If gambling and sports betting have become priorities in your life, you may have what is known as a process or “behavioral” addiction. Behavioral addictions are addictions to specific behaviors, such as sex, playing video games, or gambling. Gambling addiction treatment focuses on reducing stress and treating any co-occurring conditions.
Like substances, gambling may be used as a coping strategy for stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. Seeing parents or other family members gamble excessively can increase a person’s risk of developing a gambling problem. Call Promises today at 888.483.7451 to learn about our gambling addiction treatment programs.
The Effects of Gambling and Sports Betting
Gambling disorders are about more than just losing money. Being controlled by the desire to gamble is also associated with other mental health conditions. In fact, gambling addiction is often part of a dual diagnosis that may include:
- Depression
- Drug or alcohol use
- Personality changes
- High stress levels
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Increased risk of suicide
A gambling addiction can also cause people to isolate themselves from their friends and loved ones. Asking to borrow money, stealing, lying, and failing to meet responsibilities can lead to conflict and strained relationships.
Financial Effects
Perhaps the most obvious effect of a gambling problem is the financial devastation it can cause. While some people with gambling addiction can afford their losses, most cannot. Gambling can destroy a person’s credit, making it impossible to secure a home loan or driving them to bankruptcy.
Mental Health Effects
An addiction to gambling and sports betting can also cause or worsen mental health problems. The stress of financial losses, shame, guilt, and estrangement from loved ones may lead to depression or other mental health conditions.
Physical Health Effects
All types of addiction disorders can cause stress on a person’s physical body. Addiction can lead to poor self-care, sleep disturbances, and changes in eating habits. If gambling causes a financial strain, individuals may not have money for basic necessities like healthy food or proper medical care.
Recognizing a Gambling Problem
Gambling addiction can be more difficult to detect than substance addictions. The signs of a gambling problem are relatively easy to hide, especially in the early stages. However, as the addiction progresses, symptoms may become more obvious.
Warning signs to be aware of include:
- Being unable to set limits with time or money
- Trying to stop or cut back gambling but unable to succeed
- Needing to take bigger gambling risks to fulfill excitement needs
- Gambling causing arguments and discord with loved ones
- Not meeting personal responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling guilty or ashamed
- Money disappearing without explanation
If your loved one is secretive about their finances or lies about the amount of time they spend gambling online or in person, they may have a gambling problem.
How Is Gambling Addiction Treated?
Gambling problems are generally best addressed from a holistic perspective. Individual and group therapy programs help clients explore underlying reasons for addictive behaviors and connect with peers who understand without judgment. If other mental health conditions are diagnosed, medications to treat symptoms may be recommended.
Inpatient programs offer clients an opportunity to remove temptations and focus on their recovery. Programs include a daily schedule of therapies, including alternative therapies like mindfulness practices.
Call Promises to Seek Help for a Gambling Addiction
Hiding, lying, or even stealing from family members to support a gambling habit can make a person feel hopeless. Many factors can cause a gambling addiction, and treatment provides an opportunity to address each of them.
If you’re struggling with compulsive gambling, you’re not alone. Behavioral addictions like gambling are treatable. Call Promises at 888.483.7451 to speak with an addiction specialist about our treatment programs today. You can also use our convenient online contact form.