Gambling Addiction Treatment

What Is a Gambling Addiction?

An individual gambles something when they bet an item of value on an uncertain event or outcome, in hopes that they will receive something of greater value should the odds of this bet be in their favor. There is a certain thrill factor associated with the risk of gambling, and the rush of the reward it can have. However, this behavior can very easily become problematic.

When an individual finds themselves incapable of ceasing their risky behavior, even in the face of it becoming detrimental to themselves or others, they are considered to have a gambling addiction.

Most individuals who struggle with compulsive gambling often find themselves losing significant amounts of money in very small periods of time. Over time, this behavior can have severe negative consequences, the most common of which is financial devastation.

Organizations such as The American Psychiatric Association and groups such as Gamblers Anonymous (GA) refer to this habit as “compulsive gambling,” as it is believed that this terminology allows for individuals to feel more in control of their behaviors.

Identifying Signs of a Gambling Addiction

There are several signs that might indicate an individual is struggling with a gambling addiction, including:

• Loss of Interest. A sudden loss of interest in activities, events, and/or hobbies outside of gambling.
• Frequent Bank Activity. Constantly opening up new credit cards, withdrawing cash from the bank, or applying for loans, seemingly without any particular reason.
• Sudden Gain and Loss of Cash. Suddenly acquiring large sums of cash that just as quickly disappear.
• Acting Secretive or Defensive. Hiding gambling behavior, or lying about how often they participate in it.
• Loss of Financial Control. Apparent inability to control self when it comes to placing, raising, or taking bets.
• Unsuccessful Attempts to Quit Gambling. Previous failure to properly treat and/or maintain recovery from a gambling disorder.
• Increased Risk-Taking Behavior. Increased participation in risky behavior such as theft, blackmail, etc.; usually in a desperate attempt to acquire money that allows them to continue gambling.
• Feelings of Guilt. Expression of shame, guilt, or anger towards one’s inability to stop gambling, while still engaging in this behavior.
• Requesting Financial Favors. Asking family members, friends, or others for money or items of value in order to support their addiction.
• Excessive Time Online. Increasing amounts of time spent online in a secretive or discrete way, likely due to engaging in online gambling.

How Do I Stop Problem Gambling?

Like any addiction, compulsive gambling can be an incredibly difficult problem to overcome. For most pathological gamblers, it is recommended that they approach this problem with the goal of achieving complete abstinence from this behavior.

When it comes to stopping gambling, there are several suggested methods of achieving this:

• Addressing the Problem. The first step to recovery from any disorder is acceptance, and this is no less true in the case of gambling addictions; in order to fix harmful behavior, one must first acknowledge their participation in it.
• Ask for Help. Addiction in any form is a difficult issue to cope with; asking for help, whether from family, friends, or externally, can help struggling individuals feel more encouraged and capable in their recovery efforts.
• Join a Support Group. Joining a support group, whether a 12-Step program such as Gamblers Anonymous, or help groups in one’s community or online, can be extremely beneficial for recovering compulsive gamblers.
• Find Alternative Hobbies. For a compulsive gambler, boredom can be crippling in their efforts to curb self-destructive behavior; finding other hobbies or activities to take up free time can greatly reduce the possibility of relapse in these cases.
• Think Ahead. As with any addiction, there will be times when individuals find themselves experiencing cravings, or are exposed to gambling triggers; thinking of the negative consequences this compulsive behavior can have on both themselves and others and taking steps to avoid and/or cope with them is critical in maintaining abstinence.
• Seek Professional Help. For many individuals struggling with gambling or any other addiction, there are usually underlying reasons causing this behavior; getting therapy or counseling to address any mental health conditions or negative emotions that may be triggering these urges can be highly beneficial in their recovery process.

Relapse Prevention Planning for Problem Gamblers

Unfortunately, relapse is always a possibility for any individual who has previously struggled with some form of addiction. However, there are several means of preventing this and ensuring one’s continued abstinence from compulsive gambling.

Some of these include:

• Recognizing the Warning Signs. Feeling helpless, frequent depressive episodes, increased anxiety or stress, a resurgence of compulsive behaviors, etc.
• Having a Plan. In the event that urges to gamble or engage in destructive behaviors come up, having distractions or preventative measures in place to help curb these feelings is extremely important.
• Developing Coping Skills. Having the means of healthily coping with negative feelings and desires can be helpful in maintaining an addiction-free lifestyle; having a daily routine, regularly exercising, breathing techniques, or designated a safe space are all examples of ways in which one can self-manage their difficult emotions.
• Having a Support System. In the event that an individual feels they may not be able to prevent themselves from engaging in addictive behaviors, having designated individuals that they can call to help hold them accountable can be effective in helping them get through particularly intense relapse urges.

Family Support for Problem Gamblers

When it comes to any form of addiction, those struggling with these disorders are not the only ones harmed in the process. In most cases, their family and friends, unfortunately, suffer a great deal of that pain as well.

If you know someone who is suffering or recovering from compulsive gambling and are looking for ways to support them, know that you have already taken a step in the right direction simply by seeking out more information on this form of addiction.

Other ways individuals can help support their addicted loved ones are:

• Holding an Intervention. Addressing their loved ones’ problem behavior in a safe and supportive environment may just be the wake-up call that individual needs to make the decision to overcome their addiction.
• Helping to Look for Treatment Options. Once their loved one is ready to start their recovery journey, having someone to help them look for treatment options can significantly ease the stress this process may cause.
• Providing Financial Support. Whether by pitching in themselves or finding alternative means of funding their addiction treatment, supporting them in addressing any financial barriers that may come up can be a crucial step in their loved one’s recovery.
• Help Themselves First. A person can not help someone else if they are not first taking care of themselves. When it comes to individuals who wish to help a loved one overcome addiction, it is always important to make sure that one’s own needs have been completely fulfilled.

Because this issue can be so destructive to their loved ones, whether financially or emotionally, many approaches to gambling addiction treatment will incorporate couple and/or family therapy. There are also support groups specifically geared towards providing a safe and encouraging environment for people who are struggling with a loved one’s addiction.

Gambling Hotlines and Resources

If you or a loved one is struggling with a gambling addiction and are not yet ready to seek treatment, but still need support, there are resources available to you.

The National Council on Problem Gambling offers a 24/7 hotline that individuals can call or text, in which they can receive completely confidential support. You can reach out to them at 1-800-522-4700 or speak to a representative online here.

If it has become an issue where residential treatment is desired or needed, please reach out to our team of recovery representatives at Rehabs Of Armerica, and we will provide you with the best option nationwide for getting over games of chance once and for all.

How Is a Gambling Problem Treated?

Just as there are thousands of substance abuse recovery and rehabilitation programs, there are a significant number of these that also target gambling addiction. Whether through choosing to partake in inpatient or outpatient treatment, recovering under professional supervision is typically the best path to a successful recovery for addicted individuals.

These treatment programs will typically utilize a combination of methods in treating compulsive gamblers, including behavioral health and mental health analyses, individual or group therapy sessions, treating any co-occurring substance abuse disorders, and more.

For many treatment programs, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques are employed in order to treat a compulsive gambling problem. This form of therapy is designed to help individuals reflect on the thoughts and feelings associated with their destructive behaviors, and to develop better coping mechanisms for and responses to them.

Beyond the Financial Consequences of Problem Gambling?

There are a number of consequences associated with gambling addictions. While financial stress is one of the most obvious complications of this behavior, there are several issues that extend past this, including:

• Mental Health Factors. For a gambling addict, the stress caused by their habit, as well as the feelings of shame and guilt that often coincide with any form of addiction, can often lead to the development of anxiety or other mental health disorders. As a result, these disorders can serve to further aggravate this habit.
• Increased Risk-Taking Behavior. When it comes to compulsive gambling, the thrill associated with the risk of betting on something is, for many people, what becomes so addicting. Unfortunately, this need to engage in risky, adrenaline-producing activity can lead to their participation in more dangerous activities; in many cases, gambling addictions can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing a substance abuse disorder.
• Relationship Deterioration. When it comes to problem gamblers, their habits can often lead to the break-down of their personal relationships. Particularly for individuals who are married, their spouses and children often take the brunt of this destructive behavior, whether emotionally, financially, or both.

Risk Factors for Gambling Addiction?

While anyone can develop a gambling addiction, there are several factors that may increase an individual’s risk for this. These may include:

• Neurological Factors. Some research has suggested that individuals with lower than average levels of norepinephrine, which is one of the chemicals released during the adrenaline rush of a successful gamble, may be more prone to developing a gambling addiction. Because of the thrill associated with betting, those who possess lower amounts of norepinephrine may engage in this risky behavior in order to make up for it.
• Genetics. For individuals who have a family history of addiction, their own likelihood of developing a dependency, whether on a substance or behavior, will be greater than that of someone who does not.
• Environmental Conditions. Living in an environment that is heavily inclusive or supportive of gambling activity can greatly increase an individual’s chances of developing this addiction; for example, children who are introduced to and frequently immersed in the “gambling scene,” such as casinos, from a young age.
• Social Factors. Being surrounded by or exposed to individuals who engage in gambling or other addictive behaviors can also increase a person’s risk of developing this type (and other types) of addiction; this can occur due to peer pressure, fear of social isolation, or a lack of education available on the risks associated with this activity.
• Co-Occurring Disorders. Individuals who struggle with co-occurring mental disorders (i.e., anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc.), personality disorders (i.e., bipolar disorder), or substance abuse disorders may be at greater risk of developing a gambling problem. Some developmental disorders have been associated with this particular addiction as well, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Most Addictive Games of Chance

There are several forms of gambling that can produce addictive tendencies, including electronic gambling machines such as slot machines, betting on races or sports events, or even internet gambling.

When determining which of these is the most addictive, however, studies suggest that classic electric machines are typically the gateway gambling method. This has been found to be due to a number of reasons, including:

• Immediate Payout. When it comes to gambling with these machines, in the rare event that an individual actually wins, they receive their reward immediately. This pretense of instant gratification tends to greatly increase the desire to continuously play, as there is no delay time that might allow for the passing of these urges.
• False Encouragement. Electronic machines tend to provide players with “near-miss” results, in which individuals are made to believe that they just barely lost the game. In these cases, the feeling of nearly having won can trigger a need to repeatedly play in an attempt to secure this win.
• Minor Rewards. Because no one has infinite amounts of money, these machines will often provide small rewards to ease the individual’s initial loss; in most cases, players will use these minor wins to continue playing in hopes of winning. Of course, this is rarely effective, and usually results in them losing their money regardless, but over longer periods of time.
• “Skill” Factor. These machines also often profit off of a false necessity for skill on the player’s behalf. This illusion creates a misguided sense of control in the individual, in which they feel they can increase their chances of success. Of course, in reality, the machine is the only determinant in whether they win or not.

Gambling Addiction and Substance Use Disorders

Gambling addiction and substance abuse disorders very often exist alongside each other. In fact, organizations such as Gamblers Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous often have members that are involved in both groups at the same time.

This is because both forms of addiction can lead to the development of difficult emotions, situations, and/or circumstances, for which one is used as a coping mechanism for the other.

Fortunately, many of the cognitive behavioral therapy techniques utilized in addiction treatment programs are effective in helping individuals learn healthier ways of understanding and overcoming these coexisting disorders.

Dual Diagnosis for Gambling and Addiction

For individuals who are struggling with a compulsive gambling problem, receiving a dual diagnosis for a simultaneous substance addiction can make them feel hopeless. However, there are several recovery options available to those seeking treatment.

Many treatment providers offer inpatient treatment and outpatient programs that specialize in helping individuals who have these dual diagnoses. They typically utilize personalized and clinically-based addiction recovery methods, and seek to address the underlying reasons for an individual’s addictive behavior rather than simply the addiction itself.

Is There Rehab for Gambling Addiction?

While one of the less commonly discussed types of addiction, gambling addiction treatment is available in many forms. Rehabilitative services can vary in their effectiveness on a case-by-case basis, with some treatment methods working better for some than others.

For individuals who require close supervision and a strict structure to their recovery process, finding a treatment center that provides inpatient care may be better suited to their needs. Meanwhile, for those who require more flexibility in their recovery, a treatment facility that can provide outpatient options may be a better choice for their addiction treatment.

Aftercare Planning and Gambling Treatment

Having a plan in place on how to maintain a gambling-free lifestyle after completing initial treatment is an essential part of the recovery process. There are several things this plan may entail, including:

• Developing a daily routine and incorporating healthy habits into one’s lifestyle (i.e., exercising, maintaining a balanced diet, getting decent levels of sleep).
• Establishing a support system to help keep one accountable and assist them through particularly difficult periods.
• Working with a mental health professional in order to continue identifying negative habits, thoughts, and patterns of behavior, and learning healthier ways of managing them.

Is Gambling Treatment Covered by Insurance?

When it comes to gambling addiction treatment, insurance providers will typically provide some type of financial assistance in paying for treatment. However, there are several factors that can impact the level of coverage an individual may be able to receive.

Some of these may include:

• The individual’s specific insurance provider and coverage plan; more comprehensive plans may offer more flexible coverage, while basic plans may only cover therapeutic services in treatment.
• The severity of their dependency, and type of addiction or existing co-occurring disorders.
• Existing history of addiction, or having been previously unsuccessful with addiction treatment.
• The type of treatment facility the individual chooses, as well as the quality of care, additional amenities, or specialized medical services offered.

In order to get a better idea of what kind of coverage an individual may qualify for, it is recommended that they reach out to their insurance provider to discuss the specific benefits available to them.

Long Term Recovery From Problem Gambling is Possible

Compulsive gambling can be extremely problematic, both to the gambler and the people around them. However, this addiction is treatable, and long-term recovery is absolutely possible for those who seriously wish to enact positive change in their lives.

Whether an individual decides to recover at a treatment center under professional supervision or seek out support groups and organizations that allow for a more self-directed recovery approach, this addiction can be beaten. Addiction in any form can be an isolating and painful experience, but it doesn’t have to be.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a gambling addiction and is ready to seek out help, know you are in the right place.

Here at Rehabs Of Armerica, we are dedicated to connecting you with the best treatment provider and addiction recovery programs for your needs. Call our 24/7 hotline today, and take that first step in getting back to a healthier relationship with your finances, your loved ones, and most importantly, yourself!