The sun is new every day.
Gambling Addiction
Gambling Addiction
Gambling Addiction & Recovery
Getting Help
For many people lottery cards, slot machines, horse racing and casinos are recreational. However, for some it becomes a compulsion, and results in the loss of livelihoods and families. As the gambling addiction develops, denial plays a very important role in the mind of the addict. As the denial increases, so does the financial risks. As the gambler moves through an addictive cycle they will experience increased anxiety culminating in severe stress, only relieved by the euphoria of a win.
Gambling
Compulsive gambling has been grouped along with other addictions in the new DSM-5. Certain criteria have been identified which may lead to a diagnosis of a gambling disorder.
- Do you need to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement?
- Do you become restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling?
- Have you made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling?
- Are you often preoccupied with gambling?
- Do you gamble when feeling distressed?
- After losing money gambling, do you often return another day to get even (“chase” your loss)?
- Do you lie to conceal the extent of your involvement with gambling?
- Has your gambling jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity?
- Do you rely on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling?
Healing
As with other addictions, gambling addiction escalates over time, resulting in the gambler borrowing and even stealing money. Similar to drug addiction the gambler is likely to become increasingly agitated and pre-occupied. Anxiety and depression often increases and eventual suicide is not uncommon. Intervention is necessary to prevent further misery to the gambler and their family. In-patient addiction recovery breaks the cycle of addiction and relapse prevention strategies can be put in place to assist and guide recovery. Debt counselling is also often required.
About us
Place of Serenity offers a peaceful and healing atmosphere in which to recover from addiction, and the expertise of all staff members is surpassed only by their dedication to providing care. The needs of every man and woman who chooses to recover in a supportive environment at Place of Serenity are identified, addressed, and effectively treated, and as they navigate the way to lasting sobriety.
Contact us