How to Get Help If You’re Addicted to Gambling

If you’re addicted to gambling, you may be wondering how to get help. This article explores the problems associated with gambling addiction, the cost of treatment, and what you can do if you’re a problem gambler. While it may be difficult to admit you have a problem, there are plenty of ways to seek help. You can also visit BetterHelp for free professional online therapy. This site is reader-supported and I may receive a commission if you click on the link.

Problems with gambling

The impact of problem gambling on families and significant others is not always clear. Research suggests that up to five or more people are negatively impacted by a single gambler’s behavior. This proportion is often three or four times higher than the overall prevalence of problem gambling. In New Zealand, over 30% of adults have a relative with a gambling problem, and almost 8% have been affected by their loved one’s addiction. Children of problem gamblers are most likely to experience harm due to their parent’s gambling, while partners are the most common victims of the financial and relationship effects of the problem.

The consequences of problem gambling can be serious for family and friends, and it can also lead to school or job absences. For minors, a parent’s involvement is necessary in order to access these services. If the problem has gotten worse and you’re afraid of the consequences, it’s time to seek help. While it may be tempting to blame yourself, it’s important to remember that change is not overnight. Take steps to improve your overall quality of life, set boundaries and seek help. If all else fails, join a support group or consult a therapist.

Addiction to gambling

While addiction to gambling is a serious condition, it is also treatable. While many people are able to overcome this problem on their own, others need professional help. Inpatient and residential rehabs are designed for people with severe gambling problems. Both options involve structured therapy and a commitment to change one’s lifestyle. However, outpatient treatment is only appropriate for those with mild to moderate addictions. After undergoing inpatient treatment, most people will begin outpatient care.

A combination of alcoholism and gambling addiction can produce toxic results. The two addictions can damage one’s relationships and finances. When combined, an addict spends most of his or her time and money on the substance of abuse and gambling, and may end up with a number of arrests, both for gambling and for other crimes. As a result, people with addiction to either one should seek help right away. In addition to a doctor’s visit, a loved one can recommend a treatment provider.

Treatment options for problem gamblers

While problem gambling among women is widespread, it can be difficult for women to find support and participate in counselling sessions. Women suffer from more complex issues than men do, and may also be embarrassed to seek help. Treatment options for problem gamblers for women are tailored to meet their particular needs. One example of a treatment group for women is Noella Piquette-Tomei’s Gambling Recovery Program. She developed it to help women who have difficulty with gambling.

Although psychological therapy has no proven effectiveness in helping problem gamblers, there are some programs that are more effective than others. For example, motivational interviewing and cognitive behaviour therapy have some support. This approach is often used in conjunction with medication. It can also be helpful to seek out the help of a therapist who understands the individual’s unique situation and can offer assistance. While it can be difficult to make an informed choice, a therapist with expertise in gambling problems can help to ensure that problem gamblers have continuous access to treatment.

Cost of problem gambling

The cost of problem gambling is not just about the costs of individual players, but also the economic impact on society. While no single country has accurately measured the total cost of problem gambling, Sweden’s recent changes in law have led to more investment in prevention and treatment of gambling problems. The total cost of gambling to society is estimated at EUR4000 per person. In addition to the direct costs of problem gambling, the costs of problem gambling can also be estimated in indirect ways, such as decreased workplace productivity.

The costs of problem gambling are difficult to determine because there are no clear causal relationships between the types of problems and the financial costs of their treatment. Some factors may contribute to gambling problems, such as life circumstances, but others may be purely mental or emotional. Consequently, most studies discount costs by using the causality adjustment factor. In fact, the Australian Productivity Commission used this method in 1999, assuming that eighty percent of problem gamblers would still experience the same financial costs even if they did not gamble.