Most people enjoy gambling as a fun activity. But, with time, some people develop an addiction or an uncontrollable urge to gamble to the extent that they start to miss out on other aspects of their lives. Several symptoms and signs emerge when this turns into a problem, and this phase is very crucial. Such an addiction, or what we call ‘compulsive gambling, is dangerous, and people experience various problems ranging from financial issues to anxiety, depression, anger, migraines, and other mental health problems. Despite recognizing and understanding the ill effects that gambling produces, there is an unmanageable urge to continue to gamble.

Signs and symptoms of gambling addiction

Gambling addiction develops several negative consequences over time. Gambling is not a direct financial problem but more of an emotional issue resulting in financial consequences. Common signs and symptoms of gambling include the following:

• Feeling irresistible and displaying an urge to gamble
• Endeavoring to control the urge and still failing
• Miss out on other important actions
• Compromising the family and other personal relationships
• Spending more time on gambling
• Borrowing beyond the repaying capacity
• Stealing, or involving oneself in fraudulent activities to finance gambling
• Taking more and more risks gradually. Betting more than one can afford
• Guiltiness that results in stress, depression, anxiety, migraine, etc. following gambling
• Always involved in making plans for gambling

Gambling addiction treatment

For beginners

If you are a beginner and are looking for tips for gambling addiction treatment, the following may offer gambling addiction help. That you have realized gambling is distorting your family, personal, and professional lives is in itself a step towards treating addiction.

• Engage in an open conversation with your family member or a friend. Request their help, as you may feel helpless and despondent several times when you are trying to get rid of gambling.
• Do not take more money if you are involved in offline gambling. Similarly, do not take credit cards when you gamble online.
• Spend more time with your family and friends
• Involve yourself more in professional activities. Get engrossed in business or work or focus on earning more money
• Look at gambling as a source of entertainment rather than as a source of making money

For addiction

Over time, when people develop a compulsion to gamble, the feeling of gambling is very similar to the urge to consume a drug or alcohol. The feeling of highness that they get when they are involved in gambling is very similar to that they get when they consume drugs or alcohol. When they start losing money, they start to chase the losses, and in the attempt, they lose more and more financially, as well as develop an addiction or gambling disorder as they binge over the period. It is important to break this vicious cycle at some point because it only grows with time, and this might become hard to handle at later stages.

Treatment options

1. Take a psychotherapy

A plethora of behavioural and cognitive therapies have evolved to help gamblers get rid of addictive impulses and engage themselves in constructive activities. One-on-one, personal counselling sessions or taking up webinars in groups would help. Family therapy also yields better results. Gambling also impacts the family, so addressing gambling addiction requires addressing family issues and problems. Beyond recovering from gambling addiction, family therapy helps discover a holistic solution, as this can also solve family problems and heal relationships and problems.

2. Medications

When the patient has involved himself in gambling for prolonged periods and the addiction has gone beyond what can be sorted by counselling or psychotherapies, you might need medications to overcome the urge to gamble. This is also the case when a person engages in gambling due to a medical condition such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, etc. Medications, mood stabilisers, antidepressants, and other narcotic antagonists help overcome the gambling addiction

3. Self-help groups

The best way to get rid of gambling addiction is to get help from people who have been through similar situations. Become part of self-help groups, forums, and other online communities like Gamblers Anonymous, debtors Anonymous, and so on.

4. Lifestyle modifications

Of several lifestyle changes that you can bring about, the most important one is to voluntarily refrain from handling finances. Turn your financial activities to your spouse or to someone you truly trust.

For Family members or friends

If you are experiencing problems or if you are impacted by someone who is involved in gambling, express what and how you feel about his or her activity. It is better to know that their behaviour or activity is impacting you adversely and putting you under stress. If you think gambling has gone beyond their control and the person may require assistance, you may take them for professional gambling addiction help from professional therapists.

Conclusion

Gambling addiction is a severe problem that affects many individuals, often causing significant personal, emotional, and financial harm. Recognizing the signs early and seeking treatment can make all the difference in overcoming this destructive behaviour. In addition to traditional treatment options such as therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, online counselling has emerged as an accessible and effective option for those struggling with gambling addiction. Platforms like TalkToAngel offer professional counselling from the comfort of your home, allowing individuals to access support at their convenience. With a personalized, confidential approach, online counselling is a valuable resource for those looking to regain control over their lives and break free from the grip of gambling addiction.

Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach & Ms. Riya Rathi, Counselling Psychologist 

References

• National Council on Problem Gambling. (n.d.). Signs of a gambling problem. National Council on Problem Gambling. https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/recognizing-a-problem/
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Gambling disorder: Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. https://www.apa.org/topics/gambling-disorder