Compulsive Gambling
Compulsive Gambling
WHAT WE TREAT
Clinic Hours
Monday
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Wednesday
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
What is Compulsive Gambling?
Compulsive Gambling is a serious mental condition that causes patients to keep gambling despite its negative impacts on their lives, relationships, and well-being. Many patients cannot give up betting as it can stimulate the brain’s reward system as much as drugs or alcohol, resulting in addiction.
For some, gambling gives them a different kind of happiness as it brings hope that they can receive something with a greater value if they risk something very important to them, such as money, a house, car, or other valuable things.
Gambling addiction involves negative gambling behavior that can cause distress and significant problems. An individual suffering from a gambling disorder usually hides their behavior. They may cover up their behavior and may run to others for help with financial problems. This is one of the main reasons why people should be informed about the symptoms of gambling addiction, which may include:
- Constantly thinking of how to get more gambling money
- Wanting to gamble with increasing amounts of money to experience more excitement
- Failing to stop risking important things for gambling
- Feeling restless when they try to stop gambling
- Using it to escape problems, or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or even depression
- Wanting to get back lost money (and other valuable things) by gambling more
- Losing important relationships, job, and other important aspects of life because of gambling
- Stealing money for gambling
- Troubling others to get back their gambled money
What are the Effects of Compulsive Gambling?
While most people do not consider compulsive gambling as deadly as other addictions, gambling disorder still brings life-wrecking effects to someone. One of these effects is drowning from debt, which could get bigger and bigger over a period of time. Most of the time, a gambling addict finds it hard to pay off debt, as they lose their jobs for neglecting duties for gambling.
This huge financial trouble puts both the family and the patient in stressful situations. Mainly families were broken apart—with their children developing trauma caused by the emotional distress rooted at home. Gambling disorder also causes an individual to endure physical health issues, and when worsens, they are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.
An individual with a compulsive gambling problem is also inclined to keep playing to get back their money. Unfortunately, this may only provide them with further devastating effects, impacting their physical, emotional, and financial health.
How Can You Help Someone with Gambling Addiction?
Quitting gambling can be tough if done on your own If you are suffering from a gambling disorder or know someone who has a gambling addiction, it is important to become extra supportive, understanding, and nonjudgmental. However, it is also vital to keep in mind that you should avoid enabling the gambling behavior while giving care and motivating someone who is going through compulsive gambling.
In addition, getting help and professional assistance from experts will also contribute to a more effective recovery. Dr. Andrei Dokukin can provide patients a treatment that matches their unique situation.
Call us to schedule an appointment
Let us help you understand the source of your struggle and
recommend appropriate remedies to improve your quality of life.
