Tips for Finding Help for Gambling Addiction
It’s a huge accomplishment and step in the right direction to realize and accept that you need help for gambling addiction—now what? Once you’ve made the crucial decision to seek help for your problem gambling, the next step is to find the right type of help for your individual needs and to get started on your path to recovery. It is during the process of attempting to make your way through these next steps that your ability to make a full recovery is defined – or defeated.
Types of Help for Gambling Addiction
First things first, let’s figure out what type of help will be best for you – there are a number of options available to assist you in making a full recovery from gambling addiction. The common methods of treatment and help available to assist you in overcoming a gambling addiction include:
- 12-step support groups such as Gambler’s Anonymous
- Online Support
- Residential treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Counseling & therapy
Support groups can help you overcome a gambling addiction.
Depending on the severity of your addiction as well as various other factors, there may be a few different types of help available that could work for you. For instance, if you’re working and have a strong family support system, outpatient treatment will likely be an effective source of help. Likewise, if you have nothing to “live for” and you don’t have support at home, residential treatment may be more suitable. For all recovering addicts, support groups such as Gambler’s Anonymous or online support programs provide an added means of stability and support during a time of need.
Questions to Ask When Choosing Help
Every person is different and experiences treatment and recovery differently. According to Boise State Education, asking yourself and your treatment professional certain questions can help you to make a decision as to the best type of help for gambling addiction for your individual needs. Consider the following questions:
- Is the facility licensed to provide treatment for gambling addiction? (An answer of yes ensures that you are choosing a program that is licensed and experienced in the type of treatment that you need.)
- Is the program for adults? (Certain programs provide specialized treatment only for teens or adolescents or adults. If you’re an adult, you’ll want a program that helps adults. There are also gender specific programs which may further tailor help to your needs.)
- Is a multidisciplinary approach to treatment utilized? (Programs that focus on a multidisciplinary approach to helping people overcome gambling addiction are more likely to help you with other elements of your recovery including any underlying mental health issues or other concerns that you may have.)
- Is the ratio of patients to staff low? (A low patient to staff ratio ensures that you will receive one-on-one help for your addiction and will have adequate time with your treatment professional.)
- Is family therapy provided? (Gambling addiction help is not all about you—sometimes it is very helpful to have family involved in therapy too so that you all can heal on multiple levels.)
- What is the success of the program? (Choosing help for gambling addiction should be at least partially based on finding a program that has been effective for others and which has a proven track record of success.)
