Gambling Addiction Treatment

Gambling is one of the most common addictions but can be challenging to overcome because it affects many aspects of life. It is vital for people struggling with this condition to seek help. Here, you will find information about the process of overcoming gambling addiction, including recognising when it happens and what to do next.

Gambling addiction is a serious and often misunderstood issue that can greatly affect individuals and their families. It is more than just a habit; it is an obsession that can result in financial problems, damaged relationships, and distress.

If you or a loved one are struggling with gambling addiction, you’re in the right place. PROMIS provides a comprehensive treatment programme to help you stop gambling and recover from this condition.

What Is Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction, also known as Gambling Disorder, is a condition marked by a persistent cycle of harmful gambling behaviours that persist even when they disrupt significant aspects of an individual’s life. This addiction often starts with initial and experimental gambling in teenage years or early adulthood and can evolve into a more serious gambling issue.

Gambling is the most common form of addictive behaviour in the United Kingdom. The National Council on Problem Gambling reports that the majority of pathological gamblers are male, with an average age of 40 years old. It is more common in men than women.

Types Of Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction has evolved over the past years. Presently, people with this condition may suffer from either in-person, online gambling, or both.

In-Person Gambling

Gambling can occur in both physical venues and online platforms. Those who struggle with gambling addictions often participate in conventional gambling activities, including casinos, lotteries, bingo, poker, and various card games, in addition to engaging in sports betting.

Online Gambling

Currently, online platforms have significantly increased the accessibility and convenience of gambling for many individuals, which may intensify challenges for those susceptible to gambling addiction. Online betting has gained popularity among problem gamblers in recent years.

How Does Gambling Affect The Brain

When you gamble, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine – the “feel-good” hormone that gives you a sense of pleasure and excitement when you do something pleasurable.

Gambling can cause a “high” by stimulating the release of dopamine in the brain’s reward centre. The problem is that while betting offers an appealing and short-term relief from boredom, it is not a healthy solution. Gambling can take over your life and cause you to neglect other responsibilities like work and family.

Negative Consequences of Gambling Behavior

The adverse effects of gambling addiction can be mitigated when you seek early intervention. However, if this problem remains untreated, you may experience problems in social, occupational, and academic performance, financial difficulties, relationship issues, a heightened risk of developing additional addictions like alcohol and drug dependency, increased susceptibility to a range of mental health conditions, and potential legal repercussions.

Signs And Symptoms Of Gambling Addiction

It is important to understand that not everyone who starts gambling will develop an addiction. However, if you see any of the following signs and symptoms, it is highly recommended that you seek treatment for gambling addiction.

Heightened desire to engage in gambling
Exhibits signs of restlessness and irritability when attempting to stop gambling
Frequently find themselves having thoughts about gambling
Following financial losses, you tend to return on another occasion to recover your losses
You often deceive others to hide the extent of your gambling activities
Compulsive gambling behaviours lead to significant disruptions in major areas of life
Depend on others for assistance to address the financial issues related to gambling.

Gambling Addiction Treatment

When trying to overcome a gambling problem, it is crucial to address not just the physical urge but also the underlying issues that may have contributed to the issue.

Gambling addiction is a complex problem that not only leads to financial loss but also damages relationships and poses a threat to overall physical and mental health well-being. Hence, it is essential to be educated about this condition and get treatment from experts.

The most effective way to stop an addiction is by attending therapy sessions that address the inner conflicts, emotional distress, traumas, and other mental health issues that trigger and maintain gambling addiction. A therapist will help you find new coping skills, change behaviours and attitudes towards gambling, and assist you in transitioning back into everyday life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is among the most commonly utilised evidence-based approaches for addressing gambling addiction. This therapy focuses on the complex relationships between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

Residential Treatment

Some people use gambling as a way to deal with stress or to escape from mental health issues. However, those with a gambling addiction often face triggers that increase their desire to gamble, leading to more compulsive behaviour. Hence, experts suggest rehabilitation programs that create a controlled environment to limit exposure to these triggers.

In a residential or inpatient treatment setting, professionals will assist you in understanding the reasons behind your gambling, identifying triggers, and learning new coping strategies to support long-term recovery and avoid relapse.

Outpatient Treatment

Our outpatient service provides a more flexible option. For those who cannot commit to a full-time stay with us due to outside commitments, we offer a choice that’s more relaxed and open so you can continue your daily obligations of work and family without needing to be committed to a residential treatment programme.

Aftercare

Our aftercare service provides continuous care post-initial treatment. Our mental health professionals offer support and guidance to ensure relapse prevention when returning to everyday life. Here, you can learn about lifestyle changes and avoiding triggers that contribute to your overall success.

Treat Gambling Addiction At PROMIS

A gambling problem can lead to many negative outcomes, such as losing money and damaging personal relationships. While feelings of shame and guilt may slow down recovery, some self-reflection can help. By thinking about how gambling has affected your past, you can take steps to avoid it in the future.

Start your healing journey by contacting our PROMIS experts and professionals today.