Gambling Disorder Treatment

Gambling Disorder is a progressive, potentially destructive life-threatening disease which if not addressed in the clinical setting, will lead an individual into gradually more harmful consequences that affect every aspect of a person’s life. As with all addictive diseases, Gambling Disorder results in dysfunctional behaviors that eventually disrupt relationships (family/friends), financial well-being, and decreased self-care, and in some instances, serious legal problems (e.g. identity theft or robbery). Also, Gambling Disorder is rarely characterized by “too much gambling”, it is often accompanied by an increase in use of either alcohol or drugs and mental health issues such as anxiety (worry), depression, low self-esteem and isolation/avoidance of normal life activates. While there is significant and well-deserved attention directed at the abuse of alcohol and prescription medications (Opioid Crisis), Gambling Disorder has the highest instance of the affected individuals either attempting or, in fact, committing suicide. Significantly related to Gambling Disorder is the increased use of on-line gaming either to gamble or escape into the world of fantasy sports betting or role-playing games.

Have you or someone you know experienced the following symptoms of Gambling Disorder:

  • Escape of life stress/problems;
  • Trying to stop gambling/gaming, but always go back;
  • Lying about financial situations or the need for repeated help with money management;
  • Always thinking about gambling/gaming and planning for the next time one can play;
  • Taking increased risks to obtain money with which to play;
  • Gambling/gaming is one’s only enjoyment or sometimes obsession in life;
  • Believing the only solution to the increased level of one’s problems is to end one’s life;

Gambling Disorder: A Hidden Problem

Family, friends, and even the gambler may be slow to identify compulsive gambling as an issue. The addictive gambler is not like an alcohol or drug addict. The problem gambler does not slur his speech or fail a drug screen.

  • Gambling disorder is an issue of impulse.  The person becomes preoccupied with thoughts of gambling. This obsession creates an overwhelming and powerful compulsion to gamble.
  • Gambling disorder is an issue of denial.  People can believe that eventually, a change in luck will result in winnings and that they can stop gambling whenever they decide to.

People with a gambling disorder experience repeated negative impacts on their well-being and happiness as a result of gambling, or who negatively impact the people around them because of their gambling, are not recreational gamblers.

If these symptoms describe a family member or loved one, the risk must be recognized.  People with a gambling disorder frequently drastically impact their financial security before gaining motivation to seek therapy.  Unfortunately, people whose gambling has become an issue rarely seek treatment until they are financially wiped out.  About one in 5 people with a gambling disorder will attempt suicide.

Club Recovery understands that gambling can become a serious and significant, medically recognized disorder.  Most importantly, effective treatment and rehab for gambling addiction are available.

Treatment to manage a gambling/gaming disorder

At Club Recovery, we offer a variety of services to help individuals, families, and individual family members come to terms with this disease. We offer a total person-focused, 16-week group therapy program that meets on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6-9 pm. During this time, clients will learn to understand their seemingly uncontrollable impulse to gamble, recognize how gambling has been used to avoid other life issues, and come to understand the underlying physical and psychological aspects of this chronic disease.

Not gambling is Not enough. Club Recovery will help our clients identify the underlying issues of their disease and then create a program for recovery. There are Four Phases of Gambling Disorder that we examine at Club Recovery as the basis for recovery:

  • Phase I: Gambling as a Stress Relief Tool;
  • Phase II: The Crisis of Quitting Gambling;
  • Phase III: Learning new Attitudes and Skills;
  • Phase Iv: Meeting needs without Gambling;

This new self-awareness helps individuals to recognize their triggers and urges to gamble and develop techniques to manage life without gambling.

One of the most important aspects of Gambling Disorder is for the affected individual to understand their need for the role of gambling in their lives. As the person with alcohol use disorder craves alcohol, and persons with opiate use disorder crave opiates (either prescription or street drugs) those with Gambling Disorder often do whatever they can to continue to gamble. Gambling Disorder can drive individuals to take drastic means to obtain money through manipulation of whatever, or whomever; even to the point of committing a crime to support the need for money to support the behavior. Fortunately, there are effective tools available to help one control access to money, manage money, or block internet access to gambling/gaming sites.

It is also important to understand that Gambling Disorder does not only affect the individual who is actively gambling, but also everyone around them. If you are in a relationship with someone who you know will not stop gambling you may also need help. At Club Recovery, we can provide as many as 12 individual therapy sessions free of charge for those affected family/concerned persons in the gambler’s life, even if that person will not seek the help they also need.

Treatment is covered 100% with or without health insurance for qualified individuals

No matter what financial situation you find yourself in, as a result of either your own or a loved one’s involvement in gambling, for those with an inability to pay, help for treatment is available through the Minnesota State Gambling Fund. There are no income limits or other barriers to receiving this help. It is a grant, provided by the state to aid in the treatment of this disease. It does not matter how long, when, or why you or someone you know has been gambling. This disease can affect those of all ages. So, please, call and make an appointment for an evaluation to determine the level of care or coping tools to place this chronic and ultimately life-destroying disease of Gambling Disorder into remission.

If gambling has become an issue in your life, help is a phone call away.  Contact Club Recovery at (952) 926-2526 for a consultation. Our address is 7701 York Ave S #350, Edina, MN 55435