Gambling Rehab
How our therapy can help your recovery from addiction
Getting help with your gambling addiction, or the gambling addiction of a friend or family member, can seem like a big step. But it doesn’t have to be a frightening prospect.
Our highly-qualified team have years of experience of providing effective therapeutic support and are able to give gambling addiction rehabilitation to people with a history of gambling-related issues.
We’ve compiled this guide to help you understand the risks of excessive gambling, and to show you how Parkland Place supports people to overcome the problem.
What is gambling addiction?
Gambling addiction is the compulsive desire to gamble, and the inability for gamblers to control their gambling. Gambling addiction could be related to any form of gambling, including casinos, horse racing, scratchcards or, increasingly, online gambling.
Those who suffer from gambling addiction will be unable to resist the urge to gamble and will continue to do so irrespective of the possible negative financial, legal and social consequences. They may compulsively gamble every day, or go on binges.
Gambling addiction has no obvious physical signs or symptoms, but is based on a psychological dependency.
Do I have a gambling problem?
The following could all be signs of a gambling addiction:
- being preoccupied with gambling, playing lotto, going to the casino, or gambling online
- avoiding obligations at work, school, home or socially, so you can spend more time gambling
- being irritable with or avoiding friends, family members or other loved ones who are concerned about your gambling
- financial difficulties such as the loss of your home, car, job, or other possessions
- stealing money to place bets or to reduce your debts
- selling possessions so you can keep gambling beyond your means
- feeling unable to control your compulsion to gamble
- telling lies about the extent of your gambling, or trying to prevent others finding out about it
You could have a gambling problem if:
- Your desire to gamble is too strong for you to control. When you gamble, is it difficult for you to walk away?
- You have to gamble until you’ve spent all your money. If you try to chase your losses, it could be a sign of a bigger problem.
- You try to hide your gambling from others. If people are worried about your behaviour, then there’s often a good reason for them to be worried. Don’t just shut them out – it could be the biggest clue that you need some help.
- You gamble money you don’t have. If you use credit cards, loans or overdrafts so you can gamble then that’s a clear sign that you are spending beyond your means. If you lie, steal, or sell your possessions so you can gamble then you need to get help quickly.
- You find it impossible to give up. You want to stop, but the temptation is just too great – and you keep falling back into gambling.
Risks of gambling addiction
The negative effects of problem gambling include:
- financial difficulties. including high debt, poverty or even bankruptcy
- despair, and suicidal thoughts or actions
- domestic violence and abuse in families
- legal difficulties
- behavioural problems amongst the children of problem gamblers
Getting help for gambling addiction
Effective treatments can help people who are addicted to gambling understand their addiction and regain control of their lives.
If you’re concerned about your gambling or the gambling of a friend or family member, a good first step is to visit your GP. They will be able to discuss the services and treatments available.
Gambling addiction affects individuals in a different ways, and each gambler will have unique recovery needs. Probably the greatest hurdle in treatment for gambling addiction is to realise and admit there is a need for help. This is especially true when a gambling addiction has resulted in extreme financial hardship, broken relationships and legal difficulties.
Rehab for gambling addiction
Counselling and therapy can help you overcome gambling addiction, and address the circumstances which have caused you to develop a gambling problem. This may include self-help groups and talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
You may be offered medication to help with related symptoms, such as a sleep problem, or misuse of other substances.
Therapeutic programmes like the approach favoured by Parkland Place have proven to be effective in the treatment of gambling addiction.
Together, we will address both your addiction and any associated underlying social and psychological issues. We will work with you to address all aspects of your life, and to help you to develop a personal toolbox of techniques and resources.
Your treatment at Parkland Place
Parkland Place offers unrivalled therapy for people with experience of alcohol addiction, drug addiction, gambling addiction and other harmful behavioural conditions – in the comfort of a stunning, 16-bed mansion and gardens near the coast in beautiful North Wales. The house is situated amidst farmland owned by the National Trust, and offers a welcoming and comfortable haven for your journey of recovery.
Our therapeutic programme is tailored to the needs of each of our guests, and is delivered by friendly, expert staff. This truly bespoke approach allows us to address the social and psychological needs underpinning your addiction, and support you as you make key lifestyle changes.
Guests at Parkland Place are required to be, and to remain, abstinent during their stay with us. Many of our guests require structured medical detoxification before beginning their recovery journey. We offer no-fuss access to our own dedicated detox clinic at Salus Withnell Hall – including transfers – to ensure a seamless therapeutic experience.
