Gambling Addiction Treatment
A gambling addiction can ruin a person’s life. In addition to the financial losses, it
can lead to family breakdown and strained relationships, legal issues, and physical
problems like ulcers or headaches ig918. Moreover, pathological gamblers tend to turn to
substance abuse in an effort to cope with the emotional turmoil, which can further
exacerbate their problems. This is why it’s essential to seek gambling addiction
treatment as soon as possible. In order to get help, you should find a reputable
treatment facility that provides both inpatient and outpatient care. Some treatment
facilities also offer therapy for loved ones of those dealing with a gambling addiction.
A therapist can help you understand the root cause of your gambling problem. The
therapist will identify the negative beliefs and thought patterns that are contributing
to your behavior, and teach you new ways of thinking and behaving. Psychotherapy
can be paired with other treatments, including group support and a 12-step program
like Gamblers Anonymous. Medications can also be beneficial to those struggling
with gambling addiction. Mood stabilizers and antidepressants can relieve some of
the symptoms that come along with gambling addiction, such as anxiety,
depression, and stress. Moreover, narcotic antagonists can reduce the urge to
gamble by blocking the euphoric effect of gambling activities.
Several research studies have found that cognitive-behavioral approaches work well
in treating gambling disorder. One study found that imaginal desensitization, which
involves repeatedly seeing images of gambling-related items, was superior to a no-
treatment control group (McConaghy et al., 1983). Another study compared a
combination of individual stimulus control and in vivo exposure with response
prevention and cognitive restructuring (e.g., imaginal desensitization and aversion
treatment) to a waiting-list control group. This combination of techniques led to the
best results in reducing time spent gambling (Echeburura et al., 1994).
However, more research is needed to identify the most effective treatments for
gambling disorder. This is because most of the published investigations are case
studies or small-sample experiments whose results may not be generalizable.
The most important step is to acknowledge that you have a gambling problem and
are willing to take action to address it. You should avoid gambling-related situations
and people, especially when you are feeling a strong urge to gamble. In addition,
you should turn over financial responsibilities to a trusted friend or spouse and
consider a debt repayment plan. Lastly, you should focus on developing self-control.
In the long run, gambling addiction can be treated through a variety of different
therapy methods. It’s also essential to keep in mind that gambling addiction is not a
sign of moral weakness or lack of willpower, as some people might think. Rather, it’s
the result of brain changes that occur when someone engages in addictive
behaviors. If you’re ready to begin recovery, BetterHelp can match you with a
therapist who specializes in gambling addiction. Fill out a brief questionnaire, and
you’ll be matched within 48 hours. Plus, your first month is 20% off.