Gambling can be exhilarating, but it can also be incredibly addictive and destructive. According to the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, half of all problem gamblers in treatment have had suicidal ideations, with around 17% having had at least one attempt.
Fortunately, there are problem gambling treatment options available that can help before things get to that point, or pull someone back if they’re already there.
How Does Problem Gambling and Gambling Disorder Disrupt Daily Life
Problem gambling is a behavioral addiction that can negatively impact your finances, relationships, and mental health. The defining feature is a loss of control over gambling behavior. This means that you’ll gamble even when you are aware of the consequences of your actions.
Problem gambling happens when your gambling starts affecting your day-to-day life. Even if you’re not constantly gambling, you may constantly think about gambling.
This constant focus can pull your attention away from your responsibilities. Without psychiatric intervention, it’s almost impossible to overcome pathological gambling.
Evidence-Based Problem Gambling Treatment Options
Managing problem gambling is possible with structured therapy focused on your thoughts, behaviors, and coping skills. These methods give you tools to manage your urges, handle stress, and avoid relapse. Treatment of gambling disorder can include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is probably the most researched approach for gambling disorder. It’s about identifying and challenging those unhelpful thoughts, like thinking a win is due after a losing streak. That kind of thinking can contribute to continued gambling behavior.
In CBT, you’ll work with a counselor to track what triggers your gambling. You’ll also try replacing gambling with healthier activities like exercise, spending time with friends, or picking up a hobby.
Coping skills are a major focus of CBT. You may learn relaxation techniques for stress or problem-solving techniques for financial concerns. These skills can make relapse less likely.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a modality that is focused on emotional regulation. Originally used to address Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), it is focused on developing skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Being able to develop skills in these four key areas can be vital for helping you manage strong emotions without using unhealthy behaviors, such as gambling, as a coping mechanism.
Motivational Interviewing and Relapse Prevention
Motivational interviewing is focused on helping you figure out your own reasons for change. There are no lectures, just a counselor asking the right questions. It’s a way to build up your own motivation to stop.
Relapse prevention is usually paired with this. You’ll learn to spot high-risk situations, like going near casinos or using betting apps, and make plans to handle them.
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How Can Peer Support Accelerate Gambling Recovery?
Aside from the problem gambling treatment options above, connecting with others who get what you’re going through can make recovery feel less lonely. Support groups and peer-based programs offer a safe spot to talk, listen, and pick up real-world strategies.
Gamblers Anonymous and 12-Step Programs
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is probably the most well-known peer support option. It’s a 12-step program, similar to AA, focused on abstinence, owning your actions, and making long-term changes.
In GA meetings, you’re surrounded by people who’ve been where you are. It’s confidential, so you can speak freely. The structure helps some people as it lays out steps to follow, and you can go in person, online, or even by phone in some cases.
Group Therapy
Group therapy blends professional guidance with peer support. Instead of a self-led meeting, a licensed therapist runs the show and helps you explore the emotions and behaviors behind gambling.
You’ll be with others facing similar issues, which can make you feel less singled out. Different perspectives might help you notice patterns you missed or give you new strategies for coping with your compulsions.
Family Therapy and Support
Problem gambling can seriously affect your family. Family therapy is focused on repairing trust, improving communication, and dealing with the effects of gambling. A licensed therapist works with you and your loved ones to understand how gambling impacts everyone and find better ways to cope as a group.
Family involvement can help you stay on track with your recovery. If your loved ones feel supported, they’re more likely to support you through recovery.
When Do Medications Help With Gambling Urges and Compulsivity?
If gambling urges feel impossible to control, or if you’re dealing with other mental health concerns, medical treatment might help. Some medications can dial down cravings, and others are useful if you have depression, bipolar disorder, or substance use issues alongside gambling.
Medications for Gambling Disorder
Doctors sometimes use narcotic antagonists like naltrexone or nalmefene. These medications block brain receptors tied to reward, which can take the edge off gambling urges. There are also antidepressants (SSRIs) that might help with mood and compulsiveness, especially if you’re also dealing with depression or anxiety.
Some studies mention mood stabilizers like lithium or topiramate, particularly if you’re struggling with mood swings or impulsivity. A meta-analysis of 34 studies found that pharmacological treatment for gambling disorder showed promise.
Managing Co-Occurring Conditions
A lot of people with gambling problems are also dealing with co-occurring concerns like substance use disorders, depression, or bipolar disorder. Trying to tackle these issues together is important; they tend to feed off each other, making recovery a lot tougher than it needs to be.
If you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, a doctor might suggest antidepressants to address your symptoms. For bipolar disorder, mood stabilizers like lithium can be useful, especially when it comes to keeping manic episodes in check, which is important as manic episodes can often lead to excessive gambling.
When substance use is also a factor, there are medications for alcohol or opioid dependence that can be used alongside gambling treatment. It’s not always straightforward, but taking on both at once gives you a better shot at getting back on track.
Comprehensive Treatment Programs and Resources
Depending on your needs, you’ll find quite a range of problem gambling treatment options. Professional help usually includes therapy, peer support, and sometimes financial counseling.
Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) generally include multiple therapy sessions each week. Usually, there’s a combination of individual counseling, group therapy, and educational workshops.
Outpatient programs let you keep living at home while getting help. This is often a good fit for milder gambling addiction, and you need to keep up with work or family responsibilities.
Residential and Inpatient Care
Residential treatment means living at a facility for a while, following a daily schedule packed with therapy, groups, and skill-building. The idea is to remove you from your triggers and have support around the clock. It’s often for people who need medical stabilization or have co-occurring mental health conditions.
Financial Counseling
Gambling problems and financial trouble go hand in hand. Financial counseling can help you figure out a budget, address debt, and learn how to steer clear of risky financial decisions. Many treatment programs include this as part of treatment.
Find Treatment for Gambling
Struggling with gambling can feel overwhelming, but there are real, workable problem gambling treatment options out there. At Luxe Recovery, we offer counseling, peer support, outpatient care, residential programs, and even medical treatments to determine what fits best for your recovery. With the right support, it’s possible to take back control and start building a more stable future free from gambling.
FAQ
What are the most effective therapies for treating problem gambling?
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you spot and change the thinking patterns that fuel gambling. There’s also Motivational Interviewing and other structured counseling with a therapist. Most programs personalize treatment and use different combinations of various modalities.
Can medication help manage compulsive gambling behaviors?
There’s no approved pill for gambling addiction, but certain medications, like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, can help with related issues like depression or anxiety. Usually, medication is paired with therapy for the best chance at improvement.
How does cognitive behavioral therapy work for gambling addiction?
CBT helps you figure out what sets off your gambling urges and challenges the lies we often tell ourselves about winning. You practice swapping out harmful behaviors for healthier ones. Over time, it’s about building real skills to handle cravings and problems without turning to gambling.
Are there any support groups available for those struggling with gambling problems?
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a well-established, peer-led 12-step program that provides a strong sense of community and mutual support. Additionally, individuals can contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline.
What role does family therapy play in the treatment of gambling addiction?
Family therapy helps repair trust, improve communication, and lower the stress that gambling brings into a household. It’s a chance for loved ones to better understand your struggles and find ways to support your recovery. Usually, it’s part of a bigger treatment plan, working alongside individual therapy.
How can one access inpatient treatment facilities for severe gambling addiction?
Usually, people join inpatient programs after a referral from a doctor or therapist, but you can also reach out to the facilities yourself. Inpatient care means round-the-clock supervision, medical help, and structured therapy.
