In today’s modern society there are many ways to gamble. Pokies, horses, greyhounds, the casino, sportsbet and online are just a few examples.
Compulsive gambling or gambling addiction occurs when a person continues to gamble despite the increasing amount of negative consequences. As a result, the gambler experiences guilt, shame, remorse, anger, resentment and fear which can lead to ongoing anxiety, depression and/or substance abuse.
Gambling can be fun and recreational, and is a social activity that many people choose to indulge in. There is, however, a dark side to this seemingly low-risk pastime.
Gambling addiction is a chronic brain disorder characterised by an uncontrollable urge to gamble. Even when fully aware of the debts they have incurred and the negative consequences of their actions, individuals who struggle with this disorder, will still find it hard to control their impulses. Many will continue to risk their financial security and their personal relationships—until they seek help.
When gambling becomes compulsive, things spiral out of control almost immediately. Intervention may be necessary to help a person to understand their predicament and to overcome it.
Gambling sets off the region of the brain’s reward system that is associated with pleasure. It also leads to an excessive production of dopamine—which is the ‘happy hormone’. The body produces up to 10 times the regular amount of dopamine when a person gambles. Due to overstimulation, their reward system weakens, and begins to minimise the pleasure they feel with each gambling experience. As a result, the brain will seek more dopamine to satisfy its reward system. The only way to release these exorbitant levels of dopamine is to keep gambling!
This is how a seemingly harmless social activity can become a serious addiction.
The more a person gambles, the harder it will be for them to resist gambling. Hence, it’s important to recognise the problem early on. With the right treatment for compulsive gambling, recovery can be achieved.
A gambling addiction causes immense harm—emotionally, mentally and financially—not only for the person struggling with the disorder but also for the people close to them.
The financial problems incurred from gambling are just the tip of the iceberg—but it’s where everything generally starts. When a person develops a dependence on gambling, they will do anything it takes to satisfy their impulses, even if it means spending their life savings, or selling their house or their car. In desperation, some will even resort to theft. Others may borrow money from loan sharks.
Like other forms of addiction, people who struggle with a gambling disorder have a tendency to hide the problem from close friends and loved ones. Many eventually neglect their responsibilities at work and at home. The constant lying may also put strain on the person’s relationships and even cost them their job.
Hiding addiction delays recovery and treatment. When left untreated, unhealthy gambling behaviour can lead to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. For these reasons, a person struggling with a gambling problem should get the help they need as early as possible.
The safest place to recover from a gambling addiction would be in a treatment facility like DayHab. Here, patients can resist addiction triggers until they are confident enough to be able to fight their impulses.
It might not be easy to commit to a treatment centre, but once admitted, clients will receive quality care from our team of highly knowledgeable and skilled treatment specialists. Our experience in this field enables us to anticipate the challenges ahead and ensure that those in our care are on the right path to recovery.
We fully understand that our clients’ struggles and rehabilitation are a personal journey and we support them every step of the way. One day at a time.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment program for gambling addiction—or for any type of addiction, for that matter. At DayHab, we recognise that each person is fighting their own unique battle, so we offer various approaches to gambling addiction treatment and recovery. This way, we can give everyone a chance to feel empowered to conquer their addiction.
Rehabilitation may be a critical component of the recovery process, but there are many different treatment approaches to gambling addiction, including:
Treatment options are either carried out in an outpatient setting or in residential rehabilitation. Although clientss can choose which option to take, it’s always best to follow the recommendation of an expert.
Individuals who have a severe gambling problem and who are unable to recover in their regular environment, will need a residential rehabilitation program the most.
Residential programs or in-patient rehabilitation programs require clients to move into the facility while they are receiving treatment. Here, they can focus on getting better, without having to worry about the inherent gambling triggers present in their everyday life. At DayHab, clients can commit to a 28 day, 60 day or 90 day program. We provide round-the-clock care to all our clients, including detoxification services for those that need it, which is overseen by a team of highly skilled medical professionals.
Residential rehabilitation programs are much more intense than outpatient programs because they are meant for serious addictions. But as long as clients come here determined and committed to becoming addiction-free, they will leave equipped with the proper tools and strategies to maintain recovery.
Clients who have the capacity to meet work and family obligations while receiving treatment for a gambling addiction can opt for an outpatient rehabilitation program. Designed to empower individuals to return to a fulfilling life, outpatient rehab programs allow clients to sleep in the comfort of their own bed. They can even return to work if they need/want to.
Here at DayHab, our outpatient rehabilitation program lasts for two weeks. clients must show up five times a week for addiction treatment. Group sessions, individual counselling and daily journaling are a few examples of the activities included in our programs.
The best move I ever made!
My life was out of control until I found Dayhab and the caring people who work there. Thanks to Jack, Mick and the team I now have a smile on my face and a life to live free of gambling and fear!
Thanks is not enough!
Anthony