A day at the racetracks or a night out at the casino can be a fun way to spend time with your partner or group of friends. These occasional outings are harmless for most people, and even if they lose, they restrict themselves to a specific budget. However, some people develop an addiction to gambling that can get them into serious financial trouble. Here, you will learn how to know if someone you love needs gambling help.
At Promises Behavioral Health, we understand there are many other types of addiction besides drug or alcohol addiction. Plenty of people also need help for gambling addiction, although embarrassment or denial may hold them back from seeking treatment. We provide confidential, nonjudgmental gambling addiction treatment to help you get back on your feet. You no longer have to feel like a victim of this powerful addiction. Call us today at 844.875.5609 to learn how we can help you get back in control.
How to Know If You Need Gambling Addiction Treatment
While you may enjoy the thrill and excitement of placing a bet, it is important to know your limit. Although you may think you have your gambling under control, consider the following signs that you may need gambling help:
- Your gambling has led to problems in your personal or professional life, but you cannot stop.
- You hide your gambling activity from your partner.
- You’re unable to pay your bills because you spend all your money gambling.
- You steal money from others to help pay for bets or ask others to loan you money for betting.
- You find yourself thinking about gambling most of the time.
- You’ve often bet higher amounts of money to recoup what you have lost, also known as chasing your losses.
- You gamble to help you deal with stress or emotional struggles.
Compulsive gambling puts you at high risk for financial devastation. Although you may feel good when you get on a hot streak and win lots of money, that streak will eventually come to an end. If you have a gambling addiction, you will not be able to cut your losses and know when it is time to step away. Gambling addiction treatment can help you detach from the compulsive need to gamble despite its adverse effects on your life.
How Do Addiction Treatment Centers Provide Gambling Help?
You may assume that addiction treatment centers are only helpful for drug or alcohol addictions. However, a person can become addicted to many different types of activities like sex, video games, and, of course, gambling.
Compulsion is a powerful need to continue engaging in an activity despite its harmful effects. Addiction treatment centers help clients overcome whatever addiction they struggle with by teaching them how to manage their compulsions.
During gambling addiction treatment, you may:
- Explore your addiction triggers and find ways to avoid them or respond differently. Some people gamble when stressed or bored. Your therapist may help you come up with ways to reduce your stress and keep your mind occupied to prevent boredom.
- Learn stress management techniques. Since stress is often correlated with addiction, you will learn healthier ways to deal with it. Through individual or group therapy, you may practice meditation, breathing techniques, or other methods of stress relief.
- Receive treatment for existing mental health conditions. Many people struggling with addiction also have co-occurring mental health disorders like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Addiction treatment may include therapy and medication to help manage these conditions and reduce your risk of relapse.
- Build a support network of peers and addiction treatment professionals. Knowing that you have the support of others who understand what you are going through can help you stay strong and focused on ending your gambling addiction.
If you or someone you care about has experienced adverse effects from gambling addiction, reach out to a treatment center that offers gambling help. No matter how deeply entrenched you are, it is never too late to get professional help to get your life back on track.
Get Help for Gambling Addiction at Promises Behavioral Health
At Promises Behavioral Health, we understand how gambling addiction destroys your life. Our gambling addiction treatment program provides you with the therapy you need to adopt healthy coping skills, reduce stress, and overcome destructive behaviors. Call us at 844.875.5609 if you or a loved one needs gambling help.