Gambling Addiction

Causation of a gambling addiction

A gambling addiction, commonly known as compulsive gambling is an impulsive disorder, influencing uncontrollable betting on the likes of slot machines, racing and even online gambling websites.

For some individuals, a mild gambling problem may be present, associated to social situations; this is different. Gambling problems are usually experienced where a level of control exists. For those with a gambling addiction, a lack of control is present, along with further impulsive, behavioural issues.

A gambling addiction can affect anyone. No matter your background, previous history or financial situation, an unhealthy fixation to gambling can develop for any individual. The causation can also differ depending on circumstances. From associated mental health issues, drug addictions and financial issues, the initial trigger can fluctuate. However, without control and support, a simple coping mechanism or social habit can develop into a chronic gambling addiction.

If you are struggling to shake off gambling, find yourself betting money, even when you’re not in the financial situation to do so, or believe gambling is disrupting your life, seek support through gambling addiction treatment today. Here at Action Rehab, we are addiction and mental health specialists, with significant experience of helping those with gambling problems or addictions through treatment. Reach out for further information on our rehabilitation centres.

Signs and symptoms of a gambling addiction

Acknowledging that a gambling addiction is present can be highly difficult for most. However, if you are concerned that your family or friends betting has become out of control, here are some signs and symptoms that an addiction could be on the horizon, or already here…

• Are they secretly gambling?
• Do they struggle to stop gambling?
• Do they gamble away large amounts of money?
• Do they gamble, even when they aren’t in the financial situation to do so?

If any of the above resonate, a gambling addiction and its detrimental effects could already be here. Although many negative effects may have already been experienced with gambling, there is a way out. Gamblers may believe that a slippery slope to a life-time of gambling may be on the cards. By completing a self-referral or a third-party referral, our team can help individuals overcome their addiction.

The effects a gambling addiction can have

Gambling can have significant negative effects on an individual’s and surrounding loved one’s lives. From common associated drug and alcohol abuse, to financial and debt scenarios, without control, individuals can enter a difficult time of life.

For those with a gambling addiction, developing mental health issues, including anxiety, paranoia and depressive mindsets are likely. As losses pile up, relationships break down, the bills roll in and gambling increases, uncontrollable thoughts and actions can occur.

No matter how good of a gambler someone will be, losses will be experienced, leading to a handful of the above effects. Avoid any negativity by following some self-help tips, while reaching out for expert gambling addiction treatment.

Self-help tips for those struggling with gambling problems

If you believe that a gambling problem is developing and require immediate support, having some self-help tips will help you through the first steps. Firstly, sharing your impulsive behaviour with your loved ones will help the situation. Although you may believe they will judge you or be disappointed, long-term, having a strong support network surrounding you will help to decrease your gambling.

Secondly, reaching out to a gambling helpline in your time of need will provide immediate, expert guidance. Sometimes it is difficult to understand the first steps when considering addiction. Sharing your side effects, influences and goals will promote the help of specialists to take those first hard, yet positive steps to recovery.

Thirdly, joining local support groups and gamblers anonymous sessions, and sharing your experiences and feelings with others will alleviate your worries, while motivating recovery. This may be difficult for many, however, once you’ve completed your first session, you’ll find them extremely helpful when the urge to gamble arises. You’ll begin to feel accountable for your actions and habits.

Finally, if you are experiencing any connected mental health issues, seeking expert support to overcome them will also alleviate your gambling fixation. Both go hand in hand. Therefore, combatting one, will support the other.

Gambling addiction treatment

If your gambling addiction is chronic, and self-help actions have little success, seeking support through addiction treatment should be your next step. Here at Action Rehab, we offer a number of industry leading addiction treatments at our partnering rehab centres, all designed with long-term recovery in mind.

As every addiction is different, including its severity, the initial trigger and whether connected mental health issues are present, we believe in creating personalised treatment plans. This will help to ensure an addiction has fully been diminished, along with any further negative habitual behaviours. However, common treatment options expected when considering a gambling addiction include cognitive behavioural therapy, family therapy, educational sessions and coping mechanism classes.

Our team will help to work on any related mental illnesses you suffer with, along with education yourself and your loved ones on the signs of addiction, and how to overcome any future relapses. We will further provide you with alternative, healthy coping mechanisms to help you work through any future gambling cravings. For some this may be exercise and sport, for others this may be a challenging hobby. Additionally, to further promote long-term recovery, we will provide financial support and advice, ensuring you can manage your finances moving forward post treatment.

If you or a loved one are living with a gambling addiction, reaching out for expert support should be a priority. Although side effects may not be as visible when comparing to a drug or alcohol addiction, long-term effects can be as dangerous. Additionally, if you are struggling with mental health issues, our team can help you overcome these episodes, while diminishing your addictive behaviour.

Reach out to our team here at Action Rehab before greater damage is experienced. Although physical side effects may not be experienced, life-threatening scenarios can develop. Take the first step to addiction recovery by getting in touch.