Addiction to Betting: Care Options for Problem Gambling
Clinical Review by:
Published:
Oct 15, 2024
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06:53 p.m.
ET
Most people might think that gambling addiction can’t happen to them. Some people even proactively work against it, knowing their propensity for addiction. In a New York Times article this week, Jordan Holt recounted his initial issue in the early 2000s at a casino, losing thousands of dollars in one night. Until 2022, Holt remained wholeheartedly against joining the ever growing popular online sports betting community, but ultimately he started making small bets for fun. These bets grew into hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses.
Holt speaks of the way online sports betting comes to you and infiltrates your phone, computer, home and mind. Without having to physically go somewhere to bet, there is very little standing in the way of gambling turning into a dangerous addiction. Therefore, knowing what options are available for problem gambling is a necessary piece in the fight against gambling addiction.
How prevalent is Gambling Addiction in the United States?
There has been a considerable rise in gambling addiction in the United States in recent years. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) reports that 2.5 million adults meet the criteria for severe problem gambling, with another 5 to 8 million who have mild to moderate gambling problems. It's estimated that 85% of adults have gambled at least once in their life with 60% gambling within the past year. Calls into the NCPG helpline increased by almost 50% between 2020 and 2023, with individual states also reporting a rise in calls and texts to state specific hotlines.
Where to turn: Gambling Addiction treatment options
Gambling addiction is a serious mental health disorder that typically requires some form of treatment to overcome it. There are various types and levels of treatment available for gambling addiction. The type of treatment necessary will depend on individual needs and severity of gambling addiction.
Virtual Treatment
Virtual therapy has become one of the most popular forms of therapy for a variety of mental health disorders. Finding in-person treatment for gambling addiction can be difficult due to the specialized nature of the disorder. Virtual treatment may remove certain barriers to treatment, like distance or availability of appointments, for gambling addiction. Virtual treatment follows the same process as in-person treatment and may be a great option for those who need treatment for gambling addiction.
One virtual treatment option for gambling addiction is Birches Health. Birches offers specialized virtual gambling addiction treatment and has multiple services for those who need help with their gambling habits.
Birches Health offers:
1-on-1 teletherapy sessions
Virtual group therapy
Workshops and webinars
Articles, videos and guides on Gambling Addiction and recovery
Self-assessment tests
Relapse prevention planning
You can get started with Birches Health through any of the following options:
You can also contact Birches right away by calling 833-483-3838 or emailing hello@bircheshealth.com.
In-person Counseling
In-person counseling creates an environment for a more personal connection between a client and therapist. In-person counseling involves an initial consultation and then on-going sessions, using various techniques to examine one's behavior and how to help change it. Other therapies, such as couples or family counseling may be recommended for gambling addiction treatment in addition to individual sessions.
Inpatient Care Centers
Inpatient treatment centers provide 24/7 support as someone goes through their gambling addiction treatment. The length of inpatient treatment depends on the specific facility and severity of someone's gambling addiction. Inpatient treatment can be beneficial for gambling addiction by taking someone out of their environment and away from their triggers. Someone who participates in inpatient treatment will experience a structured daily schedule that may include other types of group or individual therapy, medication management if needed and potentially other therapies like equine therapy, exercise classes or meditation.
Group and Peer Support
There are peer support groups specifically for gambling addiction located all over the country. These groups offer mutual support, guidance, understanding and connection through shared experiences and challenges in gambling addiction. Groups that are specific to gambling addiction include:
Gamblers Anonymous
Gam-Anon
Gamtalk
The National Problem Gambling Helpline is also available by call, text or chat and can help you find treatment in your area at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Comparing and choosing Gambling Addiction treatment options
Choosing what type of treatment is best for gambling addiction can feel overwhelming. It is important to consider the advantages of each treatment type and if those fit your needs. Ultimately, choosing gambling addiction treatment comes down to factors such as personal preference, accessibility, financial consideration, privacy and level of support. Regardless of which option you choose, gambling addiction treatment should be well-rounded and provided by specialists who understand the treatment needs for gambling addiction. Birches Health offers gambling addiction specific virtual treatment that is easily accessible and flexible.
Warning signs of Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction can have detrimental consequences on someone's life if it is not identified and treated. There are behaviors and signs that can be used to identify gambling addiction. They can include:
Inability to stop gambling
Hiding gambling habits
Continuing to gamble regardless of consequences
Withdrawal symptoms occur when not gambling
Gambling interrupts daily life
Change in behavior due to gambling
Feeling guilt, shame or depression after gambling
Financial trouble due to gambling
