Understanding
Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction, also known as gambling disorder, is a behavioural addiction where the urge to gamble becomes uncontrollable, even when it causes harm to your finances, relationships, or wellbeing. People with this condition may chase losses, hide their gambling, or struggle to stop despite negative consequences.
What does gambling addiction feel like?
It can feel like a constant compulsion to gamble, with intense urges and preoccupation with betting or gaming. Many experience guilt, shame, anxiety, and distress when unable to gamble, or after losing money. Relationships and work may suffer, and individuals often feel isolated or trapped in a cycle of risk and regret.
How to overcome gambling addiction with therapy
Therapy is highly effective for gambling addiction. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps you identify triggers, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and develop healthier coping strategies. Medication may be used to manage underlying issues like depression or anxiety. Support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, provide peer encouragement and accountability, while self-help tools and blocking software can limit access to gambling.
Through gambling addiction counselling, you can:
Recognise and manage triggers and cravings
Build strategies to resist urges and prevent relapse
Address underlying emotional or mental health issues
Rebuild relationships and financial stability
Step-by-step guide to managing gambling addiction
Acknowledge the problem: Recognise the impact of gambling on your life and wellbeing.
Seek professional support: Consult a therapist or join a support group for guidance and accountability.
Engage in therapy: Participate in CBT or other evidence-based treatments to change thought patterns and behaviours.
Use practical tools: Install gambling blocks on devices and limit access to funds.
Address underlying issues: Treat co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.
Understanding
Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction, also known as gambling disorder, is a behavioural addiction where the urge to gamble becomes uncontrollable, even when it causes harm to your finances, relationships, or wellbeing. People with this condition may chase losses, hide their gambling, or struggle to stop despite negative consequences.
What does gambling addiction feel like?
It can feel like a constant compulsion to gamble, with intense urges and preoccupation with betting or gaming. Many experience guilt, shame, anxiety, and distress when unable to gamble, or after losing money. Relationships and work may suffer, and individuals often feel isolated or trapped in a cycle of risk and regret.
How to overcome gambling addiction with therapy
Therapy is highly effective for gambling addiction. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps you identify triggers, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and develop healthier coping strategies. Medication may be used to manage underlying issues like depression or anxiety. Support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, provide peer encouragement and accountability, while self-help tools and blocking software can limit access to gambling.
Through gambling addiction counselling, you can:
Recognise and manage triggers and cravings
Build strategies to resist urges and prevent relapse
Address underlying emotional or mental health issues
Rebuild relationships and financial stability
Step-by-step guide to managing gambling addiction
Acknowledge the problem: Recognise the impact of gambling on your life and wellbeing.
Seek professional support: Consult a therapist or join a support group for guidance and accountability.
Engage in therapy: Participate in CBT or other evidence-based treatments to change thought patterns and behaviours.
Use practical tools: Install gambling blocks on devices and limit access to funds.
Address underlying issues: Treat co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.
Understanding
Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction, also known as gambling disorder, is a behavioural addiction where the urge to gamble becomes uncontrollable, even when it causes harm to your finances, relationships, or wellbeing. People with this condition may chase losses, hide their gambling, or struggle to stop despite negative consequences.
What does gambling addiction feel like?
It can feel like a constant compulsion to gamble, with intense urges and preoccupation with betting or gaming. Many experience guilt, shame, anxiety, and distress when unable to gamble, or after losing money. Relationships and work may suffer, and individuals often feel isolated or trapped in a cycle of risk and regret.
How to overcome gambling addiction with therapy
Therapy is highly effective for gambling addiction. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps you identify triggers, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and develop healthier coping strategies. Medication may be used to manage underlying issues like depression or anxiety. Support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, provide peer encouragement and accountability, while self-help tools and blocking software can limit access to gambling.
Through gambling addiction counselling, you can:
Recognise and manage triggers and cravings
Build strategies to resist urges and prevent relapse
Address underlying emotional or mental health issues
Rebuild relationships and financial stability
Step-by-step guide to managing gambling addiction
Acknowledge the problem: Recognise the impact of gambling on your life and wellbeing.
Seek professional support: Consult a therapist or join a support group for guidance and accountability.
Engage in therapy: Participate in CBT or other evidence-based treatments to change thought patterns and behaviours.
Use practical tools: Install gambling blocks on devices and limit access to funds.
Address underlying issues: Treat co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.
Let's find your perfect therapist.
Let's find your perfect therapist.
Let's find your perfect therapist.
Tailored support from trusted Manchester-based therapists — in-person or online.
Tailored support from trusted Manchester-based therapists — in-person or online.