An addiction to gambling is a very real problem requiring a very real solution, so don’t fret if you’re in need, we are here to help you recover from the weight of addiction within a designated gambling rehab.
Find out here how to spot if you’re suffering from gambling addiction, what it actually is and how you can get help for your own, or somebody else’s gambling problem.
What Is a Gambling Addiction?
A gambling addiction is described as an uncontrollable compulsion to gamble despite the negative consequences and it is among the fastest growing addiction problems in the UK.
You may resonate with the term ‘compulsive gambler’; this is when no matter the risk, the urge to gamble is so strong that you perform the action of gambling no matter what.
These urges are strong, behavioural triggers and they can be difficult to combat alone. That is why it is first important to understand whether you’re showing gambling addiction symptoms, then, you’re able to better understand how you can combat the addiction itself.
Signs of Gambling Addiction
Acknowledging that a gambling addiction is present can be highly difficult, but it is the right step in the right direction.
Whether it is yourself or somebody else’s betting that has become out of control, here are some signs and symptoms that an addiction could be the problem.
- Pre-occupation: This is when no matter what you’re doing, even when it has nothing to do with gambling, you still feel the strong urge to gamble and when the next time is that you will gamble.
- Increasing your bets: Whether it is a little or a lot, an increase in money that you’re betting on to feel the thrill of betting is a telling sign that you’re suffering from addiction.
- Unsuccessful attempts at stopping gambling: Failing at attempts of giving up on gambling and making excuses for continuing.
- Irritability: Becoming restless or irritated when trying to draw back gambling.
- Using gambling as an escape: If gambling is feeling like some sort of release or something that you can escape to, you might be suffering from a gambling problem.
- Chasing losses: Chasing after money that has been gambled away is a slippery slope, it only perpetuates gambling cycle even further.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Concentrating on only gambling and neglecting all responsibilities, from self care to career, school etc.
- Loss of control: Total loss of control over your urges to gamble and gambling by any means.
- Behavioural withdrawals: When you’re not gambling, you’re feeling sad and depressed and irritated.
If any of the above sound familiar, a gambling addiction and its detrimental effects could already be unfolding.
Although many negative effects may have already been experienced with gambling, there is a way out; by completing a self-referral or a third-party referral, our team can help individuals overcome their addiction.
What to Expect at Gambling Rehab
Once you’ve made the significant step of admitting your addiction, the next step is to spend time in a rehab that can help you get the help you need and deserve.
This is a huge step in the right direction and you should be proud of making this initial move. So what comes first when you’ve decided to get help for gambling addiction?
Step 1: Gambling Rehab Assessment & Pre-Admission
Before entering any rehab treatment programme, you will need a pre-admission phone call and assessment. This assessment will help identify the extent and severity of your addiction to gambling so that you can find the best treatment programme for your condition.
During the rehab assessment process, you will discuss the following issues including, but not limited to:
- Your gambling history
- The type of gambling that you play
- Your gambling patterns and frequency
- The impact that gambling is having on your life and family
- How much gambling costing you in financial terms
- Any antisocial behaviour associated with your gambling
Once you have completed the gambling rehab assessment process a qualified counsellor will be able to establish whether you will benefit most from counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy, Gamblers Anonymous or an intensive residential rehab programme.
Step 2: Admission to Rehab for Gambling
Secondly, you will actually be admitted to the level of treatment that is recommended and that fits within your schedule, needs and budget.
There is a range of treatments available for people who need rehab, gambling induces a real shift in personality and mood so it is highly recommended that you take full advantage of the cognitive therapies offered.
All rehabs are different in the way they tackle behavioural addictions, and your addiction treatment plan will typically be tailored to you and your level of addiction.
Gambling addiction recovery isn’t easy, which is why there is help out there and a solution.
Step 3: Aftercare Post- Gambling Addiction Rehab
Once you have completed treatment, whether it is outpatient or inpatient rehab for gambling addiction, you can take advantage of free resources in your community, as well as any aftercare programmes offered by your chosen facility.
Find some of the free gambling addiction treatment facilities at the bottom of this page if you’re struggling to find aftercare or initial help. Otherwise, get in touch with us at Action Rehab directly on 0151 268 6992.
Addiction Gambling Treatment Types
A personalised approach to gambling rehabilitation is the best way to improve recovery probability rates. We can refer you to rehabs that have a range of treatment types, so you’re able to take advantage of more than one kind of gambling addiction therapy.
So there aren’t any big surprises in store, common treatment options recommended for a gambling addiction can include, but aren’t limited to:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy: As a gambling addiction is a psychological illness, cognitive behavioural therapy is a highly successful treatment option to complete. Our mental health professionals will work with our clients to understand their current feelings towards gambling, along with their mindset while betting. From here, any misconceptions will be addressed, along with transforming negative feelings, into positive views. The aim is to change an individual’s opinion on the need to gamble for a better life.
- Psychotherapy: This can be completed through support groups or individual sessions, again working on the psychological connection to gambling. This treatment option will work hand in hand with CBT.
- Family therapy: It is highly likely that friends and family members have been affected while their loved one suffers through a gambling addiction. These sessions will educate family members on dependencies, along with providing them with the time to heal and move forward.
- Educational sessions: These sessions serve our clients well for the transition post rehab. This treatment option will improve their knowledge on addiction and the impacts, along with identifying any future gambling relapses. Healthy coping mechanisms will also be promoted to alter our client’s behavioural habits.
- Alternative treatments to support mental health/addiction issues: For many of our clients, connected mental health issues will be present. The likes of depression and anxiety are likely to be experienced by those with gamblingTreatment options will also cater to our client’s mental wellbeing and requirements. Additionally, secondary addictions are likely for those with compulsive gambling problems. Medical detoxes or medication may be required if a drug or alcohol dependency is present.
How Long Does Gambling Addiction Rehab Last?
Depending on the severity of an individual’s gambling addiction, the length of treatment will vary.
It is also dependent on the rehab that you choose, some programmes may last up to the typical 28-day stay, while some may only require you to stay 7-nights.
There is no exact answer, however gambling rehab, UK based, is typically a part of a larger rehab in which there are a range of addictions being treated. Plus, it is common for people to have more than one addiction, for instance gambling addiction and alcoholism.
If this is the case, you will be treated for all of your addictions; this is why a personalised approach is so vital. Please be aware that progression will be observed throughout, ensuring you are on the right road to recover long-term.
We understand how difficult rehabilitation can be, therefore, our aim is to get you into an efficient treatment programme. However, as a gambling addiction carries great psychological impacts, we will support you through addiction treatment up until we believe you are ready to lead a positive, independent future, without gambling.
Risks of a Gambling Addiction
If you’re ignoring the signs of gambling problem, or are feeling in denial about having an addiction, think about the risks that come with gambling and think about why you may need to seek help if you’re resonating with gambling addiction warning signs.
These are some of the biggest risk factors of gambling, especially if you’re continuing to gamble after admitting that you have an addiction.
- Debt
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Breakdown in relationships
- Suicidal thoughts
The bottom line is, if you’re displaying symptoms of a gambler, we highly encourage you to seek help and treatment before it takes its toll, get in touch with us at Action Rehab today to find out how we can help.
Self-help for Gambling Addiction Therapy
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.
Having a strong support network surrounding you will help to decrease your gambling habits.
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.
Get Help Now
Our team will help you find the solution to work on any related mental illnesses you suffer with, along with educating yourself and your loved ones on the signs of addiction.
Attending rehab for gamblers could save your life, so if you or a loved one are living with a gambling addiction, reaching out for expert support should be a priority.
Call us today on 0151 268 6992, fill in one of our contact forms or email us at info@action-rehab.com.
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