Gambling addiction — also known as pathological gambling, compulsive gambling, or gambling disorder — is an impulse-control disorder.
Compulsive gamblers can lose or win thousands of pounds within a matter of days, or even hours because they are unable to stop gambling. Of course, most of the time they lose and the house wins – this is when the close friends of the gamblers start wondering if there is a cure for gambling addiction.
Is there? Let’s find out how a gambler can be cured of his addiction over a while.
Are you or one of your close friends dealing with a gambling problem?
You are not the only ones. The rate of gambling problem has risen globally over the last few years and there are no signs this is going to stop any sooner.
Firstly, you have to know that gambling is addictive because it stimulates the brain’s reward system much as alcohol or drugs can.
People with gambling addiction attach many different positive attributes to money, such as power, comfort, security, and freedom. Unlike other people, they fail to recognize that gambling puts them at risk of losing all of these attributes and that gambling is a random process, where the odds are stacked against them, so they are more likely to lose than to win.
The house always wins is understood by them as a challenge, not as a warning to stop gambling.
Symptoms of gambling addiction
For being diagnosed with a gambling addiction, a person must exhibit at least four of these symptoms over a certain defined period, usually over 8-12 months:
- The need to gamble larger and larger sums of money to get the same level of excitement.
- Feeling restless or anxious when attempting to quit gambling.
- Repeated unsuccessful efforts to stop or reduce gambling.
- The use of gambling as a way to cope with emotional distress.
- Returning to gambling even after losing money and often as a way to recoup gambling losses.
- Lying to others about gambling.
- Jeopardizing or losing something important, such as a job or relationship, because of gambling.
You may also experience the following consequences from your gambling addiction:
– disintegrating relationships or friendships
– loss of house, job, car, or other personal possessions
Gambling addiction treatment
If you become addicted to gambling, your entire life can be impacted. Gambling addiction is often associated with other behaviour or mood disorders. Many problem gamblers also suffer from substance abuse issues, stress, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. To overcome your gambling problems, you’ll also need to address these and any other underlying causes as well. Additionally, the stress of chronic gambling is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Seeking help from gambling addiction in one of the UK rehab centres is crucial.
Treating gambling addiction can be challenging. That’s because most people have a hard time admitting they have a problem.
If your family or your employer pressures you into getting gambling addiction treatment, you may find yourself resisting treatment. But treating a gambling problem can help you regain a sense of control — and perhaps help heal damaged relationships or finances.
Don’t go through the process of recovery from gambling addiction alone! Get professional support at Rehab Today!
One simple call can change your life when diagnosed with gambling addiction. Don’t hesitate, call today for a confidential, personal assessment with one of our representatives.
There’s evidence that gambling can be successfully treated in the same way as other addictions like alcohol abuse or drug addiction.
When you walk into one of our treatment centres and meet our team, you will immediately feel a sense of warmth, hope, positivity, and a caring family atmosphere.
Gambling addiction treatment programs are not a one-size-fits-all proposition; rather, you need to educate yourself on the options available to you and your family, so you can make the right decision that leads to the best outcome for everyone involved.
Among others, think about the consequences of your past gambling to avoid gambling in the future. You should think about:
– The emotional pain you caused your loved ones
– The financial hardships you put your family in
– Any lies you told to disguise your addiction from others
We also aim to support the family members and close friends of our clients. This is critical because it is these people that will have to live with our clients after treatment, so at Rehab Today by PCP, family members have an opportunity to meet others who have been through the same experiences and learn how to support the client after treatment.
Rehab Today by PCP addiction rehab specialises in treating behavioural addictions, including gambling addiction.We have CQC-registered gambling rehab clinics located in multiple locations.
We treat our clients with respect and dignity and pride ourselves on creating a safe, comfortable environment for you to receive your addiction treatment.