Can I get cured of gambling addiction at a gambling rehab?

Gambling addiction is one of the most prevalent behavioural addictions. Between 1-5% of Americans engage in compulsive gambling. Among young people and ethnic minorities, the rate is even higher. A 2010 study found that 6-9% of adolescents and young adults have a gambling addiction.

Problems stemming from a gambling addiction

Gambling addiction can lead to other problems, including debt and relationship woes. It also commonly co-occurs with other addictions, especially to alcohol. It’s easy to feel hopeless and overwhelmed while in the grips of an addiction to gambling. The right treatment can help those with a gambling problem regain control over their lives.

It is estimated that over 80% of people who suffer from some type of gambling addiction never seek treatment, no matter how bad their problem is. Other statistics reveal that while there are people who do seek treatment for their gambling addiction, over 70% end up returning to the world of betting. People with this type of disorder are more likely to suffer from other types of mental health and substance abuse issues. Many gamblers also have an alcohol disorder or addiction, and over half were nicotine dependent.

Unlike drugs such as alcohol and tobacco, gambling doesn’t directly change the brain. To those unfamiliar with behavioural addictions, it might seem strange to compare gambling addiction to chemical addictions. Yet gambling addiction can, over time, change the brain in ways similar to alcohol and drugs.

Treatment: get cured of gambling addiction

Three main ways exist to treat gambling problems, including psychotherapy, medication and support groups such as twelve-step fellowship like Gamblers Anonymous. Cognitive behavioral therapy and behavior therapy help a person identify thought patterns that lead to and support a gambling problem, and replace them with healthier beliefs. All of which can be found in addiction treatment centers.

Although there’s no cure for drug addiction, treatment options can help you overcome an addiction and stay drug-free. Your treatment depends on the drug used and any related medical or mental health disorders you may have. Long-term follow-up is important to prevent relapse. Treatment of chronic diseases involves changing deeply rooted behavior, and relapse doesn’t mean treatment has failed.

When a person recovering from an addiction relapses, it indicates that the person needs to speak with their doctor to resume treatment, modify it, or try another treatment. If you need someone to reach out to or you need more information please speak to us at Crossroads Recovery Center.

Stories of Recovery

• The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
  Oliver VG
  Read more
• On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
  Johan B
  Read more
• I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
  Carla S
  Read more
• "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
  Angelique J
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Who should I talk to about porn addiction?

Porn addiction refers to a person becoming emotionally dependent on pornography to the point that it interferes with their daily life, relationships, and ability to function.

Common symptoms of porn addiction include:

• Spending large amounts of time watching porn
• Being unable to stop using porn or behaviours associated with porn, despite repeated attempts to do so
• Experiencing cravings to view porn
• Becoming angry or hostile when asked to stop using porn
• Requiring increasing amounts or more explicit porn to gain the same satisfaction
• Losing interest in intimacy with one’s partner
• Abandoning social activities to use porn
• Keeping all or part of one’s porn use secret from loved ones

Meanwhile, counsellors and advocates who endorse the existence of pornography addiction argue that, like other addictions, this is a complex issue with a range of possible causes. Some of these causes may include:

• Underlying mental health conditions: A person might use pornography to escape psychological distress.
• Relationship problems: Pornography can be an outlet for sexual dissatisfaction.
• Unhealthy cultural norms: Ideas about how people should look and behave during sex, the types of sex that a person should enjoy, and similar norms may draw some people to pornography.
• Biological causes: Certain biological factors, including changes in brain chemistry when a person views porn, may increase the risk of addiction.

Treatments and natural remedies

Some people seeking treatment for pornography addiction may instead benefit from addressing other issues, such as relationship problems, sexual shame, or depression. Therefore, if a person opts for counselling, it is important to choose a counsellor who understands and can manage these issues.

Some treatment strategies may involve:

• Psychotherapy: This can help a person understand their relationship with porn, identify unmet sexual needs, and develop strategies for dealing with psychological distress.
• Relationship counselling: Couples’ counselling can help partners talk about their values, determine whether porn has a place in their relationship, and cultivate deeper trust.

A counsellor may be able to help with pornography addiction and other sex and relationship issues. It may be a good idea to see a counsellor if:

• Pornography causes relationship problems.
• A person feels guilty about their pornography use.
• A person wants to cut down on their pornography use but feels unable to do so.

Counsellors hold varying views on pornography — some may believe that all pornography use is harmful, while others may think that it is never addictive.

Anyone seeking treatment should choose a counsellor whose values align with their own. Interview the counsellor about their beliefs and philosophy before committing to treatment.

Get Help Now

If you’re someone that’s addicted to porn and have tried to quit unsuccessfully on your own, it may be time to seek help. Know that you are not alone in this struggle and that there are rehabilitation opportunities out there. You can find online counselling, or impatient rehabilitation centers near you on the internet.

Stories of Recovery

• The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
  Oliver VG
  Read more
• On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
  Johan B
  Read more
• I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
  Carla S
  Read more
• "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
  Angelique J
  Read more

Read more

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Can you get addicted to the CAT drug?

The most likely answer to the question is yes.

The origin of the CAT drug

The CAT drug is a street name for KHAT. It is derived from a plant’s roots and young shoots of a plant that is native to East Africa, the Middle East and the Arabian peninsula. The scientific name for KHAT is Cathaedulis. The central nervous stimulants in the plant namely Cathine (D-norpseudoephedrine and Cathinone (keto-amphetamine ) can produce a stimulating high. KHAT has a high potential for abuse.

Addiction can be described as compulsive drug use despite negative consequences. KHAT usage at it’s minimum can become very problematic. People use KHAT to get the stimulant effect they are looking for. This involves increases in the amounts taken to get the desired effect. It is also addictive because it alters the state of the individual’s mind. An individual can develop a psychological dependence on KHAT if they abuse it.

If an individual stops their abuse of KHAT they develop withdrawal symptoms.

The reason for CAT abuse

Individuals who abuse KHAT are addicted for the following reasons

1. They continue using KHAT even though they experience negative and dire consequences of
   their using.
2. They feel as if they cannot function without it. They believe that they need it to feel normal.
   Some believe that they need it to socialize and fit in.
3. Most of their time is centered on finding, using and recovering from using. They crave and
   are preoccupied with the drug.
4. They feel more alert, have more energy, and euphoria, talk more and have less appetite.

There are also behavioral changes associated with KHAT abuse. Individuals can display paranoid, delusional, manic, violent behavior and suicidal thoughts. There are also serious short-term and long-term health problems.

For example anorexia, hypertension, gastric disorders, liver damage, chest disease, mouth cancer and heart attacks. If a person becomes dependent on KHAT it is usually necessary for them to seek professional help at a drug rehab for help with their addiction. This is mainly because of the withdrawal symptoms where professional assistance is needed for the detox process. Withdrawal symptoms can include, cravings, depression, irritability, nightmares, insomnia, tremors and excessive sweating.

Stories of Recovery

• The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
  Oliver VG
  Read more
• On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
  Johan B
  Read more
• I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
  Carla S
  Read more
• "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
  Angelique J
  Read more

Read more

Approved Medical Aids

What does Nyaope do to the body?

Nyaope is a street drug that is wreaking havoc in South Africa’s informal settlements, impoverished neighborhoods, and urban cores. It is inexpensive and physically addictive, which causes users to become dependent on it. Low-grade Heroin is the main component in Nyaope. It is usually a white or brown powder smoked with marijuana, or when the addiction worsens, it is injected intravenously.

Side effects of Nyaope

Users can experience severe withdrawals from using Nyaope, such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Excessive yawning or sneezing
• Stomach cramps
• Muscle and bone cramps
• Sweats
• Chills
• Spasms
• Diarrhea

The user remains dependent because of the discomfort and anxiety of withdrawal. Drowsiness and euphoria could persist for several hours after the first effects of bliss and relaxation. Heart rate and breathing rate are slowed, and mental clarity is obscured. Itching, sneezing, yawning, nausea, and vomiting are other side effects.

The majority of Nyaope users first try smoking it before switching to injecting it to get a stronger “high.” Long-term use of Nyaope can have serious and permanent effects.

The following are some effects of using Nyaope:

• Hepatitis
• HIV
• Abscesses
• Scaring from continued injecting
• Venous sclerosis
• Bacterial/Fungal endocarditis
• Overdose and death

Nyaope has catastrophic long-term effects on not just the addict but also on their family and communities. Anyone quitting Nyaope has to get expert support; after undergoing a medical detox, the addict requires aid to help them adjust to life without drugs.

Stories of Recovery

• The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
  Oliver VG
  Read more
• On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
  Johan B
  Read more
• I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
  Carla S
  Read more
• "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
  Angelique J
  Read more

Read more

Approved Medical Aids