Understanding Gambling Addiction: Causes, Warning Signs, and Treatment Programs
There are many types of addictions out there, some of which may not immediately come across as being a mental health disorder. Gambling addiction is much like that, as it isn’t something people automatically see as being a mental health concern.
A gambling addiction can develop quite quickly without showing many signs until it starts to spiral out of control. In this article, we will be discussing what can cause gambling addiction, how you can spot the signs, and how you can seek help for yourself or a loved one.
Gambling Addiction: Common Causes
A gambling addiction can fall under the name of compulsive gambling and a gambling disorder, which are all used to describe the same type of disorder. This is when the urge to gamble is uncontrollable and can lead to irrational behaviors that the person otherwise would never do.
The danger of gambling is that it stimulates the brain’s reward system in the same way that substances like drugs and alcohol do. Because of this, gambling has a high likelihood of becoming addictive, especially for people who are at a higher risk. Although there are no direct causes of gambling addiction that we know of for sure, there are many risk factors that could create a higher likelihood of someone developing a gambling problem, such as:
- Mental health issues: People who develop a gambling addiction may already have mental health issues that put them at a higher risk of this issue. They may have personality disorders, a history of substance abuse, depression, or anxiety. Compulsive gambling may also be associated with conditions like ADHD, OCD, and bipolar disorder.
- Sex: Although not directly the cause, sex can have a role in compulsive gambling as it is more common in men than women.
- Age: Those who are younger or middle-aged may be at a higher risk of developing a gambling addiction, especially if they begin gambling early in childhood.
- External influence: Those who have friends or family who gamble may also be at a higher risk of developing a gambling problem. This may also tie into those who have more access to gambling establishments, such as those living in the vicinity of one.
- Personality characteristics: Certain personalities are at a higher risk of certain mental health issues and addictions, including gambling addiction. This can be associated with people who are highly competitive, impulsive, easily bored, or a workaholic.
Signs of a Gambling Addiction
Those who struggle with a gambling addiction may not realize that their gambling is becoming a problem for quite some time. Unlike something direct, like substance use, gambling can often be disguised as a pastime or a hobby. Because of this, the signs of gambling addiction can usually go unnoticed for quite some time until the repercussions become more severe.
Here are some signs that your gambling may be getting out of hand:
- Feeling the need to gamble more and more.
- Gambling more significant amounts of money.
- Trying to cut back on gambling without success.
- Turning to gambling to escape emotional problems and feelings.
- Feeling the need to lie to friends and family about your gambling.
- Choosing to gamble over family, friends, your job, or school.
- Constantly thinking about gambling throughout the day.
- Having to turn to others to bail you out if your finances are impacted by your gambling.
Differences Between Casual Gambling Vs. Unhealthy Gambling
Part of the danger of gambling is that it can be difficult to identify when it has become an addiction. Casual gamblers will often gamble as a hobby or pastime if they enjoy the uncertainty and the risks involved. Casual gamblers will usually set a limit on how much they are able to gamble or how much they can lose before they stop.
Another thing that casual gamblers often do is only gamble in certain situations. They may gamble on the weekend when they have free time, or they may gamble a few times a year when they visit different gambling locations.
On the other hand, compulsive gamblers are not usually able to stick to limitations as they have an overwhelming urge to keep gambling until they recover their money. Unhealthy gambling will also start to take over your life, resulting in you needing to gamble more and more, which can begin to impact your relationships, home life, and career.
Steps to Take If You Are Struggling With Gambling
If you or a loved one is battling a gambling addiction, there are certain steps that need to be taken to address the problem. Even though gambling is a very specific form of addiction, it shares many similarities with other more common types of addiction that people are familiar with. Because of this, the steps will look quite similar, but everyone will need to approach them differently depending on their triggers and circumstances.
Acknowledge the Problem
With any kind of addiction, the first thing you need to do is acknowledge that there is a problem that needs to be resolved. Many people who struggle with addiction avoid confronting the problem by never acknowledging that it has become an issue. By admitting that you have a problem with gambling, you are accepting responsibility and acknowledging that changes need to be made.
Acknowledging this to yourself is the most important step, but you may also need to acknowledge that you have a problem with friends and family members. Reaching out to loved ones and opening up about what you are going through is a great way of building a support system. Your loved ones can also help hold you accountable if you struggle to do this yourself.
Speak to a Professional
The next step you need to take to address compulsive gambling is to reach out to a professional. Speaking to a therapist is incredibly important for those struggling with addiction when it comes to accountability and finding the best treatment program. It is even better if you can find a therapist who specializes in gambling addictions since they will have a better understanding of this disorder.
If you can’t find a therapist to speak to in person, virtual therapy is a great option that allows for more flexibility.
Put Boundaries in Place
As you are speaking to a therapist, they will most likely help you establish healthy boundaries to protect you from your addictive behaviors. These boundaries will most likely look a bit different for everyone, but their main purpose should be to put as much distance between you and gambling as possible.
For some people, this may mean that you have to disconnect from certain friend groups that may participate in gambling together. Or you may need to start taking a different route to work if your usual route takes you past different gambling establishments.
It can also be helpful to share your boundaries with your friends and family so that they can help you maintain them. Having people in your life who hold you accountable can act as an additional motivational tool so that you don’t fall into old habits.
Join a Gambling Addiction Program
One of the best treatment options for those with gambling addiction is to join a gambling addiction program. These programs are specifically designed for compulsive gambling behaviors and offer full-scale treatment to address these behavioral issues. In a gambling addiction program, you will have access to treatment options, such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
Joining a gambling addiction program also helps you to connect with others who are going through the same journey. This can give you an additional support system with people who will have first-hand experience with what you are going through.
When you’re looking for the best gambling addiction treatment, look no further than Victory Bay. Our professionals are dedicated to not only helping all clients live productive lives, but they’re also advocates for reversing the stigma of mental illness in the country. We are proud to provide a variety of mental health treatment services to give our patients the care and support they need and deserve.
Start your treatment within two hours by reaching out to us today. We believe it’s never too late to begin treatment – and never too soon to start.