Gambling Addiction and Anxiety: Is There a Correlation?

Some individuals who struggle with gambling might also suffer from anxiety or other co-occurring issues. When they gamble, they disconnect from their feelings. Alternatively, their anxiety could cause them to gamble.

Some individuals might use gambling as a way to cope with anxiety. Eventually, gambling works its way into every aspect of their life. The urge to gamble can be hard to overcome because of this connection. Coping with anxiety is one way to reduce the urges that come with disordered gambling. Some treatments and techniques can help treat both conditions.

Connection between Anxiety and Gambling Addiction: What Studies Show

Several studies have shown the connection between gambling addiction and anxiety. According to UCLA Health, gambling disorders can cause both physiological and psychological challenges. The impacts were felt at the height of the pandemic.

Over the last few years, more people have turned to gambling. While gambling has been around for years, it has become a popular form of entertainment since it's easily accessible on any device. Gambling can also be addicting for some individuals. Studies have found that individuals who struggle with gambling might have problems related to stress, insomnia, and health issues.

Gambling during the pandemic

There are several reasons behind gambling addiction. Some people might have a history of addiction in their families. Other individuals might struggle with co-occurring problems such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression.

The pandemic is one possible reason for the increased interest in gambling. Some individuals struggled with anxiety and the uncertainty of the future. Since they spent most of their time at home, they explored online gambling, according to research from the UCLA Gambling Studies Program.

Casinos were closed during the lockdown. Online gambling was one of the few available entertainment options. The pandemic increased stress and trauma, which led some individuals to turn to gambling as a form of emotional comfort.

Gambling increases GAD symptoms

Studies have shown the link between gambling and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Those who struggle with GAD might want to avoid their negative emotions and feelings. They might use gambling as a form of escape.

Gambling disorder and GAD share similar symptoms, such as anger, chronic fatigue, insomnia, and irritability. Anxiety is also a symptom of gambling addiction. These symptoms can increase when an individual with GAD develops a gambling addiction. Research has also found a link between anxiety disorder and suicidal tendencies.

In addition, generalized anxiety disorder and gambling addiction can co-occur with other behavioral disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Aspects of Anxiety and Gambling

According to a study in the Journal of Case Reports and Medical History (JCRMH), individuals who struggle with gambling addiction tend to isolate themselves. They might also struggle with drug and substance abuse, strained relationships, and job-related issues.

During the pandemic, most people adjusted to a new way of living. Some individuals experience anxiety and depression, both of which are associated with gambling addiction. Those co-occurring disorders intensified due to social isolation and fear of the unknown.

Research also found that online gambling poses a risk to those struggling with mental health disorders. The pandemic led to an uptick in disordered gambling. Most of the subjects in the study who struggled with gambling disorder also suffered from a severe form of anxiety, depression, and stress. These same individuals also struggled with emotional, family, and social problems, which caused them to isolate themselves and gamble.

Most common co-occurring disorders and behavioral problems with Gambling Addiction

The DSM shows that the most common co-occurring disorders with gambling addiction are anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, personality disorder, and substance use disorders (SUDs). It typically happens when the co-occurring disorder presents itself and the gambling addiction manifests later.

Gambling addiction is a complex disorder. Doctors might overlook gambling addiction when treating co-occurring conditions. For effective and successful treatment, counselors need to address both gambling addiction and co-occurring disorders.

Can Gambling Addiction and Anxiety be treated the same way?

Yes. A licensed counselor who's knowledgeable about both gambling addiction and anxiety can effectively address both issues. If you notice your anxiety exacerbates your gambling addiction, treatment is available. You’ll learn how to manage cravings, avoid slip-ups, and create a prevention plan.

What medications are used to treat Anxiety and Gambling Addiction?

There is no FDA-approved medication for the treatment of gambling addiction. Researchers studied a variety of drugs, including those that treat both anxiety and gambling addiction. Promising medications from the studies are escitalopram, lithium, nalmefene, naltrexone, paroxetine, topiramate, and valproate. However, researchers haven't found a single drug that treats both conditions.

Treatment Options for Gambling Addiction and Anxiety

Cognitive behavioral therapy treats both gambling addiction and anxiety. You'll better understand the root cause of your gambling disorder. You'll also have a better idea of identifying triggers or impulsive behavior patterns.

Behavioral therapy is sometimes incorporated with CBT. This type of therapy helps individuals change their behavior to treat co-occurring disorders. Behavioral therapy can help with anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and explosive disorder. Common treatment options include exposure treatments and reinforcement programs.

Gambling addiction and anxiety share similar traits. However, they are different conditions. Individuals should seek a comprehensive treatment that addresses both conditions.

Virtual treatment is available for gambling addiction. Birches Health has licensed counselors who can treat this behavioral addiction with co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety. This platform offers virtual therapy, which is done at home. Your recovery journey starts with a free and confidential assessment.

Here are the following options for getting started with Birches Health:

Give us a call at 833-483-3838 or email us at hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with our Birches team as soon as possible.