In addition to destroying personal relationships and finances, compulsive gambling can cause a variety of physical health problems, including heart disease, depression and anxiety. While identifying the warning signs of a gambling problem is an important first step, it’s equally crucial to seek treatment once a problem has been identified. Fortunately, there are therapists who are specifically trained in gambling 12joker online casino treatment and can help you regain control of your life and break the cycle of destructive behavior.
While research on the topic of gambling addiction is still relatively new, therapists have found that people with pathological gambling tend to respond to psychosocial treatments and pharmacological intervention. Many therapists employ a combination of both of these approaches and use cognitive behavioral therapy to address the negative behaviors associated with pathological gambling. Some therapists also employ specific hypnotherapy techniques and EMDR to reduce the severity of depressive episodes caused by gambling.
The most successful gambling addiction treatment involves a multimodal approach that includes some form of group or individual counseling, family therapy and financial counseling. The most effective treatment programs also include some type of relapse prevention and aftercare planning singapore online casino free credit, and may incorporate Gamblers Anonymous participation. Most of these treatment programs are designed to be inpatient, but some are offered on an outpatient basis as a specialized track within substance abuse recovery programs (Blume, 1986).
Although the success rates for various types of gambling addiction treatments have been somewhat inconsistent, the results of most studies indicate that people who participate in a comprehensive program of therapy generally experience favorable outcomes. Several of the more recent controlled investigations with waiting-list control groups have shown that a combination of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions is superior to either alone.
A number of researchers have also examined the effectiveness of guided self-help interventions in the treatment of gambling disorder. These interventions usually involve workbooks accompanied by planned support from a therapist, clergy member, community health specialist or helpline counselor. The results of these studies generally indicate that individuals who engage in guided self-help interventions have more favorable outcomes than those who do not participate in these interventions.
A person’s ability to overcome a gambling problem will ultimately depend on his or her motivation and coping skills. If a loved one has a serious gambling problem, it’s important to encourage him or her to seek professional help, but you should never
force someone to get help. In fact, forcing a person to quit gambling can have the opposite effect and could even make the situation worse. It’s also helpful to remember that a gambling problem can stem from an underlying mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder, so it’s vital to address the underlying issue as well. Often, people with underlying mood disorders are able to overcome their gambling addiction once they have learned how to manage their symptoms and better control their impulses.
