Place a Bet on Yourself: Recovering from Gambling Addiction
One of the most common behavioural addictions is gambling addiction. According to global estimates, 2-3% of Americans meet the criteria for problem gambling, with another 2-3% being considered pathological gamblers. The rate is even higher among ethnic minorities and youth. According to a 2010 study, 6-9% of teenagers and young adults suffer from a gambling addiction. India rates among the highest number of gamblers, especially involving betting on cricket matches and now online gaming apps.
Gambling addiction causes relationship issues and debt, among other issues. Additionally, it frequently co-occurs with other addictions, particularly alcoholism. In the grip of a gambling addiction, it’s easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed. Those who have a gambling problem can regain control of their lives with the appropriate treatment.
Hope Trust has successfully treated over 600 people with gambling addiction since its inception in 2002. Now, it offers online packages to help people recover from gambling.
When does gambling turn into an addiction?
According to a 2016 Gallup poll, 64% of a representative sample of Americans reported gambling at least once in the previous year, indicating that gambling is a common diversion. From school raffles to state lotteries, gambling can be found everywhere. Because of this, it may be challenging to differentiate between problem and normal gambling. The constant availability of gambling opportunities can make maintaining sobriety difficult for those in recovery.
Normal gambling is an enjoyable pastime that one can quickly abandon. They are unlikely to feel bad about gambling, and they don’t feel the need to hide their gambling or tell lies about it. In contrast, gambling addiction is frequently a private matter, resulting in feelings of guilt and shame. Compulsive gambling can lead to a variety of other issues for those who suffer from gambling addiction.
The following signs of compulsive gambling are listed in the DSM-5. A person must display at least four of these symptoms over a year to be diagnosed with a gambling addiction:
- Having to spend more money to experience the same level of thrill
- Experiencing anxiety or restlessness when trying to stop gambling
- Constant attempts to curtail or eliminate gambling
- Constant gambling thoughts
- Gambling as a coping mechanism for psychological discomfort
- Going back to gambling, even after losing money, frequently to make up for lost money
- Hiding gambling activities from others
- Using gambling as an excuse to risk or lose something significant, like a job or relationship.
- Being in financial trouble because of gambling. When it comes to gambling-related financial issues, many gambling addicts turn to others for assistance.
What makes gambling addiction treatment challenging?
Gambling does not directly alter the brain, in contrast to substances like alcohol and tobacco. Comparing gambling addiction to chemical addictions may seem odd to people who are not familiar with behavioural addictions. However, like alcohol and drugs, gambling addiction can alter the brain over time.
Gambling provides a strong sense of accomplishment and reward. People may be greatly encouraged to continue gambling by this. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter also connected to chemical addictions, may be released during gambling, according to research on gambling addicts. A gambler may feel happy and even “high” due to this dopamine release.
Problem gamblers may experience a variety of difficulties as their gambling addiction worsens. These consist of:
- Loss of family resources
- Inability to pay bills
- Issues with marriage and relationships
- Bookies’ threats and harassment from those who have lent money
Since those who have a gambling addiction may use gambling as a coping mechanism for stress, this stress may lead to increased gambling. This starts a vicious cycle whereby gambling lowers a person’s quality of life, which they then turn to as a coping mechanism. As life steadily worsens, people gamble more and more.
Gambling frequently coexists with other addictions, particularly alcoholism. According to one study, roughly 23% of patients undergoing alcoholism treatment also had gambling addiction. When two addictions interact, treatment may become more difficult and recovery more complex.
The majority of individuals with gambling disorders discover that they must completely stop gambling to prevent relapsing. This can be challenging. Since gambling is legal in many places and available on smartphones, there are plenty of opportunities, and it’s hard to avoid. Avoiding temptation can feel like a full-time job because gambling is a common social activity that is easily accessible everywhere, from sporting events to get-togethers.
How can you get rid of your gambling problem?
Gambling addiction is a condition that can be effectively treated. Since most problem gamblers use gambling as a coping mechanism for psychological pain, successful treatment involves addressing the underlying emotions that fuel the addiction. It’s also crucial for treatment to respect a patient’s spiritual beliefs, cultural needs, and values. There are several effective treatment options, including:
- Addressing underlying mental health conditions like anxiety or depression
- Psychotherapy helps gamblers stop by addressing the feelings associated with gambling and providing helpful criticism and feedback
- Inpatient treatment for gambling addiction
- Addiction day treatment programs and intensive addiction outpatient or online programs are examples of outpatient programs
- Participation in 12-step recovery programs such as Gamblers Anonymous
- Working the 12-step recovery program with a therapist
Like other addictions, gambling is also highly relapse-prone. Many addiction specialists consider relapse to be a normal part of the recovery process because about 90% of individuals with gambling addictions relapse for the first time. Each relapse offers a chance to gain more knowledge about what works and what doesn’t in recovery and to get closer to long-term gambling sobriety.
If you or someone you care about has a problem with gambling
Addiction frequently functions in secret and feeds on shame. The first step towards recovery for many people is simply acknowledging that they have a problem or thinking that a loved one may have a problem. This admission helps dispel excuses and justifications and refocuses attention on locating the best course of action.
How to help someone who Is addicted to gambling
Let’s say a loved one seems to be addicted to gambling. In that instance, it is imperative to treat their compulsive behaviour as a medical condition, similar to diabetes or heart failure, rather than as a moral or personal failing. Addiction is not something that anyone chooses to do voluntarily. If your loved one could, they would stop themselves.
Try having a judgment-free conversation with them. Show them that you care and support them and offer to accompany or assist them in finding treatment. Setting and communicating clear boundaries is crucial if a close friend or family member is struggling with an addiction that is interfering with your life. To safeguard the family’s finances, a partner may open a solo bank account, while parents may make it clear they will no longer give their kids money to be used for gambling.
How to beat gambling addiction
Some gamblers feel they can stop without help or disclosure. The reason behind this may be guilt, shame, or denial.
To become and remain sober, the majority of people with an addiction will require support and treatment.
You can determine whether you have an addiction and discuss your options with a caring therapist who focuses on addictive behaviours. Additionally, a good therapist can help you talk to loved ones, mend damaged relationships, and create a plan to take back your life.
If you or your loved one is struggling with an addiction, click www.hopetrustindia.com for an instant online appointment with an addiction therapist.