For many people, gambling is harmless fun, but it can become a problem. This type of compulsive behavior is often called “problem gambling.” If you feel you gamble more than you can afford to lose, you’ve actually already reached the first step: it is not to deny the problem but admit it- you may need gambling rehabilitation.
A gambling addiction is a progressive addiction that can have many negative psychological, physical, and social repercussions. It is classed as an impulse-control disorder. People who live with this addiction may experience depression, distress, and other anxiety-related problems. As with other addictions, the consequences of gambling can lead to feelings of despondency and helplessness. In some cases, this may even lead to suicide attempts.
The rate of problematic gambling has risen globally over the last few years. In the United States in 2012, around 5.77 million people had a gambling disorder for which they sought gambling rehabilitation.
The American Psychiatric Association identifies gambling as a mental health disorder similar to being addicted to alcohol, sex, food or substances. Gambling stimulates the brain’s reward system much like drugs or alcohol do in an addicts brain. You might have a gambling disorder if you have:
- A powerful need to gamble with larger amounts of money
- Feelings of restlessness or irritability when not gambling
- Made repeated and unsuccessful attempts to quit gambling
- Found yourself completely preoccupied with gambling
- Noticed you gamble to manage stress
- Continued to gamble in order to “get even”
- Lied to friends, co-workers and loved ones about gambling
- Lost relationships or created conflict about gambling
- Needed financial support
If your gambling is severe, consider seeking professional help as soon as possible. Professional treatment from a mental health or addiction specialist could be the difference between a life of financial uncertainty versus living in financial stability. An addiction to gambling does not only affect your finances – it affects your relationships and your mental well-being.
Gambling addicts are addicts for life, the 12 steps work to induce remission, but a gambling addict may never wager again. Only through a committed and purposeful working of the steps in daily life, can an addict achieve remission.
The 12 steps is the most effective way to overcome a compulsion to gamble. Addicts in recovery must work all of the steps and must work the steps on a daily and continuing basis, forever. There is no cure, only a remission. The only thing holding you back is your reluctance.
If you or a loved one needs assistance with an addiction to gambling – know that help is readily available. The road to recovery is not always an easy one but getting yourself or your loved one the best possible care from the team at Crossroads Recovery Centre, provides you with a map to sober, healthy living. No matter how bad things seem, there is hope and it’s only a phone call away. If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to sex, gambling, substances, alcohol or food, please contact us for a free assessment.
References:
https://www.quora.com/Can-compulsive-gambling-be-cured
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15929
https://www.choosehelp.com/topics/gambling-addiction/gamblers-anonymous-12-steps-of-recovery.html
