Problem gambling is an addictive behavior that causes serious harm to the person and their family. It disrupts all aspects of life, from work and relationships to finances and mental health.
Often, people don’t realize that their gambling habits are a problem until it is too late. They have relapsed, are in debt or are facing criminal charges.
A therapist can help you identify the reasons why you gamble and how it affects your life. They can also teach you how to stop gambling.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you overcome gambling addiction by changing unhealthy thoughts, beliefs and behaviors. It can also help you solve financial, work and relationship problems caused by problem gambling.
Counseling can also help you learn new coping skills to deal with cravings and temptations. This can be especially helpful if you have other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety or ADHD.
Your doctor or therapist may prescribe medications to treat underlying conditions that are contributing to your compulsive gambling. These could include substance abuse, unmanaged ADHD, stress, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Recovering from a gambling addiction is a long process and requires a commitment to staying away from the game. It is easy to relapse and it can be very difficult to stay in recovery.
To help your loved one recover from a gambling addiction, you need to set boundaries in the way they manage their money. You might consider taking over their finances or limiting their access to credit cards and other forms of money that can be used to gamble. This will give your loved one more control over their gambling impulses and make it easier for them to avoid relapse.