Symptoms of gambling addiction – when to seek therapy?
Compulsive gambling is a serious problem affecting many aspects of an addicted person's life. Participation in betting or gambling is often used as a form of escape from life problems and boosting dopamine, leading to serious social, emotional, and financial consequences. Learn when ordinary gaming for entertainment turns into an addiction requiring therapy.
Obsessive thinking about gambling
The gambler's thoughts are dominated by addiction, planning the next games and bets, and ways to obtain money. Over time, such obsessive thinking completely displaces other areas of life — relationships, work, or interests. The addicted person begins to function in a world of winning illusion, ignoring the real consequences of their actions.
Lack of control
An addicted person may be aware of the problem and make attempts to quit, which in most cases end in failure. Despite strong resolutions, the gambler often returns to gambling under the influence of stress or emotions. Loss of control over behavior is one of the most important signals that addiction requires professional therapy.
Financial problems
Gambling in many cases results in debt. Many people lose their savings and even fall into a debt spiral, taking loans from friends or financial institutions. The material situation often becomes a source of additional stress, which further fuels compulsive behaviors.
Lies
Addicted individuals often try to hide their addiction and the fact of financial losses, leading to numerous lies. Over time, false explanations become everyday, destroying trust in relationships with loved ones. Lies serve a defensive function — they help maintain the illusion of control over a situation that no longer exists in reality.
Legal problems
In an act of desperation related to the loss of financial means for further gambling, an addicted person may resort to illegal actions such as fraud and theft. In many cases, the gambler crosses moral and legal boundaries without realizing the consequences. That's why it's so important to start treatment as soon as possible and break the vicious circle of addiction before it leads to dramatic consequences.
Methods of treating gambling addiction at Nasz Gabinet Wrocław
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
The effectiveness of this treatment method is evidenced by its holistic approach, combining theory with practical techniques. Its task is to help patients not only understand the nature of addiction but also actively make changes in their lives.
This therapy focuses on recognizing and changing destructive thought patterns that lead to compulsive behaviors. Thanks to this, the patient learns to consciously respond to emotions and stimuli that previously triggered the need to gamble.
Individual therapy
Individual therapy involves one-on-one work with a specialist. This is the most personalized form of treatment, during which the patient and therapist can focus exclusively on problems and goals.
During sessions, the patient has space to discuss their emotions, motivations, and fears related to addiction without judgment. This approach allows for developing individual strategies for dealing with temptations and rebuilding a sense of control and worth.
Group therapy
Group therapy involves working with a group of patients struggling with similar problems. Meetings are led by a therapist and take place regularly, enabling the sharing of experiences and support.
Through interaction with other people during treatment, the patient gains a sense of understanding and acceptance, and also learns that they are not alone in the fight against addiction. Joint conversations often inspire further work on oneself and strengthen motivation for lasting change.
Gambling addiction treatment in Wrocław – why us?
Gambling addiction is a serious problem that affects both addicted individuals and their loved ones. Nasz Gabinet Wrocław offers individual therapeutic programs that help in effective fight against addiction. Our treatment methods are adapted to patients' needs and include, among others, individual, group therapy, as well as psychological support for families and loved ones. We provide a safe and discreet space where patients can focus on overcoming their problems and returning to health.
Professional therapeutic help
At Nasz Gabinet, experienced therapists work with many years of practice in the field of addiction treatment. Our specialists specialize in identifying addiction mechanisms and helping patients understand how destructive behavior affects their lives.
Individual and group treatment programs
Nasz Gabinet Wrocław offers the possibility of individual meetings as well as therapeutic sessions conducted in groups. Treatment methods are adapted to the requirements, needs, and individual predispositions of our patients.
Support for families
Addiction does not only concern the person directly struggling with addiction but also their loved ones, so it's important that family members receive appropriate psychological support. Nasz Gabinet offers therapeutic sessions that help in rebuilding family relationships and understanding addiction mechanisms.
Modern addiction therapy methods
At Nasz Gabinet, we use the latest achievements in the field of psychological and behavioral therapies. Our specialists use techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), aversion therapy, or relaxation techniques (mindfulness). The combination of different treatment methods ensures a holistic approach that gives patients the right tools to overcome addiction.
