A gambling addiction develops when the activity consumes your mind and lifestyle. Just because it hasn’t been officially diagnosed as a mental health disorder doesn’t mean it’s not a real problem. Gambling has become an ever-growing activity among adults and teens in recent years. 

Eighty-two percent of people tried gambling throughout their lives, while 52% gambled in the past year alone. Gambling addiction is similar to substance abuse in which the brain thrives on the reward center. It’s the same high that one would get from drugs or alcohol.

Gambling itself becomes an addiction and can lead to other mental health problems. Most people rely on gambling addiction to relieve stress and have some sense of control in their lives. However, your life gets out of control because of it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, the next step would be to seek treatment. Thankfully, it’s easy to find effective gambling addiction treatment in California. 

Gambling Addiction Treatment (And Help with Sports Betting Too!)

Even if it’s not taken seriously, gambling addiction is a serious problem that can be treated with a combination of therapeutic methods. Treatment options include recovery resources, therapy modalities, and psychosocial approaches. 

These treatments are offered at mental health professional programs that address the needs of compulsive gambling. Treatment might take place at a 24-hour inpatient facility that includes supervision and support. Or, it could take place at an outpatient rehab center, which allows clients to come to and go. 

An official assessment will determine which level of care is necessary for the individual and which recovery services would be used. The most common therapies utilized in gambling facilities include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), family or couples counseling, individual therapy, and group therapy. 

During the treatment, detox is required if the individual has a history of alcohol or substance abuse. After treatment, the individual may transition from inpatient to outpatient care or outpatient care to independent living. 

What Is Gambling Disorder?

Gambling disorder refers to the compulsive gambling habit. This can cause problems for the individual and their family, friends, and loved ones. Both adults and adolescents can develop a gambling disorder. They could continue to gamble even if they end up at rock bottom. 

Their gambling disorder could also end up in remission where the symptoms subside. The gambler might not see a problem with their gambling during these periods. An official diagnosis takes a look at the gambler’s habits in the past year. 

The individual might fit some of the following categories, such as hiding or stealing money, lying to hide gambling activity, becoming restless when trying to quit gambling, or having frequent thoughts about gambling. Sports Betting can be a significant concern for all individuals - but especially the 18-30 year old demographic throughout California's major cities. Get a few tips and tricks to better understand your sports betting behavior by reading helpful articles.

Common Symptoms Of Gambling Disorder

The most common symptoms of a gambling disorder include the following: 

• Asking others for money or to bail you out of financial problems

• Becoming preoccupied with gambling, such as planning gambling strategies and ways to get more money

• Chasing losses 

• Gambling to escape your personal problems or psychological distress 

• Feeling irritable or restless when you cut down or remove gambling from your life

• Increasing amounts of money to get the same thrill while gambling 

• Lying to friends and family about your gambling activities 

• Risk losing your career, relationships, or school opportunities because of your gambling

• Trying to control or cut back on gambling with little success or effort 

• Trying to win back the money lost  

Statistics About Gambling in California

According to the latest research, over 83% of California adults have gambled at one time. Gambling is seen as a fun activity and a form of entertainment. However, it can quickly become a problem, especially if it’s used to escape from one’s life problems and financial situation. 

According to the same research, almost 4% of adults in California became problematic gamblers. This means that over 1.2 million Californians developed a gambling problem. In addition, 3 million California residents are at greater risk of becoming addicted to gambling. 

This could cost the state $7 billion per year in bankruptcies, incarcerations, and other addictions, according to research from the National Council on Problem Gambling. Both problematic and pathological gamblers are three to four times as likely to end up in jail for crimes related to fraud, theft, and violence. 

They’re also two to seven times more likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, and abuse illegal drugs. As you can see, gambling addiction can have negative impacts on individuals and society as a whole. 

Statistics About Gambling in California

Access individual counseling and group therapy for problem gambling and sports betting addiction from a licensed, specialized Birches Health clinical provider throughout California with our confidential, compliant telehealth model. Care is normally covered by your insurance - whether that is Kaiser Permanente, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Health Net, Aetna, Evernorth Cigna, or United Healthcare Optum.

Resources:

Gambling - PMC

Drug Misuse and Addiction | National Institute on Drug Abuse

Reviewing Two Types of Addiction – Pathological Gambling and Substance Use - PMC

What is gambling disorder?

2006 California Problem  Gambling Prevalence Survey

Problem Gamblers

Compulsive gambling