Gambling Addiction Treatment

Unlike normal recreational gamblers, the problem gambler may display the following behaviors:

• Giving up favorite hobbies, recreational activities, or family events in order to gamble
• Opening up a new checking account or applying for new credit cards without any apparent need for more money
• Possessing large amounts of cash, which then disappear
• Acting secretive or defensive about one’s gambling activities
• Having difficulties at work or conflicts in relationships because of gambling wins or losses
• Loss of control over how much money is wagered in any given gambling session
• Attempting to stop gambling without success
• Placing increasingly large bets or taking increasingly dangerous risks (such as borrowing money from illegal sources or stealing from others)
• Expressing guilt, shame, or remorse about gambling yet being unable to stop
• Asking to borrow money from friends or family members, with no obvious need for extra cash
• Lying about activities or spending habits
• Spending a lot of time online and refusing to talk about activities on the computer

Why does one individual engage in gambling only occasionally, and strictly for entertainment, while another can’t stop betting and taking self-destructive risks with their money? The answer may lie in one or more causes or risk factors:

• Neurochemistry: Compulsive gambling, also known as pathologic gambling, triggers physical and emotional reactions that are similar to the responses to drug or alcohol use. A big win can trigger the release of naturally occurring chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine, creating a rush of pleasure and energy, as well as feelings of power and invincibility. The Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine points to research stating that individuals with a gambling problem may have lower than average levels of norepinephrine, a chemical that generates feelings of energy. The high of a gambling win may help to create sensations of elation or power that their natural chemistry does not provide.
• Family history: If one of more close relatives has a history of compulsive behavior or addiction, the risk of developing an addiction to gambling or another substance or process is increased. According to Alcohol Research & Health, the risk of developing alcoholism is up to 60 percent greater in males or females who have a family history of alcohol abuse. This genetic predisposition appears to apply to other forms of substance abuse, as well as to process addictions like compulsive gambling.
• Social and environmental factors: Living in an environment where gambling is widely practiced and accepted can increase one’s chances of becoming a compulsive gambler. Other social factors, such as isolation from others, peer pressure to gamble, or the frequent abuse of drugs or alcohol may contribute to problem gambling. Some individuals gamble out of loneliness and a need for distraction, while others may gamble out of a need to relieve stress or to gain approval from peers.
• Co-occurring mental illness or substance use disorders: Mayo Clinic notes that compulsive gambling is more common among people who have a co-occurring mental health diagnosis — such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety — or a substance use disorder. Impulse control disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also increase the risk of having a problem with gambling.

Some of the core therapies available through gambling recovery programs include:

• Individual therapy: Working one-on-one with a therapist, the compulsive gambler strengthens the motivation to stop gambling, identifies triggers and dysfunctional coping strategies, and learns how to deal with stresses and triggers in more effective, productive ways. Therapists utilize modalities such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), a collaborative approach that engages both the client and therapist in an effort to overcome addiction.
• Group therapy: Group therapy sessions help problem gamblers build a network of supportive peers who are working to overcome the same issues. In group therapy, members exchange personal experiences, coping strategies, and hopes for the future. Self-help support groups like Gamblers Anonymous and other 12-Step programs can be an important component of a comprehensive recovery plan.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT addresses the self-defeating thoughts and behaviors that lead to problem gambling. The Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine notes that CBT is especially helpful at correcting the delusional thinking that characterizes compulsive gambling, such as the belief that one can win in spite of repeated, devastating losses.
• Family or couples counseling: In contemporary therapeutic settings, addiction is viewed as a problem that affects entire families, not just isolated individuals. As a result, the family must be treated as a unit in order for rehab to be successful. Family and couples counseling helps to create a more supportive home environment that is conducive to sobriety and a life free from gambling or substance abuse. This form of counseling also strengthens the bonds among family members, defines boundaries, and reestablishes trust.