Gambling addiction can have devastating financial repercussions and disrupt relationships at work or home, yet can be treated effectively through therapy sessions and support groups. Individuals will learn more about themselves as a person through counseling sessions and find new strategies for dealing with their underlying problems during treatment.
Identifying a problem
People suffering from gambling disorder experience an uncontrollable urge to gamble, even when it causes financial issues or strains on relationships. Lying about their habits often results in serious debt and emotional strain for themselves and those around them; furthermore they may seek other addictive behaviors like substance abuse.
Gambling disorder can be diagnosed using criteria similar to those employed for substance use disorders. A diagnosis of pathological gambling requires endorsing at least four symptoms related to gambling – including preoccupation with gambling, lying to conceal behavior, chasing losses and withdrawing from the activity.
Therapists can assist in recognizing unhealthy patterns of thinking and behaving that contribute to gambling addiction, as well as provide recommendations such as mindfulness therapy or support groups like Gamblers Anonymous – this type of program follows AA’s model in creating a support network of recovering gamblers – or prescribe mood stabilizers or antidepressants as medications may also help.
Getting help
If your loved one is addicted to gambling, encourage them to seek treatment immediately. Seeking help for their physical and mental wellbeing as well as for that of their family is essential in protecting physical and mental wellbeing and family wellbeing. They may be able to stop their behavior with therapy sessions, family support or an assistance group like Gamblers Anonymous; those in more serious addictions may benefit from inpatient or residential rehab programs which provide round-the-clock support and care.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist people in overcoming gambling addiction by identifying unhealthy thoughts and replacing them with healthier ones, according to research published by Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. Family counseling also can provide valuable therapy options, encouraging the addict to talk about his/her feelings with others while antidepressant or mood stabilizer medications may reduce urges to gamble; such medications could treat conditions like depression or anxiety which lead to dependency on gambling.
Quitting
Gambling addiction is hard to break. It can interfere with work, strain relationships and lead to financial disaster. Furthermore, it has also been linked with high blood pressure and heart disease. But there are things you can do to stop gambling: identify your triggers and avoid them (for instance if driving past a casino triggers thoughts of gambling; try taking another route home instead); don’t use credit cards or carry large sums of money; speak with trusted friends or counsellors about how your gambling addiction has an impact.
Though quitting cold turkey may work for some people, professional gambling addiction help should always be sought before things spiral out of control. By taking advantage of treatment methods available through professional services you can beat your gambling habit without risking financial security and live a fulfilling life free from gambling addiction. For more information call our hotline now.
Relapse prevention
Many individuals struggling with gambling are able to break free with professional help, yet it’s essential that they recognize warning signs of relapse such as lethargy, changes in appetite or unhappiness. Depression should also be considered a warning sign; treatment should be sought if any such symptoms arise.
Addiction to gambling is an increasingly serious problem among Americans, having serious negative repercussions for families, jobs, and finances. Gamblers frequently lose large sums in losses incurred through their addiction; often feeling compelled to continue betting to recover those losses – often getting stuck into an endless cycle of loss and redemption.
Treatment programs for gambling addiction usually use multiple strategies, including group therapy, one-on-one counseling and medication. Medication helps decrease brain activity related to compulsive behaviors while behavioral therapy identifies and challenges irrational beliefs while creating healthier alternatives coping mechanisms. Family and marriage therapy may also prove useful; medication may even be prescribed in cases of mental illness disorders that contribute to gambling addiction.
