Gambling Addiction Treatment

Gambling Addiction Treatment
The compulsiveness of gambling can destroy lives. It can lead people to lie, steal
and blow through their life savings e wallet casino singapore. The problem often develops in teens and can
continue as people become more stressed or depressed.

Fortunately, there are ways
to overcome gambling addiction and get help. People who experience this disorder
can benefit from therapy, medication and support groups. The type of treatment
that works best for a particular person is different, and it’s important to seek
evaluation from a professional.
The current state of treatment of pathological gambling is somewhat similar to the
treatment of alcohol and drug abuse, with many outpatient programs. Although
some programs operate as standalone facilities, most of them function as
specialized tracks within substance abuse treatment programs. Many of these
programs have a long tradition, and many techniques are similar to those used for
treating other disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
Psychotherapy can help a person learn how to control impulses. Cognitive
behavioral therapy identifies thought patterns that support a pattern of addictive
behavior and replaces them with healthier beliefs. Medications can also be helpful in
controlling impulsive behaviors, particularly if a person with gambling disorder has
an underlying mental health condition such as bipolar disorder or depression. Some
of these medications include antidepressants, narcotic antagonists and mood
stabilizers. People who are addicted to gambling can also benefit from self-help
groups such as Gamblers Anonymous and other support groups.

Various types of behavior therapy have been evaluated in gambling disorder, but
they tend to be limited by small sample sizes and lack controls. Some have shown
promise, however, such as motivational enhancement strategies which decrease
resistance to change and help clients explore their ambivalence toward the object of
their addiction.
Another type of behavioral treatment is aversion treatment, which involves using
rewards and punishments to reduce gambling urges. Aversion treatment has been
evaluated in some studies, but the results are inconsistent.
One of the most difficult aspects of the recovery process is dealing with the anger of
family members who are not supportive of the gambler’s attempt to recover. This
resentment is likely because the gambler has not yet demonstrated that he or she is
capable of managing his or her finances, and family members might have other
financial concerns. Consequently, family therapy is an important component of
many gambling treatment programs.
The most effective approach to recovery from a gambling problem is to work with a
treatment counselor. The counselor will evaluate the gambler’s situation and
recommend a course of treatment. In the beginning, this may include turning over
financial responsibilities to a spouse or a trusted friend and staying away from
places and situations that trigger gambling urges. During this time, the gambler will
also try to develop problem-solving skills and practice new coping mechanisms.
Ultimately, the goal is to achieve abstinence from gambling. This may take a while,
but with effort and patience, the gambler will eventually learn to manage his or her
gambling disorder.