The Role of Therapy in Treating Gambling Addiction 

Those who struggle with gambling addiction may not know what direction to take when treating this specific mental health disorder. Despite the fact that gambling addiction is quite common, it is not a type of addiction that is talked about as much as other common addictions, such as alcohol or drug addictions. 

Anyone who struggles with gambling addiction should seek help as soon as possible to begin the process of getting their life back. In this article, we will be discussing how to know if you have a gambling addiction, the different therapeutic treatment options, and lifestyle changes you will need to make for a successful recovery. 

What is Gambling Addiction? 

Part of the reason why gambling addiction does not get as much focus as other types of addictions is because of how complex and unique it is. Unlike a common addiction such as alcoholism, gambling is an outside force where you are doing something, not consuming something. This can make it a bit more complex since it doesn’t show the same warning signs as other addictive disorders. 

The basic definition of a gambling addiction is the inability to control the desire and the urge to gamble despite knowing that this comes with negative consequences. This type of addiction is becoming more prevalent as it is easier to get into addictive gambling habits by way of the internet. Gambling addiction is also called pathological gambling, gambling disorder, or compulsive gambling. 

Anyone who dabbled in gambling has a very high likelihood of developing a gambling addiction without realizing it. Gambling imitates a high by stimulating the brain’s reward system, making it especially dangerous for certain personalities that may thrive on taking risks. 

There is a high likelihood that you may be struggling with gambling disorder if you have experienced any of these symptoms: 

• Having frequent thoughts about gambling. 

• Not being able to stop gambling. 

• Chasing your gambling losses. 

• Relying on others to fix your money problems. 

• Gambling more and more to achieve the same high. 

• Hiding your gambling from friends and loved ones. 

• Gambling as a way of coping with negative feelings. 

• Experiencing significant financial issues in relation to your gambling. 

• Gambling, despite it negatively impacting your personal and work life. 

Types of Gambling 

Another element of compulsive gambling that makes it more prevalent is that it comes in many different forms. Most people think of the standard type of gambling, which usually involves going to a casino or buying lottery tickets. However, there are many different types of gambling, with the options continually growing since you can now easily gamble online. 

Some examples of gambling that can lead to addictive behaviors include: 

• Casino games 

• Lottery tickets 

• Poker and bingo 

• Raffles and scratch-offs 

• Fantasy sports 

• Sports betting 

• Horse racing 

• Stock market 

• Dice and online gaming 

Therapeutic Treatment Options For Gambling Addiction 

Although compulsive gambling is quite a complex disorder, there are several treatment options you can utilize to take back control. The first step of this process is admitting that you have a problem and want to get better. No matter what treatment option you choose, the most critical aspect is that you are motivated to address the problem and make a positive change. 

Individual Counseling 

A great treatment option that anyone who is struggling with compulsive gambling could benefit from is individual therapy. Individual therapy is when you work one-on-one with a therapist to break down why you are struggling with gambling addiction and the best way of reversing it. 

You can work with your therapist to better understand your triggers and the root cause of your addiction so that you can create a strategy for controlling and reversing it. 

Group Counseling 

A therapeutic treatment option that is often combined with individual therapy is group counseling. Group counseling is very similar to individual counseling, except that you will be working with a therapist in a group setting with other people who are also struggling with gambling addiction. This is a beneficial option that allows you to build a support group with others who are going through the same process that you are. 

Group therapy sessions often focus on creating a supportive environment where individuals are able to hold each other accountable. Members are encouraged to speak about their personal experiences as well as celebrate milestones in their recovery journey. 

Support Groups 

Support groups are quite similar to group therapy but often have a more laid-back setting. They aren’t always as focused on treating gambling addiction as much as they are focused on creating an atmosphere of support and encouragement. Support groups are also peer-led instead of led by an actual therapist. 

Gamblers Anonymous and 12-step programs are common examples of support groups that provide a sense of community and often encourage members to connect with one another to encourage accountability. 

Gambling Addiction Programs 

The best option for anyone struggling with compulsive gambling is to join a gambling addiction program. Gambling addiction programs will combine all of these treatment options in one package, making treatment more accessible. Those who join a gambling addiction program will also receive personalized financial planning and support since this is a huge part of addressing compulsive gambling. 

Going through a gambling addiction program will equip you with all the tools you need in your recovery so that you can get your life back. You also have a strong support system backing you, which is a vital part of continued success after leaving the program. 

Lifestyle Changes For Gambling Addicts 

Like any kind of addiction, addressing compulsive gambling starts with the basic principles of how you live your life. Lifestyle changes will make a considerable impact on your recovery, especially when combined with therapeutic treatment options. Here are some tips and lifestyle changes you will need to implement if you are struggling with gambling addiction: 

• Support system: Along with group counseling and support groups, you also need to find support within your inner circle. This could mean getting support from your family or friends so that you can make amends and don’t end up self isolating. 

• Healthy habits: Gambling often becomes an unhealthy coping mechanism that you may turn to in times of stress or unhappiness. During recovery, you will need to find healthy ways of coping that do not lead to gambling, such as exercising, hobbies, or volunteering. 

• Balanced life: Something that can result in a relapse for many people is having too much empty time, where the gambling cravings may become worse. You will need to create a balanced lifestyle that counteracts too much isolation or downtime so that you have less time to focus on gambling. You can do this by incorporating more healthy habits into your life and by reconnecting with friends and family. 

• Situation awareness: To avoid dealing with excessive gambling cravings, you need to develop situational awareness so that you do not find yourself in triggering situations. This may include avoiding certain areas where there are gambling establishments, getting rid of credit cards, or removing any subscriptions or memberships to gambling websites. 

If you want to join a gambling addiction program, look no further than Victory Bay. Our mental health professionals are dedicated to helping our clients make full recovery as well as shedding light on the negative effects of compulsive gambling. We provide a variety of mental health treatment services that you can take advantage of, and we are dedicated to reversing the stigma of mental illness. 

It’s never too late to begin treatment, so reach out to us today to get help.