Combatting Gambling and Alcohol Addiction
Jun 30, 2023

The Relationship Between Alcoholism And Gambling Addiction
By the numbers, gamblers have an alcohol addiction rate of 73%, it is safe to say that these two addictions are closely related. In some cases alcohol abuse occurs before a gambling addiction, and in many cases prolongs the gambling addiction. This connection between alcoholism and compulsive gambling is called comorbidity or a co-occurring disorder, previously it was referred to as a dual diagnosis.
Similarities Between Alcoholism And Gambling Addiction
Alcoholism and gambling addiction are two of the most common types of addictions. They share many similarities in terms of their development, symptoms, and the treatment approaches used to address them.
Causes: The Brain and Addiction
When a person engages in gambling behavior their brain releases dopamine, similar to when a person drinks.
Alcohol and gambling addictions can have detrimental effects on the brain, leading to long-lasting consequences. Research has shown that chronic alcohol consumption disrupts the brain's reward system and impairs cognitive functions. The neurotransmitter dopamine plays a crucial role in addiction, and alcohol consumption alters its release and reuptake, affecting motivation and decision-making. Studies have also linked alcohol addiction to structural changes in the brain, such as reduced gray matter volume and impaired white matter integrity. Similarly, gambling addiction has been associated with alterations in brain regions involved in reward processing and decision-making, including the prefrontal cortex and striatum. These findings highlight the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction and emphasize the need for effective interventions.
What Is Gambling Addiction?
A gambling addiction is defined as the overwhelming and often uncontrollable urge to gamble despite the consequences. Like substance abuse addiction, gambling stimulates the reward system of the brain and leads to addiction. In some cases medication can even cause a gambling addiction.
What is Alcoholism?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has similar markers as gambling addiction. AUD is the inability to stop or limit drinking despite negative effects. Often AUD is simply referred to as alcoholism. It’s estimated that about 13.8% of the population meets the clinical definition of an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Symptoms of alcoholism have strong overlap to gambling symptoms. Some signs of an alcohol use disorder are:
Cravings: Strong and uncontrollable urges to drink alcohol, often leading to frequent consumption.
Loss of Control: Difficulty limiting or controlling the amount of alcohol consumed, leading to excessive drinking episodes or an inability to stop drinking once started.
Tolerance: Needing to drink larger amounts of alcohol over time to achieve the desired effect or experiencing reduced effects from the same amount of alcohol.
Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical or psychological symptoms when attempting to cut down or stop drinking, such as tremors, anxiety, irritability, sweating, nausea, insomnia, or even seizures in severe cases.
Neglecting Responsibilities: Neglecting or abandoning work, school, or family obligations due to alcohol use, as drinking takes precedence over other important aspects of life.
Loss of Interest: Losing interest in activities or hobbies that were previously enjoyable in favor of drinking alcohol.
Increased Time Spent Drinking: Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, consuming, or recovering from the effects of alcohol, which may lead to neglecting other important activities or relationships.
Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences: Persisting in alcohol use despite experiencing adverse effects on physical health, mental well-being, relationships, or legal issues.
Relationship Problems: Alcohol-related conflicts or breakdowns in personal relationships, such as arguments with family members, friends, or partners due to drinking.
Neglected Appearance and Hygiene: Disregarding personal grooming or neglecting physical appearance due to alcohol consumption.
Drinking Alone or in Secret: Hiding or isolating oneself to consume alcohol, or regularly drinking alone to avoid judgment or confrontation from others.
Increased Risky Behavior: Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence of alcohol, such as drunk driving, unprotected sex, or participating in dangerous activities.
Financial Difficulties: Experiencing financial problems or difficulties due to spending excessive amounts of money on alcohol or related expenses.
Physical Health Problems: Developing health issues as a result of long-term alcohol abuse, including liver damage, heart problems, gastrointestinal disorders, weakened immune system, and neurological complications.
Emotional Distress: Experiencing mood swings, depression, anxiety, or other emotional disturbances that are either caused by or exacerbated by alcohol use.
It's important to note that experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not automatically indicate alcoholism, but they can be warning signs that warrant further evaluation and, if necessary, professional help.
Will Your Insurance Cover Treatment?
If you have insurance you may want to call your provider or check their website to determine if you are covered for treatment. In many cases, treatment is covered after a copay or deductible is met. Companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield do provide treatment options. Additionally, a treatment provider will help you understand your insurance benefits.
If you don’t have insurance, there are alternate ways to pay for treatment that a provider can explore with you.
Recovering From Alcoholism And Gambling Addiction
If you find yourself struggling with gambling and alcohol addiction, seeking help for treatment is crucial for your well-being and recovery. These addictions can have devastating consequences, affecting not only your finances and relationships but also your mental and physical health.
Finding assistance from professionals trained in addiction treatment can provide you with the necessary support and guidance to overcome these challenges. They can help you understand the underlying causes of your addictions, develop coping strategies, and provide tools to resist the urge to gamble or drink excessively. Finding a therapist that specializes in co-occurring disorders is key to effectively treating both disorders
By reaching out for help, you can access a range of resources such as therapy, counseling, support groups, and medication if necessary. These interventions can assist you in breaking the cycle of addiction and regaining control over your life. Moreover, a supportive network of individuals who understand your struggles can offer empathy and encouragement throughout your recovery journey.
Remember, overcoming gambling and alcohol addiction is not a solo endeavor. Seeking professional help can provide you with the necessary tools and support to reclaim a healthier, happier life free from the shackles of addiction.
References:

Signs of Gambling Addiction in a Spouse
Nov 30, 2023
Jonathan

Signs of Sex Addiction
Nov 27, 2023
Jonathan

Gambling and Divorce: Statistics and Information
Nov 26, 2023
Jonathan

What is DFS Gambling?
Nov 19, 2023
Jonathan

Addiction Specialist: Helping You Overcome Addiction
Nov 18, 2023
Jonathan

Exploring the Different Types of Gambling
Nov 8, 2023
Jonathan

Technology Addiction: Signs and Treatment
Oct 30, 2023
Jonathan

Is Sex Addiction Real?
Oct 25, 2023
Jonathan

Is Options Trading Gambling?
Oct 23, 2023
Jonathan

Gambling Addiction and Treatment
Oct 16, 2023
Jonathan

Sex Addiction Treatment and Therapy Options
Oct 14, 2023
Jonathan

Signs of Gambling Addiction
Oct 7, 2023
Jonathan

Is the Stock Market Gambling?
Sep 25, 2023
Jonathan

Tips for Finding a Gambling Rehab Center
Sep 24, 2023
Jonathan

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pathological Gambling
Sep 23, 2023
Jonathan

What Causes Porn Addiction?
Sep 18, 2023
Jonathan

Video Game Addiction
Sep 16, 2023
Jonathan

Porn Addiction Signs & Symptoms
Sep 11, 2023
Jonathan

Gambling Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms & Signs
Aug 29, 2023
Jonathan

How to Stop Online Gambling
Aug 27, 2023
Jonathan

Does Medicare Cover Gambling Rehab?
Aug 19, 2023
Jonathan

Gambling and Dopamine
Aug 12, 2023
Jonathan

How to Stop a Porn Addiction: Tips & Treatment
Aug 11, 2023
Jonathan

Porn Addiction Counseling
Aug 7, 2023
Jonathan

Is Fantasy Football Gambling?
Jul 24, 2023
Jonathan

Signs of a Day Trading Problem
Jul 19, 2023
Jonathan

Why is Gambling Addictive?
Jul 18, 2023
Jonathan

The Arizona Lottery and Gambling
Jul 16, 2023
Jonathan

Is Poker Gambling?
Jul 15, 2023
Jonathan

Is Crypto Gambling?
Jul 14, 2023
Jonathan

Gambling and Sports Betting Among College Students
Jul 8, 2023
Jonathan

Updates Made to Gambling Disorder Clinical Criteria Between DSM-III, DSM-IV, and DSM-5
Jul 8, 2023
Cara Anderson

Combatting Gambling and Alcohol Addiction
Jun 30, 2023
Jonathan

Medication for Gambling Addiction
Jun 27, 2023
Jonathan

The Seven Types of Gamblers: Are You One of Them?
Jun 25, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

10 Questions to Ask If You Think Your Loved One Has a Gambling Problem
Jun 24, 2023
Cara Anderson

Signs of a Sports Betting Problem
Jun 21, 2023
Jonathan

Exploring the History of Gambling in the US
Jun 17, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

Gambling Treatment in Arizona
Jun 15, 2023
Jonathan

Voluntary Self Exclusion to Stop Online Gambling
Jun 15, 2023
Cara Anderson

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Gambling Treatment?
Jun 13, 2023
Jonathan

The Growing Issue of Loot Box Addiction: What Parents Need to Know
Jun 11, 2023
Cara Anderson

Gambling Addiction Hotline
Jun 5, 2023
Jonathan

How to Stop Gambling
Jun 1, 2023
Jonathan

Can Gambling Addiction Be Cured?
May 31, 2023
Jonathan

Why Is Gambling So Addictive?
May 30, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

Abilify and Compulsive Gambling
May 26, 2023
Cara Anderson

How to Stop Gambling: Strategies for Regaining Control
May 21, 2023
Cara Anderson

How to Stop Gambling and Save Money
May 18, 2023
Cara Anderson

How to Help Someone with a Gambling Addiction
May 16, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

Microbets and Online Gambling Addiction
May 13, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

Cryptocurrency Addiction
May 9, 2023
Tobias Jackson

The Rise of Esports Gambling
May 6, 2023
Cara Anderson

How Day Trading Can Create a Dangerous Addiction
May 4, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

How Addictive Memes Have Fueled Problem Gamblers
May 2, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

Clinical Screening Tools and Quizzes to Answer the Question: "Do I have a Gambling Problem?"
May 1, 2023
Tobias Jackson

Sports Betting Problems and What to Be Aware Of
Apr 30, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

Insurance Coverage for Gambling Addiction in 2023
Apr 29, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

How to Stop Sports Betting
Apr 28, 2023
Cara Anderson

Helping a Loved One with a Gambling Addiction
Apr 27, 2023
Cara Anderson

Self Care for Problem Gamblers
Apr 26, 2023
Cara Anderson

Can NCAA Athletes Bet on Sports?
Apr 25, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

Glamorized Gambling and What To Be Aware Of
Apr 24, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

What is March Madness and Should You Be Worried?
Apr 22, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

What is Sports Betting and Event Wagering?
Apr 21, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

What is Problem Gambling?
Apr 20, 2023