Profile of an addicted person — when should you seek gambling addiction treatment in Lublin?
A pathological gambler is a person whose life is dominated by the need to gamble for money or other material values, often at the expense of family relationships, finances and mental health. Gambling addiction, like alcohol addiction, can lead to serious social, emotional and professional problems.
Lack of control over the gambling impulse
A person addicted to gambling cannot control their desire to gamble, even when they know it leads to negative consequences. Despite previous failures or financial losses, this person does not stop their activities.
Mood and emotion changes
Gamblers often experience strong emotional swings, including euphoria after winning and deep depression after losing. The feeling of excitement and adrenaline associated with gambling can be the only moment when they feel joy, which leads to further addiction.
Financial problems and debts
As a result of constant gambling, gamblers often fall into serious debt, take loans, sell assets or even steal to be able to continue gambling. The financial consequences of addiction are one of the most common reasons why a gambler seeks help.
Neglecting responsibilities and relationships
Pathological gambling leads to neglecting responsibilities. The addicted person spends less and less time with family or work, focusing solely on obtaining funds and opportunities to gamble, which leads to isolation and conflicts.
4 steps to overcoming gambling addiction with Nasz Gabinet Lublin
1. Identifying the problem
The first and most important step in fighting gambling addiction is realising that a problem exists. Identifying it means honestly admitting that gambling has ceased to be entertainment and has become a compulsion. This step requires great self-awareness and courage, because only then can real work on getting out of addiction begin.
2. Support from loved ones
Addicted people often feel shame and fear of judgement, so it is important that the environment shows understanding, empathy and emotional support. Loved ones can help by offering practical support, such as financial management, as well as participating in family therapy. Open conversations and setting goals together can significantly accelerate the recovery process.
3. Making the decision to undergo therapy
The decision to start therapy is a step that requires determination and readiness to make changes. Its goal is to understand the mechanisms of addiction, learn to deal with temptations and develop impulse control skills. Participating in therapy allows addicts to gain tools that will help them avoid returning to destructive behaviours.
4. Minimising the risk of relapse
Relapses can occur even after a long period of abstinence, so it is important that the addicted person learns to recognise situations and stimuli that may lead to a return to gambling. Regular meetings with a therapist and participation in support groups can be an effective strategy in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Methods of gambling addiction treatment in Lublin
Gambling addiction treatment at Nasz Gabinet is based mainly on psychotherapy, which can be individual or group-based. Working with experienced therapists, addicted people learn to recognise and control their destructive thoughts and habits. Among the most effective methods, we distinguish cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps change thought patterns leading to addiction.
The role of family support for the addicted person
Gambling addiction affects not only the addict themselves but also their loved ones. Often it is the loved ones who feel the first consequences of addiction, struggling with financial, emotional and relational consequences. Support for families plays an important role in the therapeutic process, as it enables both understanding the nature of addiction and learning healthy ways of coping with a difficult situation. Families of gamblers often struggle with feelings of guilt, frustration, as well as attempts to control the behaviour of the addicted person, which can lead to conflicts and deterioration of relationships. Therapy for families helps in rebuilding trust and communication, and also allows them to obtain tools to support a loved one in a healthy way, without deepening the problem.
Nasz Gabinet Lublin offers support programmes for families that help them cope with emotional problems and develop healthy ways of supporting a loved one in the treatment process. Special therapy sessions for family members allow sharing experiences, gaining knowledge and better understanding how to deal with a loved one's addiction.
