Gambling addiction is a compulsive disorder in which you’re unable to control your problem gambling, even if you want to. It doesn’t just impact you. Your family and friends suffer from it as well. 

This behavioral addiction can affect your mental and physical health, work and school situations, and social relationships. Compulsive gambling has been classified as a mental health disorder. This suggests the temptation is difficult to overcome on your own.  

Per the NCPG, 1–2% of U.S. adults will have a gambling disorder in their lifetime. An estimated 2.5 million U.S. adults (1%) meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem in a given year, while another 5–8 million (2–3%) deal with mild or moderate gambling problems Common symptoms include being preoccupied with gambling, lying about gambling habits, and spending massive amounts of money in hopes of winning. You might also use gambling to escape from difficult feelings or everyday problems. 

Gambling addiction can cause mental health problems like anxiety and depression. It can also ruin one’s career, finances, and physical health. Treatment options for gambling addiction often include psychotherapy, medication, and support groups. 

You might notice your gambling has begun to have negative impacts, or someone tells you they are concerned by your gambling. In these cases, you should learn more about it. A self-help book is a step to better understanding your addiction and getting the help you need. 

Despite the criticism associated with most self-help books, they can be a powerful tool for growth and healing. Books can transport us to another world. They can also transform your life. 

You can start your journey in the comfort of your own. As long as you have an open mind, you’ll get a lot out of a self-help book on gambling addiction. The following is a list of the best ones. 

Best Books on Gambling Addiction

A Day at a Time: Gamblers Anonymous

This is more than just a self-help book. It offers daily reflections and prayers that give you the guidance and support you need on your journey. It also mentions the common fears and issues that gambling addicts deal with while in recovery. This book helps show that you’re not alone. 

Sharing Recovery Through Gamblers Anonymous

This book is an important tool for gambling addicts. It offers guidance, inspiration hope, and support for those who are coming to terms with their addiction. Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step support group that’s based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. This book will inspire you to seek a local or virtual support group. It also maps out the steps to living a life without gambling. 

Hooked: Why are we addicted and how to break free by Talitha Fosh 

This book was written for Gen Z and millennials who want a research-based approach to beating addiction. It offers tools and skills you can use to break free from those addictive behaviors and patterns. 

Even though this book is for all kinds of addictions, it can also help compulsive gamblers understand how their addiction manifests. The journey of addiction is categorized by four pillars: discovery, types of addiction, lows and denial, and recovery. It also includes resources gambling addicts will benefit from, like talk therapy and expressive arts therapy. 

The Gambling Addiction Recovery Workbook: Written by a Former Gambler by C.W. V. Straaten 

This book includes real-life experiences from fellow gambling addicts. You’ll walk away with an effective recovery plan that allows you to understand your gambling addiction and seek peace in a chaotic and stressful world. You’ll also learn how to effectively deal with your emotional pain and suffering, and how to seek purpose in your life. 

The Girl Gambler: A Young Woman’s Story of Her Escape From Gambling Addiction by Stacey Goodwin

Most gambling addiction books are focused on men. This book offers a unique perspective from a woman’s point of view. It’s catered toward teen girls and young women who are sucked into the world of casino rooms and gambling apps.

Stacey bravely shares the guilt and shame she experienced while in the throes of addiction. She didn’t realize it wasn’t normal for a woman to be a compulsive gambler. Once she came to terms with her addiction, she developed the tools that broke her free from her addiction.

Gambling Addiction by Kurt Dahl

Experts praise this book for bringing awareness to gambling addiction. It’s recommended for problem gamblers, researchers, therapists, and counselors. This book reveals the common characteristics associated with problem gambling, various treatment options, and strategies for gambling-related disorders. 

The Gambling Disorder Treatment Handbook by Jody Bechtold

This handbook explains gambling addiction through a biopsychosocial approach. Unlike other books, it considers the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to problem gambling. You’ll learn evidence-based theories and interventions you can use in your healing journey. This multi-dimensional treatment shows you how to use self-awareness as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. 

Finding Treatment

The added benefit of a self-help book is that you can start therapy at home. However, these books should only be used as a starting point. You should use one of these books alongside a licensed therapist. Problem gambling is a behavioral addiction that requires a professional approach. 

Counseling not only addresses the addictive behavior, but also the cognitive distortions and unhealthy coping mechanisms you use. Some gambling addicts also struggle with substance abuse and co-occurring mental illnesses, which counseling can treat. As you can see, it plays a critical role in your recovery. 

If you want a well-rounded approach to therapy, you can take a free and confidential assessment with Birches Health. Our virtual therapy and treatment options are available nationwide. Birches Health has a unique approach that helps problem gamblers get access to the help they need. 

Our evidenced-based program is run by professional clinicians and backed by insurance. You have access to a 24/7 care team in your home. Get started on your problem gambling treatment today with Birches:

• Book an Appointment: Schedule time with a clinician to begin the journey towards recovery

• Speak with a Care Specialist: Get custom guidance for the best next steps.

• Refer Someone Else: Help a friend find the care they may need.

• Free Self-Assessment: Evaluate gambling habits and determine the need for assistance

For immediate help, you can call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to get in contact with the Birches team quickly.

Sources:

Gambling Addiction: Traits, Effects, How to Stop

Biopsychosocial model approach definition

Gambling Disorder (Gambling Addiction): What It Is & Symptoms