Many people enjoy gambling. They find it to be an exciting and fun pastime. But for some, it can spiral into a serious addiction that affects every aspect of life. The results? Serious financial hardship, the destruction of relationships, and significant physical and emotional health issues. So, if you or someone you know struggles with gambling, it’s vital to understand the signs of addiction, the impacts it can have, and the resources available for recovery. In this blog, we’ll explore these topics and clarify what gambling addiction is, how to recognize it, and steps to take toward overcoming gambling addiction.
What is Gambling Addiction
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual TR-5 (which is the reference book for therapists that lists the research-based criteria for determining that someone has a mental health condition) lists only one behavioral addiction: gambling addiction. It defines gambling addiction as “a persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to significant impairment or distress, characterized by at least four of the following specific symptoms within a 12-month period.”
1. Preoccupation with gambling
2. The need to gamble increasing amounts of money
3. Unsuccessful attempts to stop or control gambling
4. Restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop gambling (withdrawal)
5. Gambling as an escape from problems or negative mood
6. Chasing losses (gambling to recoup previous gambling losses)
7. Gambling despite experiencing negative consequences on relationships, work, education or
other significant areas of life
8. Lying to hide the extent of involvement in gambling.
9. Relying on others for financial bailouts
10. Committing illegal acts to finance gambling
So, to put it simply, a gambling addiction is the compulsive need to gamble despite significant negative consequences. It is often accompanied by an inability to stop gambling; losses of increasingly greater amounts of money; harm to family, work, and other important relationships; and the experience of withdrawal when trying to stop.
Statistics on Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is a serious condition that affects millions of people globally.
Prevalence: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Around 5.5% of women and 11.9% of men globally experience some level of harm from gambling.” The WHO also estimates that people gambling at harmful levels generate around 60% of gambling revenues.
Youth Gambling: Research indicates that around 4-6% of adolescents may have a gambling problem, highlighting the importance of education and prevention.
Co-occurring Disorders: Many individuals with gambling addiction also struggle with other mental health issues, such as depression or substance abuse, making the situation more complex.
These statistics underscore the fact that gambling addiction is a significant social problem. They highlight the need for awareness, education, and accessible resources for those affected by gambling addiction.
How to Know If You Have a Gambling Addiction
Recognizing a gambling addiction can be challenging, especially since you may not want to acknowledge the problem. However, there are clear signs to look out for:
Increased Betting: You find yourself betting more money or placing higher stakes than you ever intended.
Preoccupation: You’re constantly thinking about gambling or planning your next gambling activity.
Chasing Losses: After losing money, you feel compelled to gamble again in an attempt to recover your losses.
Neglecting Responsibilities: You start neglecting important obligations at work, school, or home due to gambling.
Withdrawal Symptoms: When you try to cut back or stop gambling, you experience irritability, restlessness, or anxiety.
Lying About Gambling: You hide your gambling activities from family and friends, or lie about the extent of your gambling.
If you resonate with these signs, it’s probably time to seek help. Acknowledging the problem is the first step toward recovery. Even if you don’t have all of the signs, intervening early gives you a better chance of overcoming the compulsion.
Impacts on the Individual and Family
Gambling addiction has significant effects on the addict’s financial, physical, mental, and emotional health These include:
Individual Impacts
Financial Crises: Gambling can lead to severe financial distress, including debt and bankruptcy. Many individuals find themselves borrowing money or stealing to fund their gambling habits.
Mental and Emotional Health: Feelings of low self-esteem, guilt, shame, and anxiety are common among those suffering from gambling addiction. Some gambling addicts lose the ability to feel pleasure from other pleasurable activities, so they gamble more to get their “buzz.” The stress of financial issues can lead to depression and even suicidal thoughts.
Health Issues: The stress associated with gambling addiction can lead to physical health problems, such as insomnia, digestive issues, and increased risk of heart disease.
But the impact of gambling doesn’t end there. It also has profound effects on the addict’s family and relationships. Here are some of the key impacts:
Family Impacts
Strained Relationships: Trust is often broken in relationships due to lies and deceit surrounding gambling behaviors. This can lead to conflicts and breakdowns in communication and ultimately to destruction of valued relationships.
Emotional Toll: Family members may experience feelings of anger, frustration, and helplessness. Children in these environments may suffer from anxiety and behavioral issues.
Financial Burden: The financial strain from gambling can affect the entire family. Savings may dwindle, and family assets can be lost. You may find yourself stealing from family members or your employer to support your gambling habit.
Gambling addicts tend to underplay or deny these impacts, which helps to enable them to keep on gambling. If that sounds like you, take a good look at the state of your family and your relationships to grasp the true effects of your gambling. Understanding the reality of these impacts can motivate you and your family to seek help and work towards recovery.
Recovery Strategies
Recovering from gambling addiction is a journey that requires commitment. Like all addictions, it is best handled with support. Here are some effective recovery strategies. Each one requires effort and is easier to implement if you have support:
1. Self-Assessment and Commitment
Start by assessing your gambling habits honestly. Acknowledge the impact it has on your life and make a commitment to change.
2. Set Limits
Establish clear limits on how much time and money you’re willing to spend on gambling. Stick to these limits strictly.
3. Identify Triggers
Recognize what triggers your urge to gamble—stress, boredom, conflict, or social situations—and find healthier coping mechanisms.
4. Seek Support
Talk to someone you trust about your struggles. Support from family and friends can be invaluable. Consider joining a support group for individuals facing similar challenges.
5. Get Professional Help
At EMDR Associates, we provide therapy that helps you develop tools and strategies to manage your addiction effectively. Therapy can be an essential tool in helping you break through denial and grapple with the facts of your gambling problem. Plus, therapy can provide ongoing support and assist with co-occuring issues that may be involved in your gambling addiction.
Recovery Resources
As with all addictions, it is better not to go it alone. Addicts tend to be great liars, especially to themselves, so without help, it is that much harder to recognize the lies. There are numerous resources available to help you if you’re struggling with gambling addiction. Here are a few:
1. Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
GA is a 12-step program designed to help individuals recover from gambling addiction. Meetings are available both in-person and online, providing a supportive community. https://gamblersanonymous.org
2. National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
The NCPG offers a wealth of resources, including a helpline, self-assessment tools, and information about treatment options. https://www.ncpgambling.org
3. Therapists Specializing in Addiction
Professional therapists can offer invaluable support and guidance tailored to your specific needs. Look for a mental health professional who specializes in gambling addiction. At EMDR Associates, we specialize in helping clients overcome addictions including gambling, sex addiction, substance addictions, and alcohol addiction.
4. Hotlines and Online Support
Many organizations offer hotlines for immediate support. 1-800-Gambler is a hotline you can all anytime for help or support. Online forums, such as https://www.psychforums.com/gambling-addiction/ and chat services can also provide a sense of community and understanding as well as supply you with helpful information and assist you in maintaining your motivation to quit.
How Therapy Can Help
At EMDR Associates, we’ve found that therapy is a powerful tool in the recovery process. Here’s how it can assist you in your recovery from gambling addiction:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps you identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to your gambling behavior. It teaches coping strategies and how to identify and handle triggers. It can help you recognize the distorted ideas that keep you gambling and help you replace them with healthier ones.
2. EMDR
EMDR (eye motion desensitization and reprocessing) is an evidence-based method for dealing with trauma and overwhelming emotional experiences. If your gambling is a way of managing the distress from trauma, abuse, overwhelming emotional experiences, or toxic relationships, EMDR can help you process those experiences so they do not affect you on the present and do not have to be kept at bay through gambling.
3. Motivational Interviewing
This therapeutic approach helps you explore your motivations for change and enhances your commitment to recovery. Motivational Interviewing is a method for weighing the costs and benefits of your behavior and discovering what you’re willing to do to stop the costs from continuing to mount up.
3. Family Therapy
Your gambling addiction can result in significant stress and strain on your family. Involving family members in therapy can help repair relationships and improve communication. It provides a safe space for families to express their feelings and work through issues together.
4. Supportive Environment
Therapists create a non-judgmental and supportive environment where individuals can openly discuss their struggles and progress. Gambling, like other addictions, is often a way to manage the emotional impact of other life issues. You may not be aware of the connection between those issues and your gambling. With your therapist, you can discover those connections and deal directly with the issues that reinforce your compulsive gambling behaviors.
How EMDR Associates Can Help
Gambling addiction can feel isolating and overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone and help is available. If you are struggling with gambling addiction, or if someone you know is, EMDR Associates can provide comprehensive care. We can help you recognize the signs and understand the impacts so you can be ready to utilize recovery resources. EMDR Associates will support you with professional therapy that enables you to tackle the issues involved in your gambling compulsion. We’ll encourage your self-help efforts and assist with finding support groups that can help you make significant progress in recovery. Let us assist as you take the first steps in your journey to recovery; you don’t have to do it alone.
Comments