Steps from the Red Line
Gambling Addiction Treatment in Cambridge
The thrill of gambling can sometimes be enough to lure anyone in. However, excessive gambling behavior can lead to serious problems, and that doesn’t only involve losing money gambling.
If you have a problem with gambling, remember that help is available. At Cambridge Mental Health, we provide a comprehensive treatment plan in an outpatient clinical environment where we provide counseling sessions to help you overcome your addiction. With us, you can break free of the self-destructive cycle and begin a new chapter.
What is a Gambling Disorder? Understanding Compulsive Gambling
When people start gambling, they likely don’t realize the risks involved, especially when it comes to their mental health.
In some cases, a gambling disorder can occur. This refers to a repetitive behavioral disorder in which a person feels a compulsive need to continue gambling, even when they know that it isn’t going to help them – either mentally or financially.
The Signs of Compulsive Gambling
It is important to be able to recognize the signs of compulsive gambling sooner rather than later. This is so that you can receive treatment before the problem becomes too severe.
Borrowing Money
One common sign of a gambling problem is borrowing money, which can be from friends, family, or loan companies. If you need to borrow cash to gamble, gambling definitely isn’t the answer.
Spending Increasing Amounts of Money
Individuals with worsening gambling disorders may feel the need to spend higher amounts of money to experience that same thrill they did the first few times.
Feeling Unable to Cut Back
Many people with a gambling addiction may find that they genuinely want to cut back (because they know that it isn’t good for them), but don’t actually feel able to do so.
Gambling to Deal with Negative Emotions
There is often an underlying reason why gamblers end up with addictions. Often, individuals with gambling problems do so to deal with negative emotions or experiences in their lives.
Experiencing Irritability When Not Gambling
A person with a gambling problem will likely experience irritability when they stop gambling.
A Huge Urge to Gamble
Naturally, those with gambling disorders will feel a big urge to gamble.
If any of these signs ring true for you, there are groups such as Gamblers Anonymous or the problem gambling helpline that can help. If you believe the problem is severe, our psychiatric day treatment* program may also be the solution you need.
Why is Gambling So Addictive?
Gambling is addictive because it releases dopamine. It triggers the brain’s reward response, meaning people want to continuously gamble to experience that same feeling. People often also convince themselves that the next bet will be the big one.
What Are the Risks?
There is little risk involved when people gamble a small amount very rarely. However, there are serious risks associated with gambling addictions.
Serious Financial Loss
The most obvious risk associated with gambling problems is financial loss. Gambling is all about luck, and the house always ends up the overall winner. As such, people who spend a lot of money gambling are extremely likely to lose a lot of their money. The greater the amount lost, the more severe the impact on their finances.
Isolation
One of the biggest risks of being a compulsive gambler is losing friends and family. It’s often hard for family members to watch their loved one throw away money because of gambling, and it can lead to full isolation.
Legal Problems
In some cases, gambling too much can even lead to legal issues. This may even lead to imprisonment.
Problems at Work/School
Individuals with gambling addictions often find that their performance at work or school suffers significantly.
Suicidal Thoughts or Attempts
In the worst cases, a person with a gambling problem may experience suicidal thoughts because of the consequences of gambling. They may even attempt suicide.
Who is More At Risk?
It is important to note that some people are more at risk of a gambling problem than others. These are some risk factors:
- Mental Disorders (such as bipolar disorder)
- Being a Young Adult or Middle Aged
- Being a Man
- Having Friends or Family Who Gamble
How We Can Help with Your Gambling Problem
You do not have to let your gambling disorder control you any longer. If you have a problem with gambling, the team here at Cambridge Mental Health is more than equipped to help you. Here is how.
Therapy
At Cambridge Mental Health, we offer a range of evidence-based therapies to help you understand your gambling behavior and learn how to control your urges to gamble.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: One type of therapy we use is called cognitive behavioral therapy. This involves a mental health professional helping you better understand your thoughts and behaviors, as well as the triggers that push you towards gambling.
Family Therapy: We also offer family therapy. This one is particularly important, as gambling disorders can cause serious rifts in families, and you will need a good support system.
Group Therapy: We also offer group therapy. This is great for peer support, as it means you will be in touch with others who are receiving similar treatment options to you and know exactly what you are going through. You can motivate one another to stop gambling.
A Supportive Environment
We have a fantastic facility located in Cambridge that also serves the Boston area. It has high-quality amenities, as well as certified gambling counselors who will support you every single step of the way. You will never be judged, and there will always be someone there to help you through your behavioral addiction.
A Tailored Plan
We promise to deliver a highly tailored gambling disorder treatment plan to everyone who comes to our clinic. We understand you are an individual. If you have any co occurring disorders, such as a mental health condition, we can accommodate.
Relapse Prevention
At Cambridge Mental Health, we don’t just try to stop you from gambling in the short term. We are committed to helping you overcome your gambling disorder in the long term, so our plans focus heavily on relapse prevention. We do this by teaching you valuable coping mechanisms so you know how to cope with any potential gambling urges in the future.
Do You Need Treatment for Problem Gambling?
Are you unsure whether our treatment option is right for you?
You Want to Stop But Cannot Do it Alone
Many people with a gambling disorder recognize that they have a problem with gambling, but do not feel like they can overcome it on their own. If that sounds like you, rest assured that a targeted treatment for gambling disorders is an excellent way to treat the problem head-on and get your life back.
You’re Spending More Money than You Should
It is all too easy to spend more money gambling than you intended. If you find that you are doing this more frequently, to the point where you’re experiencing financial difficulties, then that’s a sign of a problem, and you should seek help.
You Have Experienced Serious Consequences
If you have already experienced serious consequences because of your gambling disorder, such as losing family members, experiencing debt, or getting into legal trouble, it’s definitely time to reach out to our team. There are support groups and therapy programs that can help you, and that’s exactly what we offer.
Treat Problem Gambling Today
We are a gambling disorder treatment provider that focuses on science-backed methods that help you overcome your addiction. With high-quality treatment resources and evidence-based therapies, you can regain your life with our care.
Do not let your problem worsen. Contact our helpful team today. All conversations are confidential, and we operate a completely judgment-free clinic.