Gambling Addiction and Treatment

Gambling addiction is a disorder where
individuals are preoccupied with either participating in a gambling activity or
thinking about participating in a gambling activity.  As with other addictions, the gambling addict
needs to gamble more and more to achieve the same result.  This result is often referred to as the
gambler’s “high”.

If a person decides to seek help for their
addiction, there are options for treating gambling problems.  Many individuals will enter treatment when
there are no other alternatives, or they feel they have “hit bottom.”  Some will enter treatment after only a few
months of gambling activity and usually because there are associated problems
with continued gambling.  Gambling
addiction does lie on a continuum meaning that there are differences in what
influences a person’s desire to get help. 
Many in the gambling treatment field understand this continuum and are
able to help the gambler where they are.

A problem gambler has options when it comes to
treatment.  Some may attend gamblers
anonymous (GA) 12-step meetings and find the help they need.  GA meetings are offered throughout the
country and at different times and days. 
If an individual believes that they might need more in terms of
treatment, individual therapy is an option. 
There are counselors and therapists available who specialize in the
treatment of gambling addiction.  The
counselor or therapist would address the negative thoughts and behaviors
associated with the addiction.

It is important to note that gambling
addiction is considered a process disorder. 
A process disorder is a behavioral disorder where no chemicals are
ingested but the individual is still addicted to gambling.  Often the gambling addict will have a
co-occurring disorder such as depression or anxiety and will need to address
this in treatment.  If there is a
co-occurring disorder, it is important to find a therapist or counselor who can
treat both disorders.

There are inpatient and outpatient treatment
programs available for gambling addicts. 
Inpatient programs are a good option if the individual thinks they might
have difficulty staying away from casinos or other gambling activities.  Inpatient programs are structured and can be
a good start for some gamblers. 
Outpatient programs are increasingly being offered across the country as
an alternative to inpatient programs.  An
individual who enters an outpatient program will attend classes and groups
throughout the day and be able to return home at the end of the day.

Any gambler who enters treatment will need to
make lifestyle changes.  One common
lifestyle change is turning over all financial responsibilities to another
trusted family member or friend.  Problem
gamblers will also need to stay acutely aware of their triggers, as gambling
activities are everywhere.