Excessive and impulsive gambling can not only hurt wallets, but can also hurt the gambler’s relationships with others. When gambling gives a person feelings of utmost elation or gambling escalates into more frequency, it could be that gambling has become an addiction.
Symptoms of Gambling Addiction
• gambling in secret
• feeling defensive when others speak out against gambling
• gambling takes precedence over other duties
• inability to quit gambling
• gambling risks continue to increase
Causes
Gambling could begin as an innocuous behavior to reduce stress or distract an individual from conflict or a preexisting mental health condition. A predisposition for an addictive personality could also exist, causing an overwhelming, incessant impulse to gamble. Unfortunately, because the original stressor has not been properly addressed, the addiction becomes the individual’s primary method of self-regulation, and the more stress that is introduced, the more the individual needs to find relief through gambling.
Treatment
A gambling addiction caused by underlying psychiatric needs can be treated with medication. Therapy can also pave the way for clients to introduce healthier coping behaviors in place of gambling. A therapist provides a supportive environment to aid clients to adjust to a life without gambling.
We Can Help
Open Path’s therapists offer beneficial services that encourage insight, self-reflection, and healthy coping mechanisms. They can aid in treating gambling addictions.
Interested in seeing one of our therapists for an affordable rate? Start your search here.