Gambling Addiction
It is critical to remember that dealing with a gambling addiction entails more than just overcoming the physical desire to gamble. In addition, addressing any underlying issues that may have contributed to the gambling addiction. A gambling addict has lost control of not only his or her finances but also of his or her relationships. There is no way to gamble out of these problems.
Gambling addiction is a complex issue that necessitates professional assistance. It’s critical to learn about the signs and symptoms of gambling addiction, as well as how to treat it. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, group counselling, and other psychotherapy approaches are common treatments for gambling addiction.
Gambling addiction is treated using a variety of techniques that are specifically designed to assist individuals in breaking free from their addiction. It is critical to understand the signs and symptoms of gambling addiction, as well as how to treat it. Addiction to gambling is relatively common in the United Kingdom, with surveys estimating that 1% – 3% of the population is addicted.
Gambling Addiction Therapies
Attending therapy sessions that address the inner conflicts, traumas, and other mental health issues that fuel the addiction is the most effective way to stop an addiction. A therapist will assist in developing new coping skills, changing the gambling behaviours and attitudes, alleviating withdrawal symptoms through the use of relaxation techniques or other stress-relieving techniques, and to assist in returning to normal life. Therapies may include cognitive behavioural therapy or other types of talk therapy.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Used to Treat Gambling Addiction
Cognitive behavioural therapy employs a number of techniques to alter the behaviours and thoughts that contribute to problem gambling. It assists people in replacing negative behaviours with healthier ones, breaking free from gambling cycles or patterns, managing their money better, and dealing with stress more effectively.
The thoughts of a person are not always rational or accurate. Cognitive behavioural therapy investigates the impact of distorted thinking on a person’s mood and behaviour. It teaches people how to recognise, question, and change the thoughts that lead to gambling addiction.
Cognitive behavioural therapy can also be beneficial in other ways. It can help people learn how to manage stress and other difficult emotions, and it may also address the issues that led someone to become addicted to gambling in the first place.
Family Support Groups
Gambling is a type of addiction that can be extremely difficult to overcome. Family support groups are one way that a person’s family and friends can try to help them get back on track if they have a gambling addiction.
Some family members may require some time to locate a local support group. It is critical that family members and friends do not give up on the person suffering from gambling addiction; recovery will be difficult, but it is possible. During COVID, family members may want to try looking for support groups online; there are many online groups the family can join.
Gambling Addiction Aftercare
Overcoming a gambling addiction is a difficult and time-consuming process. It may take years for an addict to truly say that they have overcome their addiction, but there are numerous resources available for those who wish to try. Counseling and cognitive behavioural therapy are two treatments that can help overcome gambling addiction.
Those who have been addicted to gambling must learn how to control their impulses and desires in order to overcome their addiction. Many methods, such as the gambling addiction quiz or a screening tool for problem gamblers, can be used.
It is critical to understand the nature of their addiction. There are numerous types, such as those who gamble excessively or feel they cannot stop even when they want to.
Aftercare is also an important part of recovering from a gambling addiction. Those in recovery must maintain their gambling abstinence after treatment is completed. Some aspects of aftercare include learning to resist the temptation to gamble, avoiding places where gambling is easy, and avoiding people who are known to be gamblers.
Types of Gambling Addiction Treatment
Finding a treatment that works for you is the best way to overcome your addiction. Because addiction affects people differently, the only person who can predict what will work best for them is themselves.
Behavioural therapy, group therapy, and cognitive-behavioural approaches are all used to treat gambling addiction. One way these treatments work is by identifying the thoughts or behaviours that cause a gambler to gamble and then avoiding those triggers.
It is preferable if the person recovering from addiction receives treatment and support groups in order to remain sober for life, rather than just a short time. Inpatient, outpatient, and residential care are thus available as treatment options. Treatment can be completed locally for those who live nearby, or those who need to travel for treatment can receive assistance in other areas or even abroad.
Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs for Gamblers
Inpatient rehabilitation programmes are intended to assist those affected in remaining sober while living in a controlled environment. These programmes typically include one-on-one counselling sessions as well as group therapy meetings. Inpatient rehabilitation programmes can range from a few weeks to several months in length.
Inpatient gambling addiction treatment differs from other types of inpatient rehab treatment. Inpatient gambling addiction treatment programmes typically cover topics such as gambling history, problem identification, physical and mental health recovery needs, relapse prevention skills development, and much more.
If you or a loved one has a gambling problem, you should look for a gambling addiction treatment centre that specialises in addiction recovery, such as The Hills.
Outpatient Gambling Rehabilitation Programs
An outpatient gambling addiction rehabilitation programme allows the individual to visit a treatment facility outside of regular work hours for services and care. It is not necessary for an outpatient receiver of treatment for gambling addiction to be completely removed from their surroundings in order to recover.
Outpatient gambling addiction rehabilitation programmes are typically time-limited, lasting six to twelve months. Counseling, group therapy, substance abuse treatment, and relapse prevention training will be provided to patients.
Twelve-Step Programs
Twelve-step programmes are a type of behavioural treatment that was first introduced in the 1930s by Alcoholics Anonymous. Through spiritual guidance and group participation, the programme is intended to assist individuals in overcoming addiction. Admitting to the addiction, accepting that it is out of one’s control, and making amends with those who have been harmed by the addiction is among the twelve steps.
Medication
Medication is a treatment option for people who are addicted to gambling. The medication reduces cravings and the desire to gamble. It also lessens the pleasure of winning and can help reduce gambling thoughts throughout the day. Opioid antagonists are currently considered first-line treatments for reducing symptoms of compulsive gambling. Only recently have glutamatergic agents and combined pharmacological and psychological treatments been investigated as potentially effective treatments for gambling disorders. Medication can only be prescribed by a doctor if the individual has expressed an interest in treatment for gambling addiction.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are one type of gambling addiction treatment. This includes making a strong commitment to stopping gambling, finding alternative activities to replace gambling, and avoiding triggers that might lead to gambling. When it comes to gambling triggers, for example, people with this addiction should not gamble in any way or place where they could be triggered by reminders of their previous success.
The problem is that some people who have a gambling addiction may find it difficult to stop gambling on their own. These people should seek the assistance of a professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, who can give them the tools they need to stop gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a twelve-step programme that offers support to those attempting to overcome gambling addiction. The organisation was founded in 1957 and has since spread globally, with over 2,000 weekly meetings.
The steps are intended to assist people in finding the strength they require to overcome their addiction and regain control of their lives. The organisation provides assistance to those attempting to overcome gambling addiction. Gamblers Anonymous meetings can be found here.
If you or a loved one is suffering from a gambling addiction, please contact The Hills right away. Our dedicated admissions staff will advise and guide you with the treatment options available. You can rest assured that you will be in good hands and your life free of gambling starts today.
