People who engage in excessive gambling are not alike, nor do they experience the same challenges. Gambling issues can affect people across various age brackets, income levels, cultural backgrounds, and professions. Some people may encounter gambling problems abruptly, while for others, these issues may develop gradually over time.
Gambling disorders, including problem gambling and pathological gambling, can lead to significant and widespread negative effects. These consequences may manifest as the deterioration of important relationships, challenges in managing work and academic responsibilities, financial instability, and declining physical and mental health. These conditions have severe repercussions that can affect individuals, families, and society. In this article, our experts from Kembali share with you some strategies to help you or your loved ones break free from gambling addiction.
Understanding Compulsive Gambling
Gambling disorder sometimes called gambling addiction or compulsive gambling, is the only behavioural addiction acknowledged by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders. It is categorised alongside substance use disorders (SUDs) linked to issues with legal substances (such as alcohol and tobacco), illegal drugs (like cocaine and heroin), or prescribed medications (including pain relievers and sedatives).
While it shares similarities with SUDs, gambling disorder is unique in that it does not involve the consumption of a substance. It features distinct characteristics, such as “chasing” (the tendency to gamble again to recover losses) and “bailouts” (the reliance on others to mitigate the financial repercussions of gambling). These distinctions have contributed to confusion among professionals and researchers regarding the classification of behavioural addictions in relation to substance-based addictions.
How to Spot Someone Who Has a Gambling Problem
It is essential to understand that not everyone who starts gambling will inevitably become addicted. For a person to be classified as a pathological gambler, they must exhibit specific signs and symptoms such as:
- They feel the need to gamble with an increasing amount of money to obtain the desired thrill.
- There is often a persistent focus on gambling-related thoughts.
- People may resort to gambling as a way to cope with emotional turmoil.
- They might experience agitation or unease when trying to stop gambling.
- After incurring financial losses, there is a tendency to gamble again in hopes of recovering lost money.
- Dishonest methods may be used to conceal the actual scale of one’s gambling activities.
- Gambling can jeopardise important relationships, job stability, educational goals, or career prospects.
- They may rely on others for financial support to mitigate severe financial issues caused by gambling.
Effects of Gambling Disorder
The adverse effects of compulsive gambling on health and various aspects of life can be mitigated when individuals pursue early intervention. Conversely, if this issue remains unaddressed, individuals may experience:
- Deterioration in social, work, and educational performance
- Monetary setbacks or financial loss
- Challenges in interpersonal relationships
- Heightened likelihood of acquiring other addictions such as alcohol and drug use
- Greater susceptibility to a range of mental health disorders
- Potential legal issues
What are the Risk Factors Associated with Gambling Disorder
Although the exact causes of gambling disorder remain unclear, there are several factors identified to make an individual more prone to developing the condition such as:
Rise of Online Gambling and Gaming
The accessibility of gambling has significantly increased in recent years, encompassing everything from casinos and video gaming machines to sports betting applications on mobile devices. While this expansion has resulted in higher tax revenues, it has also given rise to a concerning issue – gambling addiction.
Although online gambling is a relatively recent phenomenon, the practice itself has deep historical roots and is often viewed as an entertaining pastime. Nevertheless, for some people, gambling can lead to serious problems, including addiction and adverse effects.
The convenience and constant availability of online gambling may foster compulsive behaviours. Furthermore, online sports betting provides a level of anonymity, allowing people struggling with addiction to hide their gambling activities from others, which can contribute to excessive gambling habits.
Co-occurring Disorders
Anxiety and depression often rank among the most common issues associated with gambling addiction; however, emerging research indicates that there is a significant correlation between gambling problems and certain personality disorders.
For instance, numerous studies have identified a notable prevalence of personality disorders (PD) among individuals with problem gambling, with many focusing specifically on the relationship between antisocial personality disorder and gambling behaviour. Additional research has explored the co-occurrence of gambling addiction with various other personality disorders.
A recent meta-analysis revealed that close to half of those diagnosed with pathological gambling meet the criteria for a personality disorder, predominantly from Cluster B, including borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders.
Substance Use
Among adolescents and young adults who engage in gambling behaviours, there is a significant prevalence of alcohol and/or substance use. Compared to non-problem gamblers, people identified as problem or at-risk gamblers are more likely to consume alcohol and tobacco, face alcohol-related issues, and utilise sedatives.
In addition, lower-risk problem gamblers appear to be at a greater risk for harmful alcohol and/or substance use than their high-risk counterparts, a phenomenon that researchers attribute to the limited financial resources available to high-risk gamblers for purchasing substances.
Strategies and Ways to Stop Gambling Addiction
Despite the challenges brought by gambling addiction to the person and their loved ones, the result of untiring efforts of professionals and experts in conducting research and clinical practice led to discoveries of some innovative ways in helping people overcome this extraordinary condition. These include:
Gambling Addiction Treatment Options
Similar to other forms of addiction, gambling disorder is commonly treated using the following psychotherapeutic interventions:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This talk therapy is among the most prevalent evidence-based approaches for addressing gambling addiction. It is a therapeutic method that focuses on the intricate relationships between thoughts, feelings, and actions. In the context of gambling issues, therapists assist individuals in pinpointing irrational thought processes, known as cognitive distortions, that contribute to their gambling behaviour. After identifying these distortions, the main objective is to reframe these thoughts, enabling individuals to alter their perspectives. Furthermore, CBT equips clients with practical skills to substitute harmful gambling behaviours with healthier coping mechanisms.
- Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT): An additional effective approach for addressing gambling issues is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). This therapy, a variant of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), emphasises enhancing emotional regulation, developing interpersonal skills, and reducing impulsive behaviours. Distinct from traditional CBT, DBT incorporates mindfulness techniques, enabling therapists to guide individuals in becoming more aware of their present experiences. This heightened awareness of thoughts, emotions, and actions helps to mitigate impulsivity and gambling urges. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can learn to pause and reflect before making decisions. Furthermore, DBT practitioners assist clients in reconciling opposing concepts, such as acceptance and change, which are vital in the treatment of gambling addiction.
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion enables individuals to voluntarily opt out of participating in legalised gaming activities at casinos, offsite locations, online platforms, gambling establishments, or fantasy contests. Those who choose to enroll in self-exclusion are not permitted to claim any winnings, recoup losses, or receive complimentary gifts, services, or any other valuable items from a licensee or operator.
Self-Help Groups
A support group for gambling addiction consists of either professionals or peers who are in recovery from gambling issues, convening regularly to address the challenges of recovery and maintaining sobriety. These gatherings can take place in person, through video conferencing, or in text-based platforms and chat rooms.
The primary objective of these support groups is to offer a secure environment for individuals to share their struggles, acknowledge their successes, and foster connections with others facing similar challenges, thereby promoting a sense of community and accountability. Furthermore, these groups play a crucial role in preventing relapse during the treatment process and serve as an essential component of aftercare once treatment concludes.
The Role of Family and Support Group in Problem Gambling
Family members and friends may find themselves contemplating the most effective ways to assist a loved one dealing with problem gambling. If one of your family members or friends are dealing with this problem, experts suggest that you may:
- Engage in a conversation with them about your concerns regarding their gambling, but only when you feel prepared to do so. It is essential that this discussion occurs in a private setting, free from the influence of substances or the act of gambling itself.
- Avoid placing blame, making accusations, or using insults towards the individual facing gambling challenges. Even if you experience feelings of anger, strive not to exacerbate your loved one’s emotions of anger or denial regarding their situation.
- Concentrate on how you can effectively support your loved one. Inquire about their needs and express your willingness to listen if they wish to share their thoughts or to assist them in seeking help.
- Prepare for the conversation by gathering information on referral and treatment options, as well as self-help resources available for them.
10 Tips on How to Stop Gambling Addiction and Prevent Relapse
While gambling addiction remains a challenging condition, there are a wide range of treatment options available to promote long-term recovery. In addition, the following tips from addiction experts and professionals may help you prevent relapse:
Identify Your Triggers
To avoid a relapse into gambling addiction, it is essential to identify the potential factors that may lead you to gamble. By recognising these triggers, you can develop more effective strategies for managing them without resorting to gambling.
Triggers can include a variety of elements such as emotional states, stress, fatigue, or even certain environments and individuals. Whenever possible, it may be more beneficial to steer clear of situations that could provoke your urge to gamble rather than dealing with the consequences after the fact.
Take Small Steps
Similar to substance use disorders, ceasing negative gambling behaviour abruptly can prove challenging. Although completely eliminating all forms of gambling is the most effective strategy for achieving cessation, it is crucial not to feel disheartened if you experience a setback.
Discuss Your Experiences with Gambling
The societal stigma surrounding gambling addiction, coupled with a sense of powerlessness, frequently leads individuals to conceal their struggles. By being transparent with a trusted loved one, close friend, or family member regarding your gambling issues, you can significantly reduce negative feelings and foster a supportive network.
Start A Journal
Maintaining a record of instances where you opted for alternatives instead of gambling can serve as a powerful source of motivation and a reminder of your ability to conquer your gambling addiction.
Cultivate the Virtue of Patience
Research indicates that individuals with gambling addictions struggle with impulse control and the ability to delay gratification. Consequently, attempting to cease gambling without first addressing these underlying issues frequently leads to relapse.
Find a Hobby
While it may seem conventional, discovering a new hobby or returning to a previous one can effectively diverge from problematic behaviours. Substituting detrimental habits such as gambling with constructive pursuits significantly enhances mental health and overall well-being.
Develop Healthy Coping Strategies
Gambling behaviours are often regarded as a response to daily life stressors. Hence, it is recommended that you develop adaptive coping mechanisms (e.g., talking to a family member or friend, watching movies) to change your unhealthy ways of dealing with stress.
Set a Goal
Establishing a goal that you can achieve by ceasing gambling is an effective strategy to support your recovery. It is essential, however, that this goal aligns with your true interests and aspirations. By doing so, you create an additional motivation to strengthen your commitment to avoiding a relapse into gambling addiction.
Pay Attention to Your Mental Wellness
Keeping track of your mental condition before, during, and after gambling can assist in managing negative emotions and reveal the extent to which gambling affects your mental health.
Seek Professional Help
Gambling disorder often does not go away on its own and it usually persists as it time passes. It is recommended that whenever you notice a sign or symptom of this condition, you immediately consult a professional to guide you on how it can be treated and managed.
Control and Stop Gambling Problems with the Help of Kembali Experts
A gambling disorder can result in numerous negative consequences, including financial depletion and the deterioration of personal relationships. Although feelings of shame and guilt can hinder the recovery process, a degree of self-reflection can create improvement.
By considering the impact of gambling on your past, you can take proactive steps to prevent its recurrence in the future. You can begin your healing journey by connecting with our experts and professionals today at Kembali.
