Gambling Addiction Treatment

There is no one singular therapy that guarantees recovery from problem gambling. Some individuals find that they benefit the most from psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), while others find that EMDR, Mindfulness, Art Therapy, or Equine Therapy align more with their recovery goals.

Sometimes self-help isn’t enough. Professional treatment services give you the best chance at lifelong recovery from a gambling addiction.

There are several medications approved by the FDA in the treatment of Gambling Addiction and other process addictions. These medications include lithium (a mood stabilizer that is also used to treat bipolar disorder), naltrexone (an opioid agonist(, and other antipsychotic and antidepressant medications.

Do not attempt to treat your gambling addiction by obtaining medication without a prescription. Taking medication that is not prescribed to you can lead to fatal consequences.

Compulsive gambling can result in the loss of family relationships, romantic relationships, employment, as well as financial ruin. It is not unheard of for those who suffer from a gambling problem to lose their homes, life savings, and everything else they own while feeding their addiction

Many major insurance companies cover inpatient or outpatient behavioral health care. Your admissions specialist will confirm your eligibility with your insurance provider.

On its own, gambling is not a mental disorder. It is when the gambling becomes compulsive that this behavior becomes concerning. Some people are able to join friends for a poker game, visit a casino, or bet on a race without issue. Many others, however, cannot engage in these activities without becoming consumed by gambling.

Some signs and symptoms of gambling addiction are easier to identify than others. Because those who suffer from a gambling addiction often know they have a problem and experience feelings of guilt and shame, they may go to great lengths to hide it.

Some of the less obvious signs of a gambling addiction include taking time off work to go to casinos or race tracks, multiple gambling cell phone apps, calls or letters from bill collection agencies, secret credit cards or bank accounts opened, or choosing to spend money to buy scratch-offs and playing the lottery instead of necessities.

If you recognize these hidden signs of gambling addiction in yourself or in a loved one, intervention is key before everything is lost.

Gambling can cause chemical reactions in the brain. When gambling produces a win, the brain releases the feel-good chemical dopamine. As the brain and body adjust to this repeated behavior, increased instances of gambling are necessary to achieve the same feeling of pleasure.

A gambling problem can indirectly lead to fatal consequences. Those who partake in gambling in unsavory circles may find themselves in dangerous situations trying to satiate their cravings. There is also the potential for someone suffering from a gambling addiction to turn to substances to manage feelings of loss, shame, guilt, or anxiety. This can develop into a fatal addiction.

The purpose of gambling addiction treatment is to help the individual overcome the compulsions that lead to negative behaviors. Gambling addiction isn’t only about treating the symptoms such as visits to the casino or overspending on lottery tickets and compulsive sports betters–it’s about healing the underlying causes of the addiction.

Many people develop addictions as a response to trauma, depressions, feelings of guilt, or anxiety. It is important that individuals seeking addiction treatment undergo therapies that treat them holistically.

In addition to the potentially devastating financial side effects, termination of relationships, and loss of employment. Those with a gambling disorder are at risk for developing other disorders. It is not uncommon that someone with a gambling addiction either turns to substance abuse to alleviate feelings of shame and guilt. This self-medication can result in a substance use disorder.

We congratulate you for making the brave decision of seeking professional help. Many people do not take this important first step.

At The Heights, we provide gambling addiction treatment services as well as programs for substance abuse, alcohol addiction, and other mental health conditions. We have two locations–one in Houston, Texas and one is Los Angeles, California–to serve our communities.

If you are not a resident of Houston or LA and want to visit The Heights for treatment from out of town, we offer sober living arrangements to accommodate your stay with us. Our luxury facilities ensure that you feel welcome and comfortable throughout your treatment program.