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24. What to do if you have a gambling problem
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Addictions come in all forms and are not just limited to drugs, tobacco and alcohol. There are many behavioral addictions where the addicted person gains a psychological "payoff" by engaging in the addictive behavior. In these instances the addictive person is unable to control their compulsion to engage in the addictive behavior despite he negative affects it has on them physically, emotionally or financially. Gambling is one such addictive behavior. If you or someone you love is addicted to gambling you need to read further for tips on how to handle this very destructive problem.
What to do first
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Don't ignore the signs of a person who is addicted to gambling. Addiction does not have to be attached to a substance such as tobacco, alcohol or other narcotics. Some people get "high" on the intense excitement of gambling and need that intense feeling to occur over and over again. This is not normal behavior when a person feel compelling to engage in this behavior on a regular basis and cannot stop.
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Compulsive gamblers believe that the big win is just one roll of the dice or one football game away. They believe that the odds will be in their favor or that their losing streak is about to end. Do not fall into the gambler's spell. Gamblers, by and large, are losers. Big corporations don't spend hundreds of millions of dollars operating casinos because they like to give money away. Yes, some people do win. As with the lottery someone will eventually win. And with the stakes at a few dollars twice a week this dream may not cause too many problems.
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Compulsive gamblers don't bet just a couple of dollars. They usually make large bets so they can "win big."
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Losing gamblers (and almost all are losers) begin to take money from their savings accounts, from their families, from the very mouths of their children just to make one more bet. These people need help right away.
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Compulsive gambling is a downward spiral that can lead to loss of livelihood, friends and family. The problems it can bring are just a vicious as those of a narcotics addiction although to the average person they may not be as noticeable.
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Compulsive gamblers who do not receive help often become physically and mentally depleted often becoming drug addicted or suicidal.
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If you have a gambling problem call Gambler's Anonymous (see link below under "Help on the Web"). If you are a family member of a gambler call Gam-Anon (see link below also).
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As with any other disorder the gambler must have a real desire to stop gambling. Any therapy or program will fail if the person does not want to become well again. The fellowship, spiritual letting-go, and humility of the twelve-step program has help many to overcome their addictive behaviors.
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In conjunction with a twelve step program you should consider counseling with a licensed therapist (preferably one with a "Registered Addiction Specialist" credential).
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Call the National Council on Problem Gambling. They have a twenty-four hour hotline at 1-800-522-4700.
What to do next
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Gambling, like any other addiction, is difficult to stop. The compulsion to gamble is similar to the compulsion to drink or take drugs. You must have patience and perseverance if you or a loved one is seeking help for this problem.
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Attend all of the meetings or therapy appointments scheduled. Missing these important meetings is an effort to sabotage your progress.
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If you find that you are not being successfully treated as an outpatient it may be necessary to become an inpatient in a facility that rehabilitates addicted individuals.
What can you learn from this experience?
As with any other of life's many other critical situations there is a great deal of learning and growth that can result from dealing with a gambling addiction. When you recover you will be a better person able to deal with the ups and downs of daily life with a more mature and relaxed attitude. You may find that you want to help others who are suffering and volunteer in some capacity.
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