Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction has no obvious physical signs or symptoms like there are in drug or alcohol addiction and it is sometimes referred to as the "hidden illness" because of this. Problem or compulsive gamblers typically deny or minimize the problem and will go to great lengths to hide their addiction. Some of these behaviours are things such as: withdrawal from loved ones, sneaking around, and lying about their actions.

It may be a problem if you:

  • Are secretive about your gambling. You might gamble in secret or lie about how much you gamble, believing others won't understand. You will fantasise about surprising others with a big win.
  • Are finding it hard to control your gambling. Can you walk away once you've started? Do you continue to gamble until you have spent / lost your last penny and increase your bets in a bid to win back your losses?
  • Gamble despite having no money. A critical point is when you become more and more desperate to recover your losses - you gamble until you've spent your last penny and then use money that is not disposable income. E.g. money needed to pay bills, credit cards, or meet the needs of your family . You may feel pressured to borrow, sell or steal things for gambling money. This is a destructive pattern of behaviour. The desire to gamble more in order to win back losses will only put further and further in the hole.
  • Family and friends show concern for you. Denial keeps any addiction going so listen to those that are worried about you. Take a hard look at how gambling is affecting your life. It's not a sign of weakness to ask for help.

It may be a problem for someone you know if they:

  • Become increasingly defensive about their gambling. The more a problem gambler is losing, the more the need to defend gambling as a way to get money. They may become secretive, defensive or even blame you for the need to gamble, telling you that it is all for you and you need to trust in "the day their ship comes in".
  • Are secretive and guarded over money and finances. They will possibly show a desire to control household finances, or the lack of money may become increasingly apparent despite no change in income and expenses. Savings and assets might inexplicably dwindle, or there may be unexplained loans or cash advances on credit cards.
  • Become increasingly desperate for money to fund the gambling. Credit card bills may increase, or they may ask friends and family for money. Jewellery or other items easily pawned for money may mysteriously disappear.

How can Cygnet Health help?

In therapy we look at the progression of the addiction, its consequences, how to begin to reverse the effects, coping skills and introduce you to an ongoing support network.

Locations

We provide gambling addiction treatment at the following Cygnet Health hospitals: