Gambling
Why do people gamble?
Problem gambling, also known as gambling disorder or compulsive gambling, is a serious and often overlooked mental health issue. It can lead to significant emotional, financial, and social harm, not only affecting the individual but also their families and communities.
Why do people gamble? Gambling creates a high, a rush of adrenaline and can be exciting. Like other addictive behaviours it blocks out all other considerations and concerns. It’s not winning that the gambler becomes addicted to – it’s taking the risk. That’s why the gambler goes back and loses all their winnings – they are not doing it for the money, they are doing it for the feeling.
Gambling disorder or problem gambling is characterised by a persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behaviour that leads to clinically significant impairment or distress. It is classified as a behavioural addiction, similar to substance use disorders, by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
It’s estimated there are currently around 370,000 problem gamblers in the UK. A lot of problem gamblers do not declare themselves or seek help, and gambling is often not recognised as an addictive illness. However, the behaviour of problem gamblers causes extreme disruption both in their own lives and in the lives of their families. Debts mount up, homes are lost, families split up, and gamblers can acquire criminal convictions.
Addictive gambling involves denial about the problem; an inability to stop or control the behaviour; mood swings and depression. Like any other addictive disease, pathological gambling has phases. These include chasing the first win (always trying to have again that first wonderful high when winning); experiencing blackouts (periods of gambling of which the gambler has no memory at all); and using gambling to escape emotional pain.
Addicted gamblers experience low self-esteem, they use rituals, and are driven to seek immediate gratification. There is also a significantly high suicide rate amongst compulsive gamblers.
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Individuals with gambling disorder may exhibit symptoms such as:
- → Increasing bets: Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement.
- → Failed attempts to quit: Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
- → Chasing losses: Returning to gamble again after losing money in an attempt to break even.
- → Enhanced security, as well as our usual guarantees around discretion & anonymity.
- → Lying about gambling: Concealing the extent of involvement with gambling from family members and others.
- → Jeopardising relationships and opportunities: Risking or losing significant relationships, jobs, or educational and career opportunities because of gambling.
- → Borrowing money: Resorting to borrowing from others or engaging in illegal activities to finance gambling.
When your gambling disrupts either your work, family life, social life, psychological or physical well-being, then it’s called ‘problem gambling’. When problem gambling becomes pathological it qualifies as a progressive addiction.
Potential damage caused by compulsive gambling.
- Compulsive gambling can have devastating effects on multiple aspects of an individual’s life, including:
- → Finances: Excessive gambling can lead to severe financial debt and, in many cases, bankruptcy. Individuals may sell or pawn possessions, run up large credit card debts, deplete savings, or even lose homes.
- → Emotional: Gambling can lead to, or exacerbate, problems with mental health. The cycle of gambling, losing, and guilt can significantly erode self-esteem and self-worth. Compulsive gamblers often suffer from anxiety, depression, and high levels of stress.
- → Relationships: Marriages and relationships often suffer due to the deceit and financial strain caused by gambling. Individuals may withdraw from social activities and cut themselves off from friends and family to hide their gambling, leading to isolation and loneliness.
- → Legal and professional: Engaging in illegal activities to fund gambling can result in criminal charges and imprisonment. Decreased productivity, absenteeism, and even theft from the workplace can lead to job loss.
Treatment for gambling addiction.
Gambling addiction, or compulsive gambling is a serious condition that requires comprehensive and compassionate care. Residential rehab treatment at Ibiza Calm provides an immersive environment where clients can receive intensive support to address their gambling addiction.
We help clients to understand the harms associated with their problem gambling, the root causes of their addiction, as well as developing healthier coping mechanisms, is crucial for the individual’s seeking recovery and their loved ones.
Ibiza Calm is a specialised mental health and addiction clinic that provides treatment for any individuals who are struggling with issues relating to compulsive and addictive behaviours. The Ibiza Calm team comprises experienced healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and therapists, who are dedicated to providing the support and resources needed to overcome gambling disorder and build a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Key components of residential treatment for problem gambling include:
Initial Evaluation: On arrival all clients are given a comprehensive, thorough assessment to understand the severity of the disorder, co-occurring mental health issues, and any underlying causes.
Personalised treatment plan: Developing a tailored plan that addresses the specific needs of the individual.
Individual one-to-one therapy: This can include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with gambling; and strategies to aid with relapse prevention, including recognising triggers.
Group therapy: Provides a supportive environment where individuals can share thoughts, feelings and experiences, and learn from others.
Mindfulness and meditation: Techniques to help individuals manage stress and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Family therapy: Involves family members in the recovery process to rebuild trust and improve communication.
Aftercare planning: Weekly therapeutic check-ins, support groups, and personalised plans to help individuals stay committed to their recovery journey and help maintain long-term abstinence.
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