Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction, sometimes called compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, is the inability to curb or stop gambling, in spite of the damage it causes. Similar to substance abuse, gambling can stimulate the reward center of the brain, leading to addiction. If you find yourself always thinking about gambling, including how to get more money to gamble with, using increasing amounts of money to feel the same thrill, being unable to cut back on gambling, gambling to relieve other feelings, or lying to others about what you're doing with your time, you may have a gambling addiction. A therapist trained in gambling addiction will strive to learn more about your gambling habits to understand the patterns that trigger a gambling episode. They will work to help you identify unhealthy or irrational beliefs that may be contributing to this behavior, and teach you tools to replace gambling with healthy behaviors. Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s gambling addiction specialists today.

Need help finding the right therapist?
Find Your Match

Meet the specialists

 

I have specialized training in gambling addiction and am a certified Problem and Compulsive Gambling Counselor.

— kandee love, Sex Therapist in Oswego, IL

I use motivational interviewing to assess client’s readiness for change. Some topics covered are identifying triggers and urges, creating a relapse prevention plan, feelings of guilt/shame, and addressing interpersonal impacts that are caused by addictions.

— Susan Song, Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, IL

Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor and also an International Compulsive Gambling Counselor.

— Courtney Chileen, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Mount Royal, NJ
 

I am an International Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGC). I have over 5 years of experience working with individuals and family members who are affected by problem gambling.

— Jeremy Jenkins, Licensed Professional Counselor in Edmond, OK

I completed 30 continuing education credits in gambling addiction in order to have specialized training in this area. I am currently an approved provider through the Michigan problem gambling hotline and see clients for individual sessions to address issues of unhealthy gambling behaviors.

— Alaina Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand Rapids, MI
 

I have been working with individuals experiencing Problem Gambling and Gambling Disorder in both outpatient and residential clinical settings over five years. As the son of a parent with Gambling Disorder I have personal insight into how destructive the disease can be both to the individual and the family.

— Les Waite, Clinical Psychologist

Gambling can be a very fun, bonding experience for friends and family to enjoy together. So how does one know if they’re still enjoying one a famous American pastime or if they’ve ventured into dangerous territory? Only Nevada and Louisiana are the only two states where casino gambling is legal state-wide. With such relatively limited access, why in the world has gambling addition been surging in the past decade? Two Words: Easy Access. Online and Sports Gambling apps

— Stephanie Zepeda, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Houston, TX
 

Gambling is an activity that is widely and generally accepted in society. Statistics indicated individuals who become addicted to gambling are more likely to commit suicide than any other addiction. Financial desperation, isolation, shame, guilt and lost of hope are some common symptoms of gambling addiction. In session, a combination of motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy will be used. Individuals will receive assistance to achieve financial stability, change their thinking and behaviors and fulfill their life connections with family and friends.

— Tracey Little, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in ny, NY

I am a certified Problem and Compulsive Gambling Counselor. I work with gamblers to help them reduce or quit gambling. I also can help those affected by gambling addiction via education, coping strategies, and assistance in how to approach and help the gambler in their life.

— Christine Treski, Psychotherapist