It’s no secret that for casinos to operate financially, they need gamblers to keep coming back and gambling more money. This is precisely why casino gambling is designed the way it is, with games that are engineered to be as addictive as possible. This is not limited however to casinos, online gambling is also becoming more and more of a problem. Online gambling is now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can be done from anywhere with an internet connection. Internet gambling can include interactive video games or betting on sports matches through smartphones or computers.
While it is not compulsively gambling that is the problem, it is when people cannot control their gambling impulses or spending that addiction disorders set in. Gambling addiction disorder is a serious mental health condition that can have devastating consequences if left untreated. Addiction disorders of any kind are complex and difficult to overcome, but with the right treatment and support, recovery is always possible.
How Common Are Gambling Addiction Disorders?
Gambling addiction disorders are more common than most people think. In the United States, it is estimated that about 2% of the population suffers from a gambling addiction disorder. This means that there are approximately 4.5 million Americans who suffer from a gambling addiction disorder. There are several key warning signs that you or someone you know may be suffering from a gambling addiction disorder:
- Spending more and more money on gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Lying about gambling
- Gambling to escape problems
- Chasing losses
- Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
- Suffering from financial difficulties because of gambling
Gambling addiction disorders are considered behavioral addictions. Behavioral addictions can resemble other types of addiction, such as drug or alcohol addictions. Gambling addiction is unique, however, because it involves money and affects an individual’s finances directly. This can lead to even more devastating consequences than other types of addiction. Much of gambling addiction usually goes untreated because many gambling addicts are constantly trying to cover their losses. This only leads to further gambling and deeper debt.
Gambling addiction disorder in particular is one of the most destructive addictions to families and relationships. It not only destroys the addict’s life but also the lives of those around them. Gambling addiction disorder often leads to job loss, bankruptcy, crime, and sometimes even suicide. As with most addictions, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. No matter how helpless you may feel or how far deep in your addiction you may be in, recovery is always within reach. Addiction treatment centers are experts in treating various addictions and providing you with tools and insight on living a healthy, peaceful, and sustainable life. Many addiction centers can offer you job support, counseling, and other post-recovery resources to help you get your life back!
Effective Treatments For Gambling Addicts
Treatments for gambling disorders are noninvasive and involve restructuring the patient’s behavior to model a more healthy lifestyle. Two of the most common psychiatric methods for gambling addiction disorders involve cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatments for gambling addiction disorders. This type of therapy helps patients to recognize and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their gambling addiction.
Despite these statistics, only 1 out of 10 people with gambling disorders are seeking treatment. This means that there are millions of Americans suffering from gambling addiction disorders who are not getting the help they need. Omega Recovery, located in Austin Texas, has been using a variety of non-conventional treatment options along with conventional psychiatric treatment options. These treatment options have been proven to be successful in treating gambling addiction disorders by reinforcing healthy and positive behaviors that will combat cravings for gambling addiction. Some of these treatments include:
- Nature Immersion
- Yoga and Somatic Techniques
- Outdoor Behavioral Health
- Peer Recovery Coaching
- Mindfulness
- Narrative Therapy
According to Dr. Kardaras, these treatment options offer patients a sense of community with group participation giving the patients “a greater sense of self.” Many modern treatment options for addiction aim to teach patients healthy habits and reinforce positive behavior. These treatment options at Omega Recovery have been successful in helping patients overcome their gambling addiction disorders. If you or someone you know is suffering from a gambling addiction disorder, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. The earlier the better. These treatments can help patients live a healthy and productive life without the urge to gamble.
Finding Professional Treatment For Gambling Addiction
Treatment for gambling addiction disorder is meant to be shameless, stigma-free, and effective. At Omega Recovery, we pride ourselves on being able to offer every one of our patients the highest level of care possible. All of our staff are certified and have years of experience in treating gambling addiction disorders. Our gambling disorder treatment program is also tailored toward people with an online gambling addiction disorder. Omega Recovery also specializes in treating a variety of other technology addictions such as social media addiction and video gaming addiction along with treating drug and alcohol addictions.
We understand that people suffering from gambling addiction disorders often feel hopeless and helpless. That’s why we offer a variety of treatment options that are designed to help our patients overcome their gambling addiction and live a healthy, and happy life. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction disorder, please reach out to us today. We can help you get on the road to recovery and lead a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Millions of Americans suffer from gambling addiction disorders, but only a fraction of them seek treatment. Gambling addiction disorders can be incredibly difficult to overcome, but there are effective treatments available. Omega Recovery in Austin Texas has already paved the road to recovery for years and many more to come. You can reach us at (512) 601-5407 Our staff is more than happy to answer any of your questions and help you get started on your journey to recovery. You can click here to verify your insurance.
