All addiction can be devastating to the person addicted and to all those around them. A gambling addiction is particularly damaging, because in most places it is not illegal and can be done just about anywhere, even online.
With the right help and a desire to be free, there is hope for those with a gambling addiction.
The beginning of recovery must being with the person’s committed to getting better. Help must be sought, not for friends or family for first and foremost, for themselves. Usually, like with most addictions, gamblers must get to rock bottom before they seek help.
There is inpatient and outpatient treat for addiction available. Inpatient treatment is very expensive and if you do not have health insurance out patient treatment such as Gamblers Anonymous may be a good choice.
Addictions can be treated with medications, such as anti-depressants, or re-uptake inhibitors. These medication have had great success with treating this addiction. Anti-depressants help to suppress the compulsive need, to put oneself in a position of risk.
Gamblers Anonymous is a place of support and accountability, where the addicts sobriety is reinforced with symbolic tokens. It is an inexpensive resource, to help the gambling addict get help, in an non-judgmental environment of their peers.
Family therapy is necessary because, addiction always affects the family dynamic. Family members are a great means of support for the addict. In therapy, family members learn what part they may play, in the addicts recovery. Family members also learn to recognize enabling behavior, that help the addict to continue their negative behavior.
Cognitive therapy can help by uncovering negative thought patterns that play a part in addiction. With cognitive therapy, a plan of treatment, such as behavior modification and developing coping skills is developed to help the person to break addiction triggering patterns.
Group therapy is, therapy in a group of the addicts peers. There they can be open and be honest. Members of the group, will also point out negative patters the addict may not be aware of or is in denial about.