What Is Gambling Addiction Therapy?
Gambling addiction is characterized by persistent, recurrent, and problematic gambling leading to negative consequences and distress. Symptoms of gambling disorder include:- Need to gamble with an increased amount of money to achieve the same excitement
- Restlessness and irritability when trying to cut down on gambling
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to decrease gambling
- Preoccupied by gambling
- Gambles when feeling distressed
- Lies to conceal the gambling
- Loss of relationships, jobs, or education due to gambling
- Relying on others for money to deal with gambling consequences
What Are the Common Types of Gambling Addiction Therapy?
According to the research, the best types of therapy for gambling addiction include:- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)– This type of therapy helps you identify and change the negative thoughts that lead to gambling addiction.
- Motivational interviewing (MI)- MI helps you identify the reasons you want to change your gambling habits and the benefits of breaking free from gambling addiction.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)– DBT can help you learn to manage the emotions that lead to gambling.
How Does Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Work in Gambling Addiction Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy can give you the tools you need to be able to:- Use coping skills to handle triggers that cause you to gamble
- Understand the thoughts that are causing your addiction
- Learn how to change the thoughts that cause you to gamble
Embrace Healing The Power of Trust in Therapeutic Relationships
“In my experience, the most effective aspect of therapy is the therapeutic relationship. Establishing trust between a client and clinician is the first step to healing.”
What Is Motivational Interviewing in Gambling Addiction Therapy?
MI can help you increase your motivation to change. MI is a client-centered, strengths-based approach that can help you identify your reasons for change. You can use these skills to help maintain long-term recovery from gambling addiction.What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) In Gambling Addiction Therapy?
Medication-assisted treatment combines medication and therapy to help control cravings and reduce the urge to gamble. With medication and therapy combined, you can:- Reduce cravings to gamble
- Manage emotions in a healthy way
- Prevent gambling relapse
- Learn to cope with life stressors in a healthy way
How Long Does Gambling Addiction Therapy Last?
The length of gambling addiction depends on you and your therapist. Some factors that may contribute to the amount of time therapy takes include:- The severity of your gambling disorder
- Your goals
- Therapist recommendations
- Your motivation to change
- Support system
Can Online Therapy Be Effective for Gambling Addiction?
Online therapy works the same as in-person therapy. Online therapy can make it more convenient for you to meet with your therapist, which can be especially helpful if you have a busy schedule.How to Find the Best Gambling Addiction Treatment?
To find the best gambling treatment for you, consider the following questions:- How severe is your gambling addiction?
- What type of therapy are you interested in?
- What qualities are important to you in a therapist?