An individual with a gambling disorder is someone who is unable to resist their impulses to gamble. This leads to severe personal and, or, social consequences. The urge to gamble becomes so great that relief is found in more gambling. As the gambling progresses, the gambler begins to risk more—both personally and financially. If you have a gambling disorder, you may continually chase bets that lead to losses, hide your behavior, deplete savings, accumulate debt, or even resort to theft or fraud to support your addiction. This can lead to severe personal problems, financial ruin, and criminal behavior to support the gambling habit. Gambling can stimulate the brain’s reward system similar to what happens when taking drugs or drinking alcohol. This reaction in the brain is what can lead to addiction.
Gambling disorder can be caused by various factors. Many individuals, including young adults and adolescents, are likely able to resolve their gambling disorder over time. Gambling disorder tends to run in families, but environmental factors may also contribute. Gambling disorder is also motor prevalent among first-degree relatives of individuals with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder as compared to the general population. Increased rates of gambling disorder are associated with when it begins, like in childhood or early adolescence.
Symptoms of gambling disorder can include:
Symptoms of the disorder can begin as early as adolescence or as late as older adulthood.
There is no perfect way to approach a loved one that you assume or know is struggling with a gambling disorder. The critical sign of problem gambling is often hidden from awareness, with denial. Most people are not aware that they have a problem, so approaching them to tell them that they do have a problem can be difficult. You can not force someone to seek professional care, but you can always offer your support and encouragement. Even though you may not be able to prevent your loved one from developing a gambling disorder, you can still talk with them about treatment options.
There are effective treatments for gambling disorders. The first step in treatment is being able to recognize that you have a gambling problem, which can be difficult for most individuals. Many individuals reach this realization at a very low point brought upon by gambling disorder. Even with treatment, there is a probability that you may return to gambling. This is more likely to occur if you spend time with people who gamble or you’re in gambling environments. If you feel that you’ll start gambling again, contact your mental health professional or sponsor right away to prevent a relapse.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling is used to identify the patterns of behaviors, thoughts, beliefs, etc. that may impact individuals with gambling disorders.
Behavioral therapy/ Cognitive behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy is systematic exposure to the behavior you want to unlearn and teaches you skills to reduce your urge to gamble. Cognitive-behavioral therapy will often focus on identifying unhealthy, irrational, and negative beliefs and replacing them with healthy, positive ones. Another focus of cognitive therapy is to help change distorted beliefs and thoughts that maintain the unhealthy behaviors associated with gambling disorder.
Family therapy: This form of therapy can provide the individual with support, as well as the family in regards to how the gambling behaviors affect the family unit. It can provide the family with skills on how to resolve issues that arise and communicate with each other in a healthy manner.
Self-Help Groups
There are various self-help groups that are options for individuals to attend, such as Gamblers Anonymous. Some people find that talking with others who have a gambling problem may be a helpful part of treatment. Through self-help groups, individuals find a forum of peer support, gaining strength as they share their feelings, and experiences with others who are facing the same obstacles as themselves. Self-help groups can also be helpful because you can have a sponsor that will assist in your continued recovery.
Medications
There are medications that can assist in the treatment of gambling disorders. These medications target symptoms that go along with gambling disorders. Antidepressants and mood stabilizers can help if an individual is struggling with depression or OCD. Some antidepressants may be effective in reducing gambling behavior. Medications called narcotic antagonists are useful in treating substance abuse, so they may help treat gambling disorders as well.
At Clarity Clinic, we are your partners in overcoming Gambling Disorder and regaining control of your life. Our gambling disorder treatment is backed by evidence-based therapies, compassionate support, and experienced therapists, who are there to assist you on a path to a brighter future. Take the first step towards lasting change today by scheduling an appointment. Reclaim your well-being and embrace a life free from the grip of Gambling Disorder.
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