Gambling Rehab

Addiction to gambling is a very real problem requiring a very real solution. Both men and women can suffer from problems with gambling and become addicted. Although gambling is currently more prevalent among men than women, this gap has narrowed significantly with the introduction of online gambling.  Gambling addiction is described as an uncontrollable compulsion to gamble despite the negative consequences and it is the fastest growing addiction problem in the UK. There are very few differences between being addicted to gambling and suffering from drug or alcohol addiction – in both cases the addiction takes over the addict’s life and dictates all their actions.

If you are a compulsive gambler it is extremely difficult to stop gambling without becoming part of a gambling addiction treatment programme. Successful gambling addiction treatment options are designed to help addicts stop gambling and develop the skills and strategies needed for long term recovery.

 

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.

Gambling Rehab Assessment

There are many forms of gambling including, horse racing, greyhound racing, online gambling, Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, slots, bingo and casino table games. Before entering a gambling rehab treatment programme, you will need a rehab assessment. The 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;

-your gambling history,

-the type of gambling that you enjoy,

-your gambling patterns and frequency,

-the impact that gambling is having on your life and family,

-what gambling is costing you in financial terms,

-and 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.

 

The Importance of Seeking Support

If you’re living with a gambling addiction, seeking the right support before the above damages are likely to present themselves will increase your recovery likelihood.

Without seeking support through addiction treatment, a chronic addiction, usually resulting in a dual diagnosis is likely. Many clients we’ve supported have waited some time to reach out, which has resulted in the development of connected mental health issues, and secondary dependences on drugs or alcohol. This will increase the amount of rehabilitation required. Therefore, seeking support before life-altering effects set in will improve your chances of recovering.

If you are already living with a chronic addiction, make it your priority to seek expert support now, before life-threatening psychological and social scenarios develop.

 

Addiction treatment designed for recovery

By reaching out to our team here at Action Rehab, an initial assessment will firstly be required. This will provide information on your addiction, its severity, your triggers and your long-term recovery goals. From here, one of our partnering rehab centres will be recommended to complete a full recovery programme.

We believe that this personalised approach is best to improve recovery probability rates. From here, a number of our industry leading inpatient addiction treatments will be recommended to slowly move you towards an addiction-free future. Common treatment options recommended for a gambling addiction include:

 

• 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.

The Length of Addiction Treatment for Gambling

Depending on the severity of an individual’s gambling addiction, the length of treatment will vary. We follow a personalised approach to recovery here at Action Rehab, therefore, timeframes will change. Please be aware that progression will be observed throughout, ensuring you are on the right road to recover long-term.

We further understand how difficult rehabilitation can be. Therefore, our aim is for an efficient treatment programme. However, as a gambling addiction carries great psychological impacts, please be aware that no quick fixes are likely. We will support you through addiction treatment up until we believe you are ready to lead a positive, independent future, without gambling.

Our Residential Gambling Addiction Programmes

For greatest probability rates, our residential rehab programmes will be recommended here at Action Rehab. Whichever of our partnering rehab centres you visit, spending some time away from your current stresses, influences and routines will kick-start progression, along with improving your recovery rate.

We understand that residential rehab may seem daunting. However, our rehab centres are equipped with comforting facilities and a home from home feel to ensure you feel relaxed while you recover. We believe that the support you receive and the environment you are situated within can influence your recovery. Therefore, we ensure a high standard is experienced throughout your time with us, along with our evidence-based, leading addiction treatments.

If you are living with a gambling addiction, reach out for expert support before life-altering events arise. We can help you lead a positive future armed with life-changing tools. A gambling addiction can be diminished with the right support. Take the first step to a free future by contacting our team today.

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.