Gambling Addiction Treatment Poznan

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, similar to 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 emotional changes – gamblers often experience strong emotional fluctuations, including euphoria after a win and deep depression after a loss. The feeling of excitement and adrenaline associated with gambling may 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 property, 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. Neglect of duties and relationships – pathological gambling leads to neglect of obligations. The addicted person spends less and less time with family or at work, focusing exclusively on obtaining means and opportunities to gamble, which leads to isolation and conflicts.

1. Identifying the problem – the first and most important step in fighting gambling addiction is realizing that a problem exists. Identifying it means honestly admitting that gambling has stopped being entertainment and has become a compulsion. This step requires great self-awareness and courage, because only then can real work on overcoming addiction begin. 2. Support from loved ones – addicted people often feel shame and fear of judgment, so it's 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 jointly setting goals can significantly accelerate the recovery process. 3. Decision to undertake therapy – the decision to start therapy is a step that requires determination and readiness to introduce changes. Its goal is to understand the mechanisms of addiction, learn to cope with temptations, and develop impulse control skills. Participation in therapy allows addicts to gain tools that will help them avoid returning to destructive behaviors. Learn more about behavioral addiction therapy in Poznan. 4. Minimizing relapse risk – relapses can occur even after a long period of abstinence, so it's important for the addicted person to learn to recognize situations and stimuli that can lead to a return to gambling. Regular meetings with a therapist and participation in support groups can be an effective strategy for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Gambling addiction treatment at Our Office is based mainly on psychotherapy, which can be individual or group in nature. Working with experienced therapists, addicted people learn to recognize and control their destructive thoughts and habits. Among the most effective methods, we distinguish cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps change the thought mechanisms leading to addiction.

Gambling addiction affects not only the addict themselves but also their loved ones. Often it is the loved ones who feel the first effects of addiction, struggling with financial, emotional, and relational consequences. Family support plays an important role in the therapeutic process, as it enables both understanding the nature of addiction and learning healthy ways to cope with a difficult situation. Families of gamblers often struggle with guilt, frustration, as well as attempts to control the behavior of the addicted person, which can lead to conflicts and deterioration of relationships. Family therapy helps rebuild trust and communication, and also allows obtaining tools to support the loved one in a healthy way, without deepening the problem. Nasz Gabinet Poznań offers support programs for families that help them cope with emotional problems and develop healthy ways of supporting their loved one in the treatment process. Special therapeutic sessions for family members enable sharing experiences, gaining knowledge, and better understanding how to deal with a loved one's addiction.