How to Cope with a Gambling Addiction: Addiction Treatment

It all starts out so innocent, but living with someone with a gambling problem becomes a financial strain. They become irresponsible not caring about relationships, or work. Nothing matters as long as their able to gamble even to the point of stealing to settle gambling debts. There is addiction help, but the person has to admit they have a problem first. Admitting a person has a gambling addiction problem is the first step to addiction recovery and taking back control of their life.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. A compulsive gambler has a impulse control disorder. They can’t control themselves and no matter what you say or do, they will not change. Problem gambling is any kind of gambling addiction that begins to tear your life apart. They will beg, borrow, and steal just to gamble. The person I knew was hooked on casinos online and online gambling, but there are other kinds of gambling addictions.

2. 
   Man Gambling

   Action gamblers are into it for the thrill, and the high they get from gambling, it’s their “drug” and has to be treated just like a drug addiction. Escape gamblers are looking to rid themselves of the emotional pain they are going through. They want to numb themselves from the pain they feel from worry, loneliness, grief or anything else.

3. Gambling is silent; it’s considered a hidden illness. There are no obvious physical symptoms nor is it alcohol or drug related. They will hide their problem, are sneaky or lie about it often not telling their loved ones they have a gambling addiction.

4. 
   Casinos Online

   The symptoms are suttle, but here are some to be aware of: secrecy of finances; A need to control finances; unpaid bills; unexplainable cash advance or loans; lack of money; unusual credit card activity; borrowing money; jewelry, assets, or cash is missing; savings or assets dwindle; missing credit card or bank statements; collection phone calls; unexplained cash & unpaid bills.

5. Someone with gambling addictions go through four phases before wanting addiction treatment. 1) Starts with a big win 2) Losing phase- borrowing, lying, or losing work and then they try to recoup their losses. 3) Lose control and turn to desperation, feeling ashamed and guilty. 4) Hitting rock bottom, they are hopeless not wanting to live or die, sometimes turning to drugs or alcohol.

6. 
   On line Casino

   Once owning up to the fact there is a problem, then getting addiction help would be the next step. Addiction recovery is possible, but it is not easy and you have to be ready and stick with treatment and have the support you need. A focus on unhealthy gambling habits, Emphasis on how to fight the urges of addictive gambling, and solving work, financial and relationship problems. Gamblers Anonymous a 12- step program, for addiction recovery is effective for addiction help for compulsive gamblers. Sometimes they go through depression and may need medication to help.

Tips & Warnings

• Take over the family finances
• Review bank and credit card statements
• Request credit reports from the three main credit bureaus
• Monitor Internet use to see if the person is gambling online
• Be honest about how the gambler’s behavior makes you feel
• Get counseling or join a support group such as Gam-Anon
• Encourage the person to go to Gamblers Anonymous
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

Resources

• http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
• http://www.ehow.com/members/peppe

[vemil777]

on 6/15/2009 I am a gambler. I lost all my money, wife & family and reputation. I WANT TO DIE.

[dasbootjoe]

on 12/16/2008 Good job! Very important information! Thanks for sharing*****

[sunshine11219]

on 12/16/2008 what a good article