Getting Help For Gambling Addiction
When people develop an addiction to gambling, they become preoccupied with thoughts of the activity and are unable to stop or control their spending. This can affect their physical and mental health, relationships with family and friends, work or school performance, and finances. In extreme cases, the addictive behaviour can lead to suicidal feelings and actions.
Some warning signs of gambling addiction include lying to family and friends, stealing money or items to gamble with, or neglecting other obligations in order to gamble. A compulsion to gamble can also lead to committing crimes such as forgery, fraud and money laundering to fund the habit.
Many people with gambling addictions experience severe depression, anxiety and/or bipolar disorder. Treatment options may include therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Treatment for underlying conditions can help reduce the need for unhealthy gambling behavior and improve functioning in all areas of life.
Getting help for gambling addiction is not easy, but there are a variety of treatment options available. A good place to start is with a GP or NHS counsellor. Counselling for gambling problems can take place face-to-face, over the phone or online, and is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches skills that allow people to replace unhealthy gambling behaviors with healthier ones.
People with gambling addictions often feel a lack of interest in other aspects of their lives, including friendships, hobbies and even eating and sleeping. This can create tension in relationships and even break them completely. Family members and friends are often left feeling that they are not a priority, especially when the person is missing social events or even lying to them about where they have been. It’s important to remember that the natural consequences of gambling are painful enough, so it’s best to let them feel those feelings rather than creating extra pain by paying their bills or rescuing them from the consequences of their addiction.