Gambling Addiction Treatment - When Games Become Problems
Gambling can be entertaining and competitive play for many people. Casino gambling is fun and dramatic, with places like Las Vegas making casino play seem magical and otherworldly. Gambling on sports or races can be a great past time with co-workers and friends. But like many other things, gambling can become a problem for some people prone to impulse control issues. When gambling becomes more than just a game, when the stakes get higher and higher and important things in life are negatively affected, then it is time to consider that a gambling addiction or compulsive gambling could be present.
Compulsive gambling is classified as an impulse control problem. This means that the gambler literally cannot control the compulsion or impulse to engage in gambling, even when fully aware that it could be harmful to themselves or to loved ones. The thrill of the game brings intense anticipation before the game, a thrilling satisfaction during the process, ending with guilt after it is over. The gambler knows he or she has spent too much money or disappointed a loved one waiting to spend time with him and so on. Problem gamblers also have gambling on their minds at all times, reliving the last game or planning the next one. There are many misconceptions and myths about what exactly constitutes compulsive gambling over just enjoying the fun and games. For example, one popular illusion about gambling says that true gambling addicts gamble every day. In reality, the truth is that while many compulsive gamblers do gamble often, they may or may not actually engage in the sport every day or even weekly. The key point is that when they do gamble, problems will follow without fail.
Treatment for problem or compulsive gambling begins like all other addictions, with the gambler’s admission that there is a problem present. Without this step, nobody can be forced into rehabilitation from gambling or any other addiction. Once the gambler does admit to having a problem and needing professional help to get past it, there are several good treatment options available. The first and most well-known treatment option for problem gambling is one that is a group support. Gamblers Anonymous is a guided principles 12-step program that is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. This group support system is free of charge and available just about in every town in the country. The atmosphere for the Gamblers Anonymous group is always free from judgment and very supportive to regulars and newcomers alike. It is a safe and secure place for the recovering gambler to share his or her story, gain positive feedback from the peers in the group and also get advice from those who have been there and done that before. Some of the steps included in the Gamblers Anonymous 12-step program are:
- Admission of powerlessness over the addiction to gambling
- Surrendering self to what is termed as a higher power- the interpretation of this higher power is a personal one, nobody will instruct the newcomer on religious beliefs.
- Choose a sponsor- a sponsor in the 12-step program to overcome a gambling addiction is former gambler who has experience and time in staying sober and willingly provides help and guidance to the new recovering compulsive gambler.
Another type of therapy in the treatment of a compulsive gambling problem is called cognitive-behavioral therapy. This particular method of therapy focuses intently on changing detrimental gambling thinking and actions. The recovering gambling works on learning to resist the compulsion by dealing with emotions that make him want to run and not look back. This means actively working on problems at work and problems in relationships instead of using those problems as a reason to bury oneself in an escape such as compulsive gambling.
After the gambler admits to the problems, seeks qualified help and puts an effective treatment plan in place, there will still be those times where the compulsion to gamble strikes. When this happens, there are several things the recovering gambler can do to try and keep a handle on the urges.
- Put the urge off- simply set time increments, wait five minutes, then five more minutes, an hour and so on until the compulsion weakens or passes for that moment.
- Lean on the support system- in the process of the admission of a gambling problem and the establishment of a good treatment process, a dependable support network should have been put in place. Family members and friends that understand and can support can be called for backup. Attending a Gamblers Anonymous meeting can surround the recovering gambler with the support needed to steer clear of the problem behavior. If actively participating in Gamblers Anonymous, then there is likely a sponsor set up, give them a call anytime for that is what sponsors are for.
- Distraction- actively pursue another activity when the urge to gamble strikes. Go for a bike ride, take a walk, clean up the house, go to the gym, whatever activity will occupy both the mind and the body to help get past the craving.
- Reality check- realize that giving in to the urge to gamble will definitely result in negative consequences. Relationships will suffer, money will be gone and guilt will be crushing. In the end, everything important will be lost if the compulsion is allowed to take over.
In summary, compulsive gambling is an addiction resulting from an impulse-control disorder. Impulse-control disorders are treatable but need effective and consistent treatment in order to be controlled. Along with the official treatment plan, it is often a good idea for the recovering gambler to find a hobby he or she has always wanted to do and channel the nervous energy that will result from not fueling the gambling habit. If the gambling can be replaced, so to speak, with something positive that will go a long ways towards helping the recovering gambler resist the urge. Family and friends that are understanding and accepting are a priceless help in not just the recovery process, but in life.
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