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.

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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 am a CalGETS provider for the State of California. I studied with the Gambling Studies Program at UCLA. I offer no cost gambling services to gamblers and affected individuals (spouses, parents, siblings, co-workers, etc) for those who qualify. Contact me for a consult.

— Michelle North, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Encinitas, CA
 

I utilize a 12 step and relapse prevention approach to treating addiction. I also focus on confronting the addictive thinking through the use of CBT to help increase a person's insight into how their thinking is contributing to their addictive behavior. To achieve recovery, abstinence is only part of it. A person needs to work on improving their mind, body, and spirit to feel whole. Once this occurs, a desire to gamble begins to diminish.

— frank vecchiano, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Nyack, NY
 

The availability of casinos, sports betting, internet gaming, slot machines, and lotteries are easier, faster and more wide-spread. We can develop a unique plan to cope with urges and create lifestyle balance. We will work together to identify and maintain your motivation to stay focused on your goals.

— Stephanie Phillips, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Catonsville, MD

Gambling Internet Video Game

— Dr. Kimberly Cochran, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Albuquerque, NM
 

I have worked with people dealing with gambling addiction since 2013. Most recently supervising an outpatient and residential treatment program for people navigating recovery from PG. Gambling disorder is different from other addictions, and it's these differences that are important to your treatment if you want it to be successful. We will explore issues like: money, dreamworld, shame, stigma.

— Julio Iñiguez, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Portland, OR

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
 

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

Gambling is an activity that is widely and generally accepted in society. Statistics indicate 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 & behaviors and fulfill life connections with family and friends.

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

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 a nationally certified gambling counselor. I offer no cost services to any individual (or family member of the individual) struggling with compulsive gambling in the state of New Jersey

— Kerry Sullivan, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Linwood, NJ