Understanding
Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is a serious behavioural addiction characterised by compulsive gambling despite negative consequences. It can devastate finances, relationships, and mental health, with the person feeling unable to control their urge to gamble regardless of the impact on their life.
Understanding
Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is a serious behavioural addiction characterised by compulsive gambling despite negative consequences. It can devastate finances, relationships, and mental health, with the person feeling unable to control their urge to gamble regardless of the impact on their life.
Understanding
Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is a serious behavioural addiction characterised by compulsive gambling despite negative consequences. It can devastate finances, relationships, and mental health, with the person feeling unable to control their urge to gamble regardless of the impact on their life.
What does Gambling Addiction feel like?
Living with gambling addiction can feel like being trapped on an emotional rollercoaster with devastating consequences. You might experience intense cravings to gamble, feeling restless or irritable when unable to place bets, and finding it impossible to stop despite mounting losses. Many people describe feeling consumed by thoughts of gambling, constantly planning the next bet, or believing the next win will solve all their problems.
The cycle of anticipation, brief highs from winning, and crushing lows from losing becomes all-consuming. Shame and secrecy often develop as debts accumulate, lies multiply, and relationships suffer. The addiction creates a double life where you might desperately want to stop but feel powerless against the compulsion to continue gambling.
Common Symptoms
Compulsive gambling despite significant losses or negative consequences
Preoccupation with gambling and constant thoughts about betting
Need to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve excitement
Restlessness or irritability when trying to cut down or stop
Lying to family, friends, or therapists about gambling activities
Jeopardising relationships, jobs, or opportunities due to gambling
Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money
Relying on others to provide money to relieve financial crises
What does Gambling Addiction feel like?
Living with gambling addiction can feel like being trapped on an emotional rollercoaster with devastating consequences. You might experience intense cravings to gamble, feeling restless or irritable when unable to place bets, and finding it impossible to stop despite mounting losses. Many people describe feeling consumed by thoughts of gambling, constantly planning the next bet, or believing the next win will solve all their problems.
The cycle of anticipation, brief highs from winning, and crushing lows from losing becomes all-consuming. Shame and secrecy often develop as debts accumulate, lies multiply, and relationships suffer. The addiction creates a double life where you might desperately want to stop but feel powerless against the compulsion to continue gambling.
Common Symptoms
Compulsive gambling despite significant losses or negative consequences
Preoccupation with gambling and constant thoughts about betting
Need to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve excitement
Restlessness or irritability when trying to cut down or stop
Lying to family, friends, or therapists about gambling activities
Jeopardising relationships, jobs, or opportunities due to gambling
Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money
Relying on others to provide money to relieve financial crises
What does Gambling Addiction feel like?
Living with gambling addiction can feel like being trapped on an emotional rollercoaster with devastating consequences. You might experience intense cravings to gamble, feeling restless or irritable when unable to place bets, and finding it impossible to stop despite mounting losses. Many people describe feeling consumed by thoughts of gambling, constantly planning the next bet, or believing the next win will solve all their problems.
The cycle of anticipation, brief highs from winning, and crushing lows from losing becomes all-consuming. Shame and secrecy often develop as debts accumulate, lies multiply, and relationships suffer. The addiction creates a double life where you might desperately want to stop but feel powerless against the compulsion to continue gambling.
Common Symptoms
Compulsive gambling despite significant losses or negative consequences
Preoccupation with gambling and constant thoughts about betting
Need to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve excitement
Restlessness or irritability when trying to cut down or stop
Lying to family, friends, or therapists about gambling activities
Jeopardising relationships, jobs, or opportunities due to gambling
Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money
Relying on others to provide money to relieve financial crises
History of Gambling Addiction
Understanding gambling addiction has evolved from viewing it as a moral failing to recognising it as a legitimate behavioural addiction requiring professional treatment.
1980
Pathological gambling was first included in psychiatric diagnostic manuals, marking its recognition as a mental health condition rather than simply a lack of willpower or moral weakness.
1990s
Research began revealing similarities between gambling addiction and substance addictions, including shared brain pathways and neurochemical responses, leading to better understanding of its addictive nature.
2000s
The rise of online gambling and increased gambling accessibility led to greater awareness of problem gambling prevalence, whilst treatment programmes specifically for gambling addiction became more widely available.
Present
Modern understanding recognises gambling disorder as a behavioural addiction with neurobiological components, treated through evidence-based therapies, support groups, financial counselling, and harm reduction approaches that address both the addiction and its consequences.
History of Gambling Addiction
Understanding gambling addiction has evolved from viewing it as a moral failing to recognising it as a legitimate behavioural addiction requiring professional treatment.
1980
Pathological gambling was first included in psychiatric diagnostic manuals, marking its recognition as a mental health condition rather than simply a lack of willpower or moral weakness.
1990s
Research began revealing similarities between gambling addiction and substance addictions, including shared brain pathways and neurochemical responses, leading to better understanding of its addictive nature.
2000s
The rise of online gambling and increased gambling accessibility led to greater awareness of problem gambling prevalence, whilst treatment programmes specifically for gambling addiction became more widely available.
Present
Modern understanding recognises gambling disorder as a behavioural addiction with neurobiological components, treated through evidence-based therapies, support groups, financial counselling, and harm reduction approaches that address both the addiction and its consequences.
History of Gambling Addiction
Understanding gambling addiction has evolved from viewing it as a moral failing to recognising it as a legitimate behavioural addiction requiring professional treatment.
1980
Pathological gambling was first included in psychiatric diagnostic manuals, marking its recognition as a mental health condition rather than simply a lack of willpower or moral weakness.
1990s
Research began revealing similarities between gambling addiction and substance addictions, including shared brain pathways and neurochemical responses, leading to better understanding of its addictive nature.
2000s
The rise of online gambling and increased gambling accessibility led to greater awareness of problem gambling prevalence, whilst treatment programmes specifically for gambling addiction became more widely available.
Present
Modern understanding recognises gambling disorder as a behavioural addiction with neurobiological components, treated through evidence-based therapies, support groups, financial counselling, and harm reduction approaches that address both the addiction and its consequences.
Take our free self-test
Take our free self-test
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
How therapy can help
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has proven highly effective for gambling addiction, helping identify triggers, challenge distorted thinking patterns, and develop alternative coping strategies. Therapy addresses the underlying beliefs about luck, control, and money that fuel gambling behaviour, whilst building skills for managing urges and preventing relapse.
Treatment often includes financial counselling to address debt and money management, family therapy to repair damaged relationships, and support groups for ongoing peer support. Therapists also address any co-occurring mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or substance use that may contribute to gambling addiction.
Benefits of Therapy
Identify and manage gambling triggers and high-risk situations
Challenge distorted thoughts about luck, probability, and control
Develop healthy coping strategies for stress and difficult emotions
Learn financial management and debt recovery strategies
Rebuild damaged relationships and improve communication skills
Address underlying mental health issues like depression or anxiety
Create relapse prevention plans and early warning systems
Build long-term recovery skills and meaningful life goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about gambling addiction and recovery treatment options
How do I know if my gambling has become an addiction rather than just entertainment?
Warning signs include gambling more than you can afford, lying about gambling activities, feeling unable to stop despite losses, neglecting responsibilities, borrowing money to gamble, or experiencing distress when unable to gamble. If gambling is causing problems in any area of your life, it's worth seeking professional assessment.
Can someone with gambling addiction ever gamble recreationally again?
For most people with gambling addiction, complete abstinence from all forms of gambling is the safest approach. The brain changes associated with addiction mean that attempting controlled gambling typically leads to relapse. Recovery focuses on finding alternative sources of excitement and entertainment.
How can I recover financially from gambling addiction?
Financial recovery is possible but takes time and planning. Treatment often includes financial counselling to create debt management plans, budgeting strategies, and rebuilding credit. Many people benefit from having trusted family members temporarily manage finances during early recovery whilst developing new money management skills.
How can family members help someone with gambling addiction?
Family support is crucial but should avoid enabling the addiction. This means not covering debts, lending money, or lying to protect the person from consequences. Instead, offer emotional support for treatment, attend family therapy sessions, learn about addiction, and consider support groups for families affected by gambling problems.
How therapy can help
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has proven highly effective for gambling addiction, helping identify triggers, challenge distorted thinking patterns, and develop alternative coping strategies. Therapy addresses the underlying beliefs about luck, control, and money that fuel gambling behaviour, whilst building skills for managing urges and preventing relapse.
Treatment often includes financial counselling to address debt and money management, family therapy to repair damaged relationships, and support groups for ongoing peer support. Therapists also address any co-occurring mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or substance use that may contribute to gambling addiction.
Benefits of Therapy
Identify and manage gambling triggers and high-risk situations
Challenge distorted thoughts about luck, probability, and control
Develop healthy coping strategies for stress and difficult emotions
Learn financial management and debt recovery strategies
Rebuild damaged relationships and improve communication skills
Address underlying mental health issues like depression or anxiety
Create relapse prevention plans and early warning systems
Build long-term recovery skills and meaningful life goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about gambling addiction and recovery treatment options
How do I know if my gambling has become an addiction rather than just entertainment?
Warning signs include gambling more than you can afford, lying about gambling activities, feeling unable to stop despite losses, neglecting responsibilities, borrowing money to gamble, or experiencing distress when unable to gamble. If gambling is causing problems in any area of your life, it's worth seeking professional assessment.
Can someone with gambling addiction ever gamble recreationally again?
For most people with gambling addiction, complete abstinence from all forms of gambling is the safest approach. The brain changes associated with addiction mean that attempting controlled gambling typically leads to relapse. Recovery focuses on finding alternative sources of excitement and entertainment.
How can I recover financially from gambling addiction?
Financial recovery is possible but takes time and planning. Treatment often includes financial counselling to create debt management plans, budgeting strategies, and rebuilding credit. Many people benefit from having trusted family members temporarily manage finances during early recovery whilst developing new money management skills.
How can family members help someone with gambling addiction?
Family support is crucial but should avoid enabling the addiction. This means not covering debts, lending money, or lying to protect the person from consequences. Instead, offer emotional support for treatment, attend family therapy sessions, learn about addiction, and consider support groups for families affected by gambling problems.
How therapy can help
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has proven highly effective for gambling addiction, helping identify triggers, challenge distorted thinking patterns, and develop alternative coping strategies. Therapy addresses the underlying beliefs about luck, control, and money that fuel gambling behaviour, whilst building skills for managing urges and preventing relapse.
Treatment often includes financial counselling to address debt and money management, family therapy to repair damaged relationships, and support groups for ongoing peer support. Therapists also address any co-occurring mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or substance use that may contribute to gambling addiction.
Benefits of Therapy
Identify and manage gambling triggers and high-risk situations
Challenge distorted thoughts about luck, probability, and control
Develop healthy coping strategies for stress and difficult emotions
Learn financial management and debt recovery strategies
Rebuild damaged relationships and improve communication skills
Address underlying mental health issues like depression or anxiety
Create relapse prevention plans and early warning systems
Build long-term recovery skills and meaningful life goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about gambling addiction and recovery treatment options
How do I know if my gambling has become an addiction rather than just entertainment?
Warning signs include gambling more than you can afford, lying about gambling activities, feeling unable to stop despite losses, neglecting responsibilities, borrowing money to gamble, or experiencing distress when unable to gamble. If gambling is causing problems in any area of your life, it's worth seeking professional assessment.
Can someone with gambling addiction ever gamble recreationally again?
For most people with gambling addiction, complete abstinence from all forms of gambling is the safest approach. The brain changes associated with addiction mean that attempting controlled gambling typically leads to relapse. Recovery focuses on finding alternative sources of excitement and entertainment.
How can I recover financially from gambling addiction?
Financial recovery is possible but takes time and planning. Treatment often includes financial counselling to create debt management plans, budgeting strategies, and rebuilding credit. Many people benefit from having trusted family members temporarily manage finances during early recovery whilst developing new money management skills.
How can family members help someone with gambling addiction?
Family support is crucial but should avoid enabling the addiction. This means not covering debts, lending money, or lying to protect the person from consequences. Instead, offer emotional support for treatment, attend family therapy sessions, learn about addiction, and consider support groups for families affected by gambling problems.
Meet our Therapists
Meet our Therapists
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we are pleased to introduce Grant Fairlie (MBACP), a counsellor with over 1,900 clinical hours and more than three years of practice. Grant brings a background in drama education and specialist experience supporting neurodiverse adults and adolescents.
More
Adults (18+)
Introducing Andrea Szentgyorgyi, a UKCP-registered integrative psychotherapist with over 1,000 clinical hours. Andrea combines person-centred, solution-focused therapy with advanced techniques including hypnotherapy and EMDR, creating a tailored and flexible approach for each client. With 6 years of experience, she provides a safe and supportive space to explore challenges and promote lasting emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we’re proud to introduce Isabella May Leonard (MSc), an experienced person-centred psychotherapist offering therapy for adults. With over 2,500 clinical hours, Isabella brings warmth, compassion, and professional depth to her practice, with experience across private practice, NHS Talking Therapies, and third-sector services. She provides both short- and long-term therapy, creating a safe and reflective space where clients can explore challenges at their own pace.
More
Adults (18+)
Jayne Tamsett is a BACP accredited counsellor with a BA (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy and over 4,700 clinical hours. She works with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, and relationship challenges. Her practice offers an inclusive and compassionate space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported in their personal growth
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we are pleased to introduce Grant Fairlie (MBACP), a counsellor with over 1,900 clinical hours and more than three years of practice. Grant brings a background in drama education and specialist experience supporting neurodiverse adults and adolescents.
More
Adults (18+)