Comprehensive Gambling Addiction Resources for Recovery

The relaxing and grounding nature of both massage and acupuncture can offer much-needed physical restoration and tranquillity for individuals in rehab and detox. Faith-based approaches to gambling recovery emphasize spiritual healing and support through the teachings and principles of a particular religion or spiritual belief system. This approach integrates faith into the recovery process, offering individuals a framework for gullybet reflection, repentance, and renewal.

Thus, recruitment of a larger, more ethnic and gender diverse group of individuals with lifetime GD is needed for scale development and further refinement (i.e., invariance testing for gender, ethnicity/race, criterion, discriminant validity). As holistic treatment becomes more widely accepted and used, the benefits of this approach are becoming clearer. Individual aspects of a holistic approach, such as yoga and art therapy, have shown positive outcomes in addiction recovery. Similarly, holistic therapies have been found to be effective in treating various other conditions. In one study, Hodgins and el-Guebaly used the term “nonresolved” gamblers instead of “recovered”, and nonresolved gamblers were identified using the DSM criteria (Hodgins & el-Guebaly, 2000).

• Moreover, in the study conducted by Toneatto et al., the most common reason for quitting gambling was a crisis of self-image or self-concept (Toneatto et al., 2008).
• Allow yourself to celebrate every time you go a full day without gambling, resist the urge to place a bet, or go for a walk instead of gambling.
• While faith-based approaches can be beneficial, it’s important to respect and accommodate individuals of diverse religious backgrounds or those who identify as non-religious.
• This dual self was correlated with a form of alienation, as if the individual were dependent upon an external force that had control over his or her identity and overwhelmed him or her, as a result of which he or she was no longer in charge of his or her own actions (Nuske & Hing, 2013; Rogier et al., 2020).

However, the main limitation of this approach lies in the fact that it defines recovery solely from a clinical perspective. Similarly, four other studies also aimed to define recovery based on the severity of gambling through participants’ scores on certain gambling-related questionnaires (Dannon et al., 2007; Grant et al., 2011; Hawker et al., 2021; Humphrey et al., 2020). Nevertheless, such a perspective is also limited since it focuses on gambling symptoms and behaviour. Indeed, it is noteworthy that only a few of these studies considered subjective aspects of recovery, such as quality of life, life satisfaction or wellbeing (Abbott et al., 2017; Boudreault et al., 2018; Gavriel-Fried, Lev-El, et al., 2022; Grant et al., 2011; Linardatou et al., 2014; Müller, Naab, et al., 2017; Oei et al., 2018).

How To Break a Gambling Addiction: 9 Ways To Stop

Problem Gambling Awareness Month, held annually in March, is one such initiative that aims to raise awareness about gambling addiction and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services. The 2024 campaign, themed ‘Every Story Matters’, seeks to foster understanding and reduce the stigma of problem gambling through personal narratives. Building a support network by reaching out to friends, family members, or making new connections through various social activities can also be a crucial element in maintaining accountability and supporting recovery from gambling addiction. In Colorado, for example, Gamblers Anonymous meetings are available in multiple cities, providing a supportive network for those seeking to break free from the clutches of gambling addiction. These groups offer a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, struggles, and victories over gambling addiction, providing a sense of community and understanding that is often crucial in the recovery process.

The importance of personalized addiction treatment plans

Incorporating regular exercise can reduce withdrawal symptoms and improve both mental and physical well-being through the release of endorphins. Incorporating holistic therapies into an alcohol, drug, or gambling rehab and detox programme can not only enhance traditional treatment strategies but also provide individuals with a well-rounded set of coping mechanisms and self-care practices for lasting recovery. By addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction in unison, these therapies promise to complement and augment established treatment methodologies while promoting overall health and well-being. In addition to mental and physical health, holistic approaches also consider the spiritual dimension of recovery.

The potential of winning, enjoyment of playing, and social participation are all triggers that contribute to this addictive behavior. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, it may be indicative of a gambling addiction and seeking professional help is recommended. For instance, establishing a nutrient-rich diet helps in repairing damage caused by substance abuse and boosts energy levels. Community engagement and supportive relationships further contribute to recovery by providing social support and reducing feelings of isolation. If you’ve lost money, feel stuck in destructive habits, or are struggling to rebuild trust, you’re not alone. Gambling addiction can feel overwhelming, but recovery is possible with the proper support.

Holistic treatments used alongside traditional approaches can help make significant improvements in mental and physical well-being, increase overall functioning, and improve quality of life. The results of a survey of the general population conducted by Cunningham et al. showed that more than three-quarters of the respondents believed that problem gamblers must quit gambling completely to fix their problem (Cunningham, Cordingley, Hodgins, & Toneatto, 2011). With the right support, treatment, and recovery strategies, individuals can regain control over their lives and move towards a healthier future. In the fight against gambling addiction, every step towards recovery matters, and every story matters. Research and policy development constitute the core of initiatives to combat gambling addiction. Yale Medicine, for instance, is involved in research utilizing brain imaging and genetics to understand the causes of gambling disorder and develop more effective treatments.

Naomi Carr is a qualified mental health nurse with several years of experience working with children and adults in the UK. Treatments are likely to vary at each rehab center, so it can be helpful to research places if you are looking for a treatment plan that incorporates specific therapies. Second, the interrater reliability among the raters was initially fair (at the first and second screenings of titles and abstracts) and then moderate (at the third screening of titles and abstracts). However, this limitation was counterbalanced by the fact that the research process used for this review required a consensus (i.e., agreement among at least 3 of 4 researchers) to be reached in cases featuring divergent opinions, a process which involved a discussion among the four researchers with regard to each abstract.

Reducing your access to online gambling can create momentum that helps break automatic behaviors to help you give up gambling. Putting distance between yourself and the urge to gamble gives you the space you need to make more intentional choices. When you feel the urge to gamble, try to delay taking action on it for at least 20 minutes. During that period, you can practice mindfulness tactics or do another activity to distract yourself. With practice, urge surfing may change your response to your urge to gamble, and you’ll learn that you don’t have to respond to the urge.