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Conditions We Treat

Gambling Addiction Rehab Treatment

Written By Stuart Croft
Reviewed By Tiffany Green
Medically Reviewed By Wajahat Choudhry
Updated January 11, 2023

Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling, is an impulse-control disorder that manifests as an uncontrollable urge to gamble, regardless of the negative impact on one’s personal and professional life. Unlike substance addictions, gambling addiction lacks visible symptoms, making it challenging to recognise in oneself or others. Even if their loved ones speak out, those addicted to gambling often brush off any claims of addiction as an exaggeration, and that they’re “simply having some harmless fun.”

Gambling addiction is insidious. It can devastate relationships, financial stability, and mental health while at the same time rewarding the gambler with just enough small victories here and there to keep them hooked. Symptoms include relentless thoughts about gambling, escalating wager amounts, and continued gambling despite severe consequences.

Gladstones Clinic’s gambling addiction treatment truly stands out from the crowd. Our approach recognises the complex nature of this disorder, focusing on underlying triggers such as stress, depression, and anxiety. Our tailored treatment programmes are designed for individuals ready to confront their addiction, offering comprehensive care that addresses both the behaviour and its emotional underpinnings. With a dedicated team and a recovery-focused environment, Gladstones Clinic is a strong ally in overcoming gambling addiction.

Looking for professional gambling addiction treatment?

Take the first step towards reclaiming your life from gambling addiction today by contacting us for a confidential consultation and personalised recovery plan.

Learn more about gambling addiction

How do gambling addictions form?

Gambling addiction stems from a combination of psychological, social, and biological factors. The thrill of gambling can be intoxicating, releasing a rush of dopamine that can lead to a temporary euphoric high, similar to that experienced by a drug user. Certain genetic factors influence how one might experience this high, with a small percentage of the population likely to develop an addiction to a gambling-induced dopamine rush. 

 

For some, gambling becomes a way to escape stress, depression, boredom, monotony, or other life challenges. The allure of potential wins, the excitement of risk, and the social aspect of gambling environments also contribute to keeping the compulsive gambler coming back for more. Over time, this behaviour can evolve into a compulsive need, with the gambler chasing losses or gambling out of habit rather than for enjoyment and experiencing feelings of anxiety when unable to gamble.

When to seek help for gambling addiction

For millions around the world, gambling is nothing more than a casual or harmless pastime that brings a minor thrill and, if you’re lucky, some sort of winnings. While most of us can easily walk away from a casino, horse-racing track, or online poker room when we’ve had enough, those with compulsive gambling disorder simply can’t. When gambling starts uncontrollably preoccupying your thoughts, it’s time to seek professional help. 

If you or a loved one have experienced any of these signs of compulsive gambling, please consider consulting with a gambling addiction treatment expert:

What happens in gambling addiction therapy?

1. Addiction Assessment & Consultation

The first step in gambling addiction therapy at Gladstones Clinic is a comprehensive assessment of your addiction and other relevant factors. This evaluation helps identify the severity of the addiction, underlying mental health conditions, and your unique circumstances. Based on this assessment, a personalised treatment plan is created, tailored to address your specific needs through targeted therapy.

2. Behavioural Therapies

Behavioural therapies form the core of our gambling addiction rehab programme. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is commonly used, helping individuals recognise and change unhealthy gambling behaviours and thoughts. CBT also teaches coping strategies to deal with triggers and avoid relapse. Depending on your co-occurring mental health conditions and/or substance abuse issues, other therapies may be included for a holistic and integrative approach to recovery.

3. Addressing Underlying Issues

Many gamblers suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. Therapy sessions aim to treat these underlying issues, understanding that they often contribute to gambling addiction. By addressing these problems, individuals can find healthier ways to cope with emotional distress. 

In many cases, poor family dynamics and conflict with loved ones further contribute to individuals turning to gambling as a means of escape. At the same time, compulsive gambling leads to a further deterioration of trust and increased conflict, creating a feedback loop that can put the family in emotional and financial distress. As such, family therapy often forms an integral part of gambling addiction treatment by repairing trust, improving communication, and involving loved ones in the recovery process.

4. Secondary Care, Tertiary Care, and Aftercare

Recovery from gambling addiction is an ongoing process. Gladstones Clinic provides secondary, tertiary, and aftercare support to help maintain sobriety. This may include continued therapy sessions, access to skills-building workshops, life-long admission to group sessions, and regular check-ins. Our goal is to provide a safety net for individuals as they transition back into daily life, helping them stay committed to a gambling-free life.

Get professional help in dealing with gambling addiction

Reach out to Gladstones Clinic for an obligation-free discussion on how we can help you overcome gambling addiction. 

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