Gambling Addiction Help: Guide to Treatment and Recovery
Clinical Review by:
Published:
Oct 6, 2024
,
06:40 p.m.
ET
Gambling addiction has become a more prevalent part of our society, more so since the legalization of sports betting in 38 states since 2018. With this new freedom to gamble comes a direct correlation to those seeking treatment for problematic gambling behaviors. Calls into gambling addiction hotlines have also increased people needing support to stop their gambling habits. Access to comprehensive gambling addiction treatment is a crucial part in addressing a national problem.
Help for Gambling Addiction: Treatment Options & Resources
Gambling Addiction is a widespread problem in the United States with over 2.5 million people meeting the criteria for severe gambling addiction. Another 5 to 8 million people meet the criteria for a moderate gambling problem, with even more going undiagnosed due to facts such as the perceived stigma and shame that can accompany problem gambling.
While gambling can have a negative impact on someone’s life, there are various treatment options available to help manage gambling addiction. Exploring the different treatment options for gambling addiction can help someone navigate the road to recovery.
Virtual Treatment
Virtual treatment is a popular option for gambling addiction due to the convenience and accessibility it allows. Teletherapy allows someone to receive support from the comfort of their own home and can reduce barriers to accessing treatment. Virtual counseling also allows someone to receive specialized care, such as gambling addiction treatment, that may not be in their location otherwise. Virtual therapy can also reduce the common stigma surrounding treatment for gambling disorders and encourage someone who may otherwise not seek out treatment to feel more inclined to do so.
Birches Health specializes in virtual Gambling Addiction treatment and has a wide range of services for those who need support managing their gambling habits.
Birches Health offers:
Individual therapy sessions
Virtual group therapy sessions
Workshops and webinars
Articles, videos and guides on Gambling Addiction and recovery
Self-assessment tests
Coping strategies and relapse prevention techniques
Get started with Birches Health through any of the following options:
You can also contact Birches by calling 833-483-3838 or emailing hello@bircheshealth.com.
Inpatient Treatment
Depending on the severity of a gambling addiction, a more immersive and intense treatment option may be necessary. Inpatient treatment uses an around-the-clock approach with constant support and care during the initial stages of gambling addiction recovery.
Inpatient treatment provides a structured daily schedule that can include individual and group therapy, access to psychiatric and medical care if needed and other holistic approaches to treatment like meditation or exercise classes. Inpatient care helps remove someone from their triggers so that they can focus on recovery completely without external impacts.
In-Person Counseling
In-person counseling allows a direct connection between a therapist and client. If available in your area, this can provide an extra level of connection and comfort. Finding an in-person therapist that has experience in treating gambling addiction in a specific location may be the biggest challenge to this type of therapy. In-person therapy may mean longer wait times for an appointment or traveling long distances due to the specialized nature of gambling addiction care.
Peer Support Groups
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) and other gambling support groups can be useful tools in the gambling addiction recovery process. Peer support groups follow a 12-step program model similar to that of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Support groups like GA can offer someone camaraderie and accountability, in addition to shared experiences and guidance with those who are also looking to manage their gambling addiction. There is also a religious or spiritual element to the program, which some love but is not right for others.
National & State Hotlines
There are both national and state hotlines that can connect callers with support and resources. These hotlines provide 24/7 support and can connect you with local treatment or support groups. The National Problem Gambling Helpline offers confidential support to those who call in and many states have their own hotlines for gambling addiction resources.
Signs of potential gambling addiction
There are signs of a potential gambling addiction that can be used to identify if there is an issue. The most obvious sign is an intense preoccupation with gambling activities and inability to stop participating in gambling.
Other signs of gambling addiction can include:
Secrecy around gambling habits
Gambling regardless of the consequences
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop gambling
Negative impacts on other parts of daily life
Incurring large debt or financial trouble from gambling
Mood swings or change in behavior
Changes in sleep or eating habits
Feelings of anxiety or depression around gambling activities
Evaluating gambling and sports betting behaviors
It can be hard distinguishing between healthy gambling habits and potentially harmful gambling. Birches Health offers a free self-assessment test that aims to evaluate your gambling habits and if you are at risk of a gambling addiction. Birches also offers a comprehensive list of resources that gives information on assessing and treating gambling addiction.
If you are concerned about your gambling habits or someone you know, contact Birches to get a free consultation from a gambling addiction specialist or to refer someone confidentially. You can also call Birches at 833-483-3838 or by email at hello@bircheshealth.com.
How to help avoid gambling addiction
There are steps that can be taken to help someone avoid developing a gambling addiction. It is important to know the signs and behaviors that put someone at risk for a gambling problem.
Tactics to help reduce the likelihood of developing a gambling addiction include:
Limit time spent gambling
Set a max amount of money for bets
Have an accountability partner while gambling
Do not consume drugs or alcohol while gambling
Take breaks while gambling
Be educated on the games you participate in
Don’t chase losses
Share both the wins and losses with others
