What Is a Gambling Disorder?
A gambling disorder, also known as problem gambling or compulsive gambling, is a condition that affects approximately two million people in the United States. Gambling involves risking something—typically money—in the hope of receiving something of greater value in return. Although legal and potentially enjoyable, gambling can become addictive due to the highs and lows associated with winning and losing.
Obsessive gambling results in an uncontrollable urge to persist with gambling, even though it is causing considerable damage to a person’s mental health, physical well-being, and lifestyle. The addictive nature of gambling stems from the brain’s reward system being stimulated, with the release of dopamine, whether a win or loss occurs. This is similar to the experience of those who consume drugs or alcohol.
Problem Gambling
Symptoms and Impact
People with gambling disorders often exhibit a range of symptoms and behaviors, including:
- Preoccupation with Gambling: Constantly thinking about gambling and planning how to get more money to gamble.
- Increasing Bets: Needing to bet larger amounts to experience the same thrill.
- Chasing Losses: Trying to win back lost money through more gambling.
- Lying: Concealing the extent of gambling from family and friends.
- Financial Problems: Accumulating debt or engaging in illegal activities to finance gambling.
These behaviors can lead to significant consequences, such as:
- Mental Health Issues: Increased stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Relationship Strain: Conflicts with loved ones, leading to broken relationships.
- Occupational Issues: Job loss or reduced performance at work.
- Financial Crisis: Bankruptcy or severe financial hardship.
Gambling and Mental Health
Seeking Professional Help in Metro West
Gambling and sports betting obsessions, along with their attendant mental health issues, should not be faced alone. Professional help can significantly correct problem gambling behavior, allowing individuals to move forward and leave this crippling disorder in the past. If you live in Metro West, professional treatment can be sought from Windward Mental Health, a specialist in Psychiatric Day Treatment*. Windward provides mental and behavioral health support for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions that develop as a result of gambling and sports betting problems.
Why Seek Professional Help?
With help from a mental health professional, you gain a platform to break away from the acute mental health issues that develop and the hold problem gambling has over you. There is no cure for problem gambling; however, like with other psychological illnesses, you can construct a treatment plan to move on from your gambling problems and enjoy a happy, rewarding life once again.
Tailored Treatment Plans
There are different treatment options available for gambling disorders. No one-size-fits-all solution exists. This is why, as part of our outpatient counseling and day treatment programs, we construct a bespoke treatment plan that works best for you and your current situation. At Windward Mental Health, we utilize a range of services to give you the best chance of recovery. These services include:
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions to address personal issues and develop coping strategies.
- Group Therapy: A supportive environment where individuals can share experiences and learn from others.
- Family Therapy: Involves family members to address the impact of gambling on relationships and rebuild trust.
- Medication Management: Monitors and manages any medications that may be part of your treatment plan.
How to Identify You Have a Gambling Problem
Are you unsure if you have a gambling problem? The American Psychiatric Association notes that “Less than 10% of people with a gambling disorder seek treatment.” Sometimes, this can be due to addicts not realizing they are in so deep with their gambling habits. This is why it’s important to identify if you have a gambling problem. Here are some of the main signs and symptoms:
Preoccupation with Gambling
Constantly thinking about gambling, planning the next venture, or imagining the next win.
Increased Tolerance
Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money to experience the same thrill.
Unsuccessful Attempts to Quit
Repeatedly trying and failing to cut back or stop gambling altogether.
Restlessness or Irritability
Feeling irritable or restless when attempting to cut down on gambling.
Gambling to Escape Problems
Using gambling as a way to escape personal problems or to relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression.
Chasing Losses
Returning to gambling the next day after losing money in an attempt to get even.
Lying About Gambling
Hiding the extent of gambling from family, friends, or therapists.
Jeopardizing Relationships
Risking or losing significant relationships, jobs, or opportunities due to gambling.
Relying on Others for Money
Turning to others to relieve financial desperation caused by gambling.
Do You Qualify for outpatient counseling for mental health and Gambling Treatment?
Benefits of Our Psychiatric Day Treatment* for Pathological Gamblers
Effective, Proven Results:
Our Psychiatric Day Treatment* program delivers effective results for those battling anxiety and depression caused by gambling. The program provides skills and coping mechanisms, utilizes medication when necessary, and adjusts methods based on individual progress. Additionally, we offer resources and support for post-program success.
Flexibility:
Psychiatric Day Treatment* offers flexibility, allowing you to maintain your job, family routine, and home life without the need for inpatient care.
Provides Structure:
With multiple weekly sessions, outpatient therapy promotes a structured routine, fostering productive and healthy habits.
Improve Your Support System:
In a group setting, you gain a stronger support system, working with others facing similar challenges. This supportive, non-judgmental environment helps you achieve your goals together.
How Psychiatric Day Treatment* Works for Mental Health Treatment and Problem Gambling
As mentioned, we focus on four main core concepts with our outpatient treatment: individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and medication management. Below is a closer look at each treatment type and how it helps those battling against the mental health issues caused by a gambling problem.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy provides one-on-one sessions with a trained therapist. These sessions allow patients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to gambling. By identifying underlying issues and triggers, patients can develop personalized strategies to cope with their gambling urges and improve their mental health.
Group Therapy
Group therapy involves sessions where patients can share their experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. This supportive environment fosters a sense of community and accountability, encouraging individuals to stay committed to their recovery. Through group discussions and activities, patients can gain new perspectives and coping skills to manage their gambling behaviors.
Family Therapy
Family therapy includes the patient’s loved ones in the treatment process. This therapy aims to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships affected by gambling. By involving family members, patients can build a strong support system, essential for long-term recovery and mental well-being.
Medication Management
Medication management involves the use of prescribed medications to help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues related to gambling. Under the supervision of a psychiatrist, patients receive the appropriate medications to support their treatment plan. This approach ensures that any co-occurring disorders are addressed, promoting overall mental health stability.
Our Psychiatric Day Treatment* program in Metro West offer a comprehensive and flexible approach to treating problem gambling and its associated mental health issues. By combining individual, group, and family therapy with medication management, we provide a holistic treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs. If you or a loved one is struggling with gambling addiction, contact us today to start your journey toward recovery and mental well-being.
Start your treatment for Anxiety and Depression caused by problem gambling Today
It is important to recover from obsessive gambling as soon as possible. Success rates are low for those who try to go it alone. To overcome excessive gambling and lead a healthier life, you need professional support, advice, and tactics to lay the foundation necessary for recovery.
That is where we can help. Our Dedham outpatient center is here to welcome you and provide the treatment necessary for your mental health needs related to problem gambling. Get in touch today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
