Gambling Addiction

When we think of addiction, we usually think of illicit substances like cocaine, heroin or prescription medications like benzodiazepines and opiates. However, another form of addiction can be just as devastating to a person’s life – gambling addiction. It is also known as pathological gambling or ‘problem gambling”. According to the North American Foundation for Gambling Help, pathological gambling impacts almost 10 million Americans.

Gambling addiction is a behavioral or ‘process’ addiction. Other examples include eating disorders, sex addiction, and even shopping addiction. It is characterized by a compulsive need to gamble and continuing to do so despite clear negative and destructive consequences. A report in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry emphasized that behavioral addictions warrant serious consideration regarding appropriate treatment.

Gambling addiction can take over a person’s life and disrupt their work, education, and relationships. It can also lead to serious financial difficulty. Problem gamblers may be fully aware of the financial risk they put themselves in when they continue to gamble. Still, the power of addiction is strong and can override logical, rational thinking.

Studies conducted by the North American Foundation for Gambling Addiction Help point out the risk of developing a gambling addiction is significantly higher when a person also struggles with alcohol or substance misuse. At Excel, our recovery experts are trained in treating co-occurring disorders such as gambling addiction and alcoholism. This means that we can more effectively prevent the chance of relapse for both conditions than would be possible if only one condition were treated.

As previously mentioned, gambling is a behavioral addiction. Behavioral addictions often start as a result of past experiences and unresolved traumas. When gambling addiction occurs, the affected individual will prioritize gambling over other important areas of life, such as school, work, relationships, and even maintenance of their general health.

Gambling addiction grows in strength by continued gambling. The experience of placing a bet and winning acts on the brain’s reward system, namely its dopamine center. Dopamine is a brain chemical, or neurotransmitter, responsible for the positive feeling we get when we anticipate pleasure. It is connected to our motivation and desire to take action. When we place a bet and win, the brain’s reward center lights up.

While some people can gamble and stop without any problems, others are more prone to developing an addiction. So, when the brain’s rewards center is activated, it motivates us to continue gambling. Those who are more prone to addiction may enter a downward spiral of gambling-related behavior and feel unable to stop.

Recovery from gambling addiction requires professional treatment. Addiction is a progressive condition, so if treatment is not sought, the condition will get worse. Problematic gamblers who do not receive treatment can be subject to significant loss and even psychological damage.

Gambling exerts a strong influence over our psychology, especially in those prone to addiction. When a person becomes addicted to gambling, they feel an intense adrenaline rush when they place a bet. This rush is amplified with higher stakes. It can be so powerful that they will jeopardize their savings and personal possessions just to increase the stakes and feel that rush.

Other effects of gambling addiction include:

If you notice any of the above signs in yourself or someone you love, please reach out to Excel for help. We are equipped with a team of specialists who can support you or your loved one through recovery, and prevent further progression of gambling addiction and its adverse health effects.

Psychotherapy is an essential element of treatment for any behavioral addiction. The origins of addiction often lie in our past, more specifically, in our early childhood or our past unresolved traumas. According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help clients explore the thoughts, feelings, and emotions driving their addictive behavior. In therapy, clients also learn practical coping skills to use when difficult emotions or situations push them to gamble.

Support groups are also an important part of a gambling addiction recovery program. 12-Step programs such as Gamblers Anonymous share the same principles as 12-Step substance addiction support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. When gambling addiction consumes a person, they are likely to feel alienated from others and suffer from loneliness and isolation. SAMHSA reports that group therapy and support networks can alleviate these feelings and show the affected person that compassionate support is available.

At Excel, we use the latest, evidence-based treatment approaches to help you or your loved one overcome gambling addiction.

We can offer:

Addiction is characterized by a loss of control over one’s behavior. At Excel, we focus on helping clients regain control over their lives and returning to a life of happiness and fulfillment. Please contact us today to arrange an appointment with one of our addiction recovery experts.