{"id":11144,"date":"2021-03-23T12:10:46","date_gmt":"2021-03-23T12:10:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/?p=11144"},"modified":"2024-12-04T03:14:17","modified_gmt":"2024-12-04T03:14:17","slug":"what-is-gambling-addiction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/what-is-gambling-addiction\/","title":{"rendered":"WHAT IS GAMBLING ADDICTION?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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WHAT IS GAMBLING ADDICTION?<\/h1>Reach out now, we can help<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/header>
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WHAT IS GAMBLING ADDICTION?<\/h3>
23 March, 2021<\/span>Articles, News<\/span><\/div>\n

Gambling in and of itself is not necessarily a problem. Like drinking alcohol, gambling in moderation does not lead to addiction<\/a> for most people. It becomes an issue when someone feels compelled to gamble despite any consequences. The condition can be difficult to manage due to the accessibility of gambling, particularly online gambling. Although some gamblers prefer one method over another, all types can be addictive. Research shows gambling and drugs impact the reward centres of the brain in similar ways. This may be why many people with gambling addiction report a “high” during a game. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)<\/a> puts gambling addiction in the same category as substance abuse diagnoses.

Treatment for co-occurring mental illness and | or substance abuse <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gambling addicts are significantly\nmore likely to have mental health disorders or substance abuse problems. The\nstatistics are bracing. According to www.masscompulsivegamblin.org,\nresearch shows that 50% of problem gamblers have a mood disorder and 60.8% have\na personality disorder. 75% have an alcohol abuse problem and 38% have a drug\nuse disorder. If you are diagnosed with a mental health disorder or substance\nabuse, it’s crucial to address it directly. The gambling addiction is not\nhappening in a vacuum. It may be that your various addictions are a way you are\nself-medicating considerable mental distress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


\nCognitive Behavioral Therapy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While behaviour\ntherapy approaches work directly on a person’s gambling behaviors, cognitive behavioural\ntherapy targets the underlying belief systems that fuel a gambling addiction.\nAs a treatment for gambling addiction, the cognitive behavioural approach seeks\nto help a person see gambling in a different way. By changing a person’s\nunderlying belief system, thoughts and behaviours naturally follow suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cognitive\nbehavioral therapy<\/a> also addresses other underlying issues that\nmay feed a gambling addiction, such as unresolved problems surrounding a\nperson’s self-image, relationships with others and mental <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health\nproblems. By working through any unresolved issues, a person has no\nreason to use gambling as an escape outlet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part\nof a cognitive behavioral treatment for gambling addiction, participants also\nconfront any irrational beliefs they may have about gambling and the actual\nrisks involved. Since a gambling addiction functions as a behaviour-based,\nprocess addiction, behaviour-based treatments work best when it comes to\nbreaking the addictions hold on a person’s life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social Support\n| Self-help groups<\/strong>:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Programs like Gamblers Anonymous (a 12-step\nprogram based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous) can provide strong\npeer support when you are struggling to let go of compulsive gambling. People\nwho have “been there and done that” can uniquely provide sympathetic\nunderstanding and encouragement. Like most self-help groups, success is often\ndetermined by the culture and commitment of the group. Look carefully to see\nhow successful other people in the group have been in their efforts to quit.\nSuccess by others tends to breed success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inpatient Treatment (Primary): <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your gambling addiction has led to\nsevere social, medical, legal and\/or financial difficulties, you may need to\nfind an inpatient program to give a jumpstart to your treatment. Inpatient\nprograms provide constant supervision, intensive daily individual and group\nsessions as well as coaching for managing your life differently. Often a few\nweeks inpatient sets a person on a positive road to recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However. 28 days inpatient isn’t a\ncure. It is only a time to interrupt the compulsion and to begin to set another\nway of being in motion. Follow up with some combination of the other\ninterventions is crucial if the gains made while inpatient are to stick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outpatient\nrehabilitation program<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outpatient treatment programs are\nmore commonly used by people with gambling addictions. In this type of program,\nyou will attend classes at a facility. You may also attend group sessions and\none-on-one therapy. You will continue to live at home and participate in\nschool, work, or other daily activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What support resources are available?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suspect you or someone you\nlove has a gambling addiction, talk to your doctor or mental health\nprofessional. They can help you find the information and support you need.\nSeveral organizations also provide information about gambling addiction and\ntreatment options. They can help guide you to local or online support services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may find the following\norganizations and resources helpful:<\/p>\n\n\n\n