Mental Health and Gambling-Getting to Know the Relationship and Where to Find Help

Men struggling with gambling addiction carry an average debt of $55,000 to $90,000, while women average around $15,000. Many gamblers turn to loans, credit cards or even selling possessions to finance their habits, exacerbating financial instability. It is classified as a behavioral addiction, which means that individuals can become addicted to the behavior of gambling just like they can become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Recovery from gambling addiction is a journey paved with self-awareness, support, and steadfast commitment to change. The first step—acknowledging the company confirmed the addiction—often proves to be the most formidable, yet it is the cornerstone upon which the rest of the recovery process is built. Exposure therapy is a treatment method that helps people with gambling addiction face their triggers without giving in to them.

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It goes beyond a mere hobby and turns into a compulsion that dominates an individual’s life. People with gambling addiction often experience feelings of anxiety and desperation as they chase the high of winning, only to lose control and spiral into further losses. Early exposure to gambling and peer pressure are just some of the social and environmental factors that can contribute to gambling addiction.

The industry acknowledges that gambling is addictive for some people, he says, which is why it developed an outreach/awareness initiative known as «responsible gaming.» «The sophistication and complexity of betting has become staggering,» says Democratic U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. «And that’s why we need protections that will enable an individual to say no.» At first, the state regulators tried various strategies to educate customers about the addictive nature of gambling, as well as the financial risks. Outside the casinos, GameSense is marketed on social media and on sportsbook apps and websites.

• Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a game-changer for treating gambling addiction, especially when someone’s still on the fence about quitting.
• Your path to recovery is illuminated with hope, resilience, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
• Regular therapy sessions, support group meetings, and staying connected with supportive friends and family members can play a vital role in preventing relapse.
• The number of helpline callers between ages have grown by more than 60% since 2019.
• It can come from a genetic predisposition or be influenced by environmental factors, and mental health issues.
• Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or creative pursuits, can help individuals manage stress and reduce the urge to gamble.

Talkspace can connect you with a licensed therapist specializing in gambling addiction and long-term behavior change. If you’re wondering how to stop gambling, connecting with others who know what you’re going through can make a big difference. When gambling is just one click away, it’s easy to fall into old patterns. Reducing your access to online gambling can create momentum that helps break automatic behaviors to help you give up gambling. Putting distance between yourself and the urge to gamble gives you the space you need to make more intentional choices. Written with empathy and understanding, «Breaking Free» combines comprehensive insights with actionable strategies for a holistic approach to recovery.

Lifestyle

For instance, individuals who grow up in households where gambling is a regular activity may be more likely to develop an addiction themselves. Similarly, being around friends or family members who gamble frequently can create a sense of normalization around the behavior, making it more difficult to identify as problematic. Other environmental factors, such as access to online gambling platforms, can also increase the risk of developing a gambling addiction. Understanding these social and environmental influences is an important step in preventing and treating gambling addiction.

Structured journaling prompts within the Therapy Journal App guide users through self-reflection on their gambling experiences. From exploring emotions before and after gambling sessions to understanding the impact on relationships, this structured approach fosters self-awareness. Unlike drugs or alcohol, gambling doesn’t require a dealer or a bottle. It’s as close as a smartphone, a sports website, or even an in-app purchase.