At one time or another, you may have bet on a baseball game, played the lottery, or played the slot machine at a casino. Whether you won or lost money, you had fun and moved on from that experience. However, there may be times when the rush of winning big takes on a life of its own. If left unchecked, problem gambling negatively impacts your finances, work, family life, and mental health.
This article will discuss gambling addiction in-depth and the common signs that you may have a gambling problem. Most importantly, you will learn how to get help to overcome gambling addiction and reclaim your life. If you have a gambling problem, finding the right treatment program can be difficult. Fortunately, the professionals at My Recovery Source are here to help. We are the leading internet resource for locating the best evidence-based treatment programs that fit your needs. Call us today and let us help you conquer gambling addiction for good.
Defining Gambling Addiction
Problem gambling can affect anyone from any walk of life. It is defined as the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the negative consequences it has on your life. Also known as pathological gambling, gambling addiction is an impulse-control type of disorder. When addicted to gambling, you will do so no matter the consequences or can even afford to do so. Gambling stimulates the reward system in the brain to the safe effect as substances. When you compulsively gamble, you continue to bet and incur losses, use up savings and create debt, and can even turn to theft or fraud.
Despite what many believe, pathological gambling is not the result of one being weak or irresponsible. Many people who develop a gambling addiction are responsible people who may have encountered difficulties in life such as job loss or retirement. Also, people with unmanaged issues such as substance abuse, ADHD, or depression may be more vulnerable to developing a gambling addiction.
The Signs Of Gambling Addiction
Do you think you may have a problem with gambling? Mayo Clinic has outlined the most common signs of gambling addiction:
- Being preoccupied with gambling, such as constantly planning gambling activities and how to get more gambling money
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same thrill
- Trying to control, cut back or stop gambling, without success
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down on gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression
- Trying to get back lost money by gambling more (chasing losses)
- Lying to family members or others to hide the extent of your gambling
- Risking or losing important relationships, a job, or school or work opportunities because of gambling
- Asking others to bail you out of financial trouble because you gambled the money away
Getting Help For Gambling Addiction
The main issue with gambling addiction isn’t stopping the behavior; it is ensuring that the behavior does not return. If you are looking for professional help, you need to find a mental health program that features therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). These programs also include 12-step support group help such as Gamblers Anonymous (GA) or similar groups.
Beyond treatment, there are things you can do on your own to minimize the risk of relapse. If you feel the urge to gamble, call a family member, or friend, or attend a support meeting. Find healthier activities to do such as working out, journaling, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy. It is wise to cancel online betting accounts and set up automatic payments for bills and other expenses with your bank. You may also find benefits in volunteering or mentoring others. If debts have piled up, you may want to seek the help of a credit counselor.
Find Evidence-Based Gambling Addiction Programs With Help From My Recovery Source
Looking for professional help with problem gambling can be an exhausting experience. Knowing what to look for and what questions to ask can make the process frustrating—and you may stop looking for treatment altogether. My Recovery Source is the #1 internet resource to find the quality treatment that will help you stop gambling. Our experienced team of placement professionals will work with you to find the perfect treatment program that will give you the tools and support you need right now.
Don’t wait another day to address your compulsive gambling problem; call My Recovery Source toll-free right now and overcome your gambling addiction for good.