gambling addiction
gambling addiction

If you are looking for a high quality and effective type of Psychotherapy for gambling addiction support in Newcastle, Durham or Middlesbrough or searching for counselling help, please search through the website for the information you require. Any questions or queries you have can be discussed on the phone with your initial enquiry.

Gambling

Many people can enjoy gambling without it becoming a problem, but over time, some people develop a gambling addiction that can ruin their lives. Compulsive gambling is a progressive illness, so even if you’ve gambled before and been okay, a problem could develop later on. The urge to gamble can be overwhelming, leading someone to lie, steal, blow through their savings and miss out on the rest of their lives. Several signs indicate when normal enjoyment of gambling transitions into a problem. The earlier the process is identified, the better the chances for a successful recovery. Although compulsive gambling is hard to overcome, many people are able to manage their illness with professional help.

Many people can enjoy gambling without it becoming a problem, but over time, some people develop a gambling addiction that can ruin their lives. Compulsive gambling is a progressive illness, so even if you’ve gambled before and been okay, a problem could develop later on. The urge to gamble can be overwhelming, leading someone to lie, steal, blow through their savings and miss out on the rest of their lives. Several signs indicate when normal enjoyment of gambling transitions into a problem. The earlier the process is identified, the better the chances for a successful recovery. Although compulsive gambling is hard to overcome, many people are able to manage their illness with professional help.

Many people can enjoy gambling without it becoming a problem, but over time, some people develop a gambling addiction that can ruin their lives. Compulsive gambling is a progressive illness, so even if you’ve gambled before and been okay, a problem could develop later on. The urge to gamble can be overwhelming, leading someone to lie, steal, blow through their savings and miss out on the rest of their lives. Several signs indicate when normal enjoyment of gambling transitions into a problem. The earlier the process is identified, the better the chances for a successful recovery. Although compulsive gambling is hard to overcome, many people are able to manage their illness with professional help.

Recognising a Problem.

In many cases, it is the compulsive gambler themselves that will notice the signs of gambling addiction, but many will attempt to ignore them despite knowing their habit is unhealthy and not sustainable. Others however may be completely unaware that their gambling has escalated until they are hit with a financial crisis that makes them consider the consequences and severity of their habit. Often people will engage in gambling as a way to escape stress and personal problems. In the beginning it can be fun and stimulating, and a handy distraction from the pressures of everyday life. Yet over time gambling can lose its appeal and can soon become something people do to feel normal. Ironically, although unpleasant feelings such as stress, loneliness and anxiety often drive people to compulsively gamble, many will be driven into further depression and emotional discomfort as their addiction worsens.

Therefore, recognising and acknowledging the signs of gambling addiction is vital if a sufferer wants to prevent their disorder from getting worse. If you are worried that you have a gambling problem, take a look at the following signs which are common in those who compulsively gamble:

  • Are you spending more time and money on gambling than you can afford?
  • Are you finding it hard to manage or stop your gambling?
  • Are you increasingly taking larger risks to satisfy your urge to gamble?
  • Are you losing interest in usual activities and hobbies?
  • Is gambling constantly on your mind?
  • Do you gamble until all of your money is gone?
  • Are you feeling constantly anxious, irritable, guilty or depressed?
  • Do you feel the need to be secretive and lie about your gambling?
  • Do you gamble even when you don’t have the money?
  • Have family and friends expressed their concerns?

If you can relate to a number of these, you should consider seeking help. Opening up to your friends and family about your addiction might be a good start, and they will help you to become aware of the impact compulsive gambling can have on your life. This awareness may be the kick-start you need to turn things around. Denial keeps the problem going but it is never too late to make changes and regain control. Just remember that it is not a sign of weakness asking for help and there is a supportive network of health professionals available who can provide effective treatment to promote your recovery.

Treatment for a Gambling Problem.

Treatment for gambling addiction is centred mainly on counselling (talking therapies) such as cognitive behavioural therapy which can help people to understand their addiction and learn new, sustainable ways of managing their urge to gamble. Medication can also be provided for people whose gambling problem is linked to mental health issues such as depression, while additional treatment will be required to tackle substance abuse if this is a further concern. Significantly, very few cases of gambling addiction are isolated – many people with a gambling problem will also be addicted to alcohol or drugs. Therefore health professionals providing treatment will look to address a range of issues that may be underlying a person’s compulsion to misuse substances and gamble.

Each person will have their own unique gambling problem, and so treatment is tailored to ensure it meets the individual needs of each client. A key aspect that counselling focuses on is the triggers of the addiction – what it is that compels people to compulsively gamble even when they are aware of the negative consequences. Understanding the reason behind gambling urges – whether it’s to numb unpleasant feelings, solve money problems, escape stress or simply out of boredom or loneliness – can help people to focus on healthier and more constructive ways of coping, without having to resort to gambling. Cognitive behavioural therapy is ultimately designed to guide clients through a process of change – helping them to rewire their thoughts and beliefs and encouraging them to aspire towards a future free from their addiction.

Overcoming a gambling addiction can be a tough process, and extra support may be needed following counselling to ensure the recovery is maintained. Treatment however – particularly cognitive behavioural therapy – has proven highly successful in providing people with alternative means of dealing with their problems. It equips them with the necessary tools and support to reframe thoughts and behaviours for the long-term.