A therapist trained in gambling addiction will strive to learn more about your gambling habits to understand the patterns that trigger a gambling episode.
Gambling addiction- According to the American Addiction Center Gambling addiction, also called problem gambling or gambling disorder, is an addiction that refers to any and all types of gambling or choices related to gambling that endanger or compromise a person’s life, job, or family. Whether it is going to the casino and playing the slot machines, staying up for overnight poker games, gambling online, or sports betting.
Signs of Gambling addiction - How do you know that you have a gambling addiction and need urgent help? When you realize you are placing bets more and more frequently, betting more than originally intended, “Chasing” losses by continually betting beyond the ability to pay, feeling irritable or aggressive when unable to gamble or when losing, and being preoccupied with gambling. When gambling turns into an addiction, those who seek treatment often report huge losses, including legal problems, foreclosure, bankruptcy, divorce, lost careers, and more. Additionally, many who struggle with a gambling addiction may consider or attempt suicide (American Addiction Center).
Self-assessment of Gambling addiction- sometimes called compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, is the inability to curb or stop gambling, in spite of the damage it causes. Similar to substance abuse, gambling can stimulate the reward center of the brain, leading to addiction. If you find yourself always thinking about gambling, including how to get more money to gamble with, using increasing amounts of money to feel the same thrill, being unable to cut back on it, gambling to relieve other feelings, or lying to others about what you are doing with your time, could imply you may have a gambling addiction and need help.
Share with a Counsellor- find a therapist trained in gambling addiction here, s/he will strive to learn more about your gambling habits to understand the patterns that trigger a gambling episode. They will work to help you identify unhealthy or irrational beliefs that may be contributing to this behavior, and teach you tools to replace gambling with healthy behaviors. Reach out to one of our counsellors today through the Share with a Counsellor Mobile Phone App and obtain help.
