Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is a serious disorder that can take over one’s life, leading to financial ruin, emotional turmoil, and broken relationships. At PACE Recovery Center, we specialize in helping young adult men break free from the cycle of gambling addiction. Our compassionate approach is designed to help you regain control of your life, rebuild relationships, and develop the skills necessary for a sustained recovery. With industry-leading programming, we empower our clients to create a new pattern of lifelong change and take charge of their future.

What Is Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, is a condition that causes individuals to lose control over their gambling behavior. It becomes a problem when the individual cannot stop gambling despite the negative consequences, such as financial losses, emotional distress, or damaged relationships. The addiction often starts out as occasional gambling for fun or excitement but can quickly escalate into a destructive pattern that affects every aspect of life. The thrill of winning, the excitement of a bet, and the stress of losing can trap individuals in a cycle that is difficult to break.

Online Gambling Addiction

Online gambling addiction refers to compulsive gambling that occurs through digital platforms, including websites or apps for poker, casino games, sports betting, and other types of online gambling. The ease and convenience of online gambling make it particularly dangerous, as it is accessible at any time and from almost anywhere. Many online gamblers experience a sense of anonymity that can reduce the emotional consequences of losing money, leading them to engage in riskier betting behavior. The convenience of being able to place a bet at any moment, often with the use of credit cards or digital wallets, can also lead to significant financial consequences, making it easy to spiral into deeper levels of addiction. For many, online gambling becomes an isolating behavior, as they gamble alone and hide the extent of their involvement from others, adding an additional layer of shame and secrecy to the addiction.

Sports Gambling Addiction

Sports gambling addiction occurs when one becomes excessively involved in betting on sports events, often leading to harmful consequences. The excitement of predicting the outcomes of games and placing bets on sports teams can become addictive, creating a cycle of emotional highs from wins and deep lows from losses. This addiction often manifests as a compulsive urge to place more bets, sometimes to recover losses or because of an overconfidence in predicting outcomes. Many sports gamblers experience a pattern of increasing their wagers in an attempt to recapture the thrill or win back what they’ve lost. This chasing of losses can cause deep financial strain and emotional distress, making it difficult for individuals to stop, even when they know the risks. At PACE, we understand how these behaviors can trap you, and we offer in-depth mental health services that address the root issues driving addiction and mental illness, enabling our clients to create effective change in their lives.

Symptoms of Gambling Addiction

Recognizing gambling addiction early is key to getting the help you need. Some common signs and symptoms of gambling addiction include:

Preoccupation With Gambling: Constantly thinking about gambling, whether planning the next bet or reliving past wins and losses.
Inability to Control Gambling: Trying to stop but being unable to, despite negative consequences.
Escalating Bets: Increasing the amount of money you wager to achieve the same thrill or excitement.
Chasing Losses: Trying to win back money that has been lost by gambling more, often leading to deeper losses.
Neglecting Responsibilities: Gambling begins to interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Lying About Gambling: Concealing the extent of your gambling from family, friends, or coworkers.
Financial Problems: Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling activities, leading to debt or financial ruin.

Dual Diagnosis Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is often linked with other mental health disorders. Many who are struggling with gambling also experience co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or bipolar disorder. The emotional distress caused by gambling losses can exacerbate feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness, leading individuals to turn to substances or other unhealthy behaviors as a way to cope.

Substance abuse, in particular, is common among individuals with gambling addiction. The use of alcohol or drugs may be an attempt to numb the emotional pain caused by gambling or to enhance the thrill of the gambling experience. This combination of gambling and substance use can make recovery more complicated, as both conditions need to be treated simultaneously. At PACE Recovery Center, we specialize in treating individuals with dual diagnoses—addressing both the gambling addiction and any underlying mental health or substance use issues. We are committed to offering a path to recovery for even the most serious of cases, empowering clients to move forward with confidence.

How to Stop Gambling

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, taking the first step toward recovery is crucial. While stopping on your own can be challenging, treatment can be highly effective in helping break the cycle of addiction and prevent relapse. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Acknowledge the Problem: Recognizing that gambling is a problem is the first step in overcoming the addiction. Admitting that you need help is essential to starting the recovery process.

2. Seek Support: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Having a support system in place is vital for breaking free from gambling addiction.

3. Set Limits: Establish clear boundaries for yourself, including setting time and financial limits on gambling activities. This helps keep the addiction in check and prevents further losses.

4. Avoid Triggers: Identifying the places, situations, or emotions that trigger the urge to gamble is important. Learn to cope with these triggers in healthier ways, such as through mindfulness or stress-relief techniques.

5. Join a Support Group: Support groups like Gamblers Anonymous offer a sense of community and shared experience, which can help you stay accountable and feel less isolated during recovery.

6. Professional Treatment: Treatment programs, like the ones offered at PACE Recovery Center, are critical for long-term success. Therapy, life skills training, and structured support provide the tools needed to thrive in recovery.

Gambling Addiction Treatment

Overcoming gambling addiction typically requires professional help. Treatment is personalized and may include a combination of therapy, support, and life skills development. At PACE Recovery Center, we offer a comprehensive gambling addiction treatment program designed to help young men break free from the grip of gambling and build a solid foundation for lasting recovery. Our gambling addiction treatment includes:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps clients recognize and change the thought patterns that contribute to their gambling behavior. By identifying triggers and replacing harmful thought processes with healthier ones, CBT is a powerful tool in treating gambling addiction.
Group Therapy: Group therapy creates a sense of community and accountability, allowing men to connect with others who understand their struggles.
Relapse Prevention: We equip clients with the tools to avoid relapse, including stress management techniques, emotional regulation skills, and financial literacy to manage gambling triggers.
Life Skills Development: Building practical skills to deal with stress, manage finances, and develop healthier coping mechanisms is essential for long-term success.

Gambling Help at PACE

At PACE Recovery Center, we specialize in treating young adult men with gambling addiction. Our approach is holistic and evidence-based, addressing the addiction and also emotional, psychological, and social aspects. We focus on:

Personalized Treatment Plans: Each treatment plan is tailored to the unique needs and challenges of the young man.
Small Cohorts and Community Support: We create a supportive, community-oriented environment where residents hold each other accountable and build lasting relationships.
Comprehensive Care: We integrate clinical therapy with life skills development, ensuring clients leave with the tools they need to succeed in life beyond treatment.
Ongoing Support: Recovery doesn’t stop after treatment. Our aftercare programs provide continued support to help men maintain sobriety and live fulfilling lives.
Industry-Leading Programming: Our evidence-based treatments and structured recovery programs are designed to create effective change and offer lasting support.

If you or a loved one is struggling with gambling addiction, don’t wait to seek help. At PACE Recovery Center, we’re here to guide you through the recovery process with understanding, care, and expertise. Our team is committed to helping young men reclaim their lives and build a future free from addiction. Reach out to us today to learn more about our gambling addiction treatment program.