The gambling industry has experienced exponential growth over recent years. Now people can access online casinos, sports betting sites, poker apps and other forms of gambling from the comfort of their own home via online casinos, sports betting sites and poker apps. While gambling can be fun and entertaining, addiction may ensue; similar to substances and alcohol addiction. Gambling disorder has recently been added as one of several mental health disorders treatable by medical practitioners.
Help your loved one overcome gambling by encouraging them to seek professional therapy. A therapist can work with them to identify and address unhealthy thoughts, behaviors and irrational beliefs that lead to gambling behavior; behavioral therapy can teach healthier coping mechanisms for triggers like stress and anxiety; psychotherapy is an integral part of treatment; there are several therapists who specialize in gambling addiction; most accept insurance plans while some provide affordable sliding scale services – one option being Talkspace which connects users directly with licensed therapists who can offer advice and support – making psychotherapy an integral part of treatment plan.
Your loved one could benefit from strengthening their social network and seeking new activities that don’t involve gambling, such as joining a book club, enrolling in education classes, volunteering for causes or joining Gamblers Anonymous as support group for gamblers similar to Alcoholics Anonymous; having other former gamblers around who have successfully overcome their addiction may serve as powerful motivation.
As is true with any addiction, financial issues can present significant hurdles to recovery. In order to protect your own finances and any funds held jointly with someone, password protection and joint account funds protection should all be kept separate and private. You could suggest they speak with their bank about setting up gambling blockers on their computer or phone may also help.
No matter the difficulty, you must remain firm in encouraging your loved one to seek assistance for his/her gambling problem. Remind them that their actions have an immense effect on you and others in their family; and remind them how much you care about them regardless of their gambling problem. You could suggest calling a helpline, consulting a mental health professional, or seeking treatment at a facility specializing in treating gambling addiction; be patient as they navigate this difficult path towards recovery; eventually they’ll be able to stop gambling altogether and enjoy life again – it just takes time and a lot of effort from all involved parties involved!