Gambling addiction treatment – what causes us to become addicted?
Effective addiction treatment requires understanding the causes that led to the addiction. Compulsive gambling belongs to the group of behavioural addictions, which involve feeling a compulsion to perform a particular activity. In this case, the addiction consists of participating in games for money, often with awareness of the negative consequences.
Gambling as a way of coping with problems – People addicted to gambling often treat it as a way to escape difficult emotions, stress, or life problems. Gambling games provide a sense of excitement and hope for improving their financial situation.
Low self-esteem – People with low self-esteem may seek confirmation of their worth through external stimuli. For such a person, winning a game can become a way to prove their value.
Need for adrenaline and stimulation – Gambling is associated with intense sensations such as risk, tension, and excitement. Participating in games for money can become a form of seeking adrenaline.
Availability of gambling – In today's world, gambling is readily available – through the Internet, in casinos, or at bookmakers. The availability of online games means that addicted individuals can gamble at any time.
Recognising the symptoms of gambling addiction
Recognising gambling addiction in its early stages is not easy, as it can take the form of occasional or recreational gambling. Early detection of symptoms is very important, as it can help prevent the problem from deepening.
Increased frequency and time spent gambling – An addicted person begins spending more time gambling, neglecting other aspects of life.
Lying and hiding gambling habits – A compulsive gambler often lies about the time, money, and frequency of gambling. They try to hide their habits from family and friends.
Stress, tension, and anxiety – An addicted person may experience strong unease, tension, and anxiety, especially before or after gaming sessions.
Deepening financial problems – An addicted person loses significant sums of money on games, often takes out loans, borrows money, and even accumulates debt from family or friends.
Loss of interest in other activities – Gambling becomes the main source of emotions and satisfaction.
Neglecting relationships – Addiction can become a dominant part of a person's life, causing the gambler to neglect relationships with loved ones.
Why is it worth seeking treatment for gambling addiction?
Seeking professional help in treating gambling addiction gives a chance to effectively overcome the addiction. Treatment at a professional facility allows not only to solve current problems but also to learn how to cope with difficulties in the future and prevent relapse.
Improvement of mental and physical health – Addicted individuals often experience psychological and emotional problems, as well as difficulties with concentration and sleep. Addiction treatment helps alleviate these symptoms.
Repairing relationships – Therapy allows regaining control over one's behaviour, giving a chance to rebuild relationships that were previously damaged by gambling.
Rebuilding financial stability – Addiction treatment offers a chance to rebuild one's financial situation by regaining control over spending and ceasing involvement in risky activities.
Regaining control over life – Professional treatment at Nasz Gabinet provides the opportunity to regain control over one's life and decisions. Addiction therapy teaches strategies for coping with the temptation to gamble.
Minimising the risk of relapse – Compulsive gambling therapy helps not only in treating the current problem but also in preventing relapses in the future.
